Embracing AI and Research Innovation at the Second Clinical Psychology Symposium

Building on the success of its inaugural event, the Master of Clinical Psychology Programme under the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences hosted its second Clinical Psychology Symposium in 2025 at Taylor’s University. This two-day event marked a significant milestone in advancing research excellence and integrating evidence-based practice with emerging technologies in psychology.

The symposium opened with remarks by Prof. Dr. Rozainee Khairudin, Head of the Department of Psychology, who commended students for their contributions to mental health research. Emcees Ms. Poon Celine and Ms. Deng Hui Min guided the sessions with professionalism and poise. Featuring student research, the symposium showcased studies on Conditional Pathways in Clinical Psychology, Cognitive–Emotional Interactions, Youth Mental Health, and Innovations in Adult Mental Health, providing participants with a platform to present findings, receive expert feedback, and engage in scholarly dialogue.

A highlight of the symposium was the forum “AI in Mind: Practice and Research,” which examined AI’s impact on clinical practice and research. Panelists included Dr. Lim Hooi Shan, Dr. Sam Jeng Mun, Ms. Faeza Hasnan, Mr. Allistair Adam Anak Nelson, Dr. Brendan Ch’ng Hien Wee, and Mr. Mohd Akif Farhan Ahmad Basri, with moderation by Mr. Izz Shahafiz Bin Helmi Johan. Discussions focused on AI’s role in enhancing clinical decision-making, research efficiency, and therapeutic innovation.

The Best Presenter Awards recognised outstanding student research:

• Gold: Ms. Wong Hsin Er, for her study on self-compassion as a mediator of distress among university students.

• Silver: Ms. Janice Ng Wan Leng, for research on a cognitive-behavioural workshop for primary school students.

• Bronze: Ms. Li Yi Xin, for exploring family functioning and adolescent mental health.

The panel provided constructive feedback to support further research development. Dr. Lim Hooi Shan concluded the symposium by emphasising the importance of embracing technological advancements while maintaining empathy and human connection in clinical practice. The event reinforced the programme’s commitment to fostering research excellence and preparing future clinical psychologists who are evidence-based, innovative, and ready to navigate emerging frontiers such as artificial intelligence.

NATAD 2025: Forging A.I.-Resilient Leaders and Setting a New Standard in Talent Transformation

The Life Skills Development team under the School of General Studies and Languages (SGSL), in collaboration with the Higher Education Malaysia Association (HEYA Inc.), successfully convened the National Talent Transformation Dialogue (NATAD) 2025 at Taylor’s University, bringing together 100 participants from universities nationwide. Themed “Empowering the Future: Building A.I.-Resilient Talent,” the event provided a distinguished platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and academics to deliberate on the competencies required to thrive in an artificial intelligence (AI) driven world.

A key highlight of NATAD was the public forum, “The Future is You: What It Takes to Thrive in an AI-Driven World,” featuring YB Wong Shu Qi, Chairperson of Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp); Mr. Ong Wei Shen, Director of Sandisk; and Mr. Naveen Raman, Programme Director of Life Skills Development, Taylor’s University. Moderated by Mr. Satganessh Suria Kumar, Policy Analyst at HEYA Inc., the session explored how AI is reshaping the employment landscape, the emergence of new professional opportunities, and the competencies essential for AI-resilient talent.

The dialogue further integrated experiential learning through:

• Structured training modules on scientific problem-solving and goal-setting frameworks.

• Industrial hackathons, where students tackled real-world challenges and presented sustainable, cost-effective solutions to expert panels.

  
  

These initiatives reflect Life Skills Development’s emphasis on applied learning, ensuring participants translate knowledge into practical competencies relevant to dynamic professional environments. NATAD aligns with the Life Skills Programme’s mission to cultivate purposeful, resilient, and future-ready graduates. By prioritizing AI resilience, entrepreneurial thinking, adaptive capability, and critical problem-solving, the dialogue equips students to assume strategic roles in an evolving global landscape.

Closing remarks were delivered by Ms. Norshahila Mohamad Razak, Head of SGSL, while the ceremony was officiated by Ms. Nurhayati binti Ghazali, Senior Assistant Director representing the Director General of Higher Education. The event was further supported by the Life Skills Development team: Ms. Deborah Chris Raj, Ms. Jolene Chong Yen Yen, and Mr. Sharvinder Raj Sandra Mohan.

NATAD 2025 marks a significant milestone in SGSL’s strategic efforts to embed transversal competencies, strengthen industry–academia collaboration, and cultivate graduates capable of navigating disruption with confidence. It has since emerged as a premier national platform for talent development, underscoring SGSL’s enduring commitment to holistic, future-oriented education.

From Tradition to Transformation: “Heritage on a Plate” Reimagines Malaysian Culinary Narratives

Taylor’s Culinary Institute recently hosted an exclusive collaboration dinner at the Thyme & Tarragon Restaurant, themed “Heritage on a Plate: Reimagining Culinary Traditions.” The event brought together Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh and Taylor’s University in a distinguished partnership that celebrated Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage through contemporary interpretation and innovation. The menu was led by Chef Ahmad Fazli Abdul Rahman, Executive Chef of Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, in collaboration with Taylor’s Chef Lecturers led by Chef Sharizan Azali Mohamed Zamzuri. They presented an exceptional eight-course tasting menu, artfully designed to reinterpret Malaysian classics through modern fine-dining techniques.

Guests were treated to a culinary journey that commenced with a Serunding and Quail Egg Tartlet with kaffir lime crème, followed by a delicately balanced Cured Local Mackerel with pickled Bunga Kantan. The evening continued with a Pumpkin Velouté infused with lemongrass and coconut espuma, accompanied by a bespoke mocktail, Tradisi Legacy. Signature highlights included Butter-Poached Udang Galah in turmeric laksa broth and Charcoal Lamb Satay with Ketupat Croquette and caramelised shallot mousseline. The experience concluded with Belimbing Buluh Sorbet and a deconstructed Onde-Onde paired with Gula Melaka ice cream, a contemporary expression of nostalgia and artistry.

The evening was graced by distinguished guests from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, and leading partners from Malaysia’s hospitality and culinary industries. More than a gastronomic experience, the dinner served as a living classroom, offering Taylor’s students invaluable experiential exposure to collaborative menu development, advanced kitchen execution, and refined service management in a professional fine-dining environment.

This collaboration was made possible through the generous support of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn. Bhd, Emborg, Coliseum Cafe, and Monin, reflecting a collective commitment to advancing Malaysia’s culinary excellence.“Heritage on a Plate” stands as a testament to Taylor’s Culinary Institute’s unwavering dedication to cultivating globally competent culinary professionals through experiential learning, industry engagement, and the preservation of Malaysia’s rich gastronomic traditions.