Immersive Industry Exposure at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC)

Students from the Conventions and Meeting Management module, led by Dr. Khairiah Ismail, Programme Director of the Bachelor of International Events Management (Hons), embarked on an enriching industry immersive programme at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Also known as the KL Convention Centre, this world-renowned venue is Asia’s first AIPC Gold Standard Venue, strategically located in the heart of Malaysia’s capital. Having welcomed over 28.6 million visitors, KLCC is a trusted hub for world-class events and hospitality.

This visit provided students with an invaluable behind-the-scenes look at how KLCC orchestrates high-profile events, from meticulous planning to seamless execution. They explored the convention halls and gained firsthand exposure to the diverse setups used for international conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events. A highlight of the trip was an exclusive backstage tour of the renowned Plenary Hall, a premier venue that has hosted large-scale events, including concerts and international summits.

Students also engaged in insightful discussions with key industry professionals, including KLCC’s Sustainability Manager, Sales & Logistics team, and Human Resources team. These interactive sessions provided invaluable knowledge on event management, operational logistics, and sustainable practices in the industry. The experts shared real-world experiences of the challenges involved in managing high-profile events and the strategic approaches used to ensure flawless execution.

This immersive learning experience bridged academic concepts with real-world industry practices, allowing students to witness best practices firsthand and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of event management at a world-class venue. Taylor’s University extends its sincere gratitude to KLCC for its warm hospitality and for sharing such valuable industry expertise, inspiring the next generation of event management professionals.

Strengthening International Collaboration: Taylor’s University and Villa College, Maldives Partnership

Taylor’s University and Villa College, Maldives, recently held a productive meeting on partnership. The discussions were led by Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management (FSLM), Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, and Pro Vice-Chancellor - Planning and Academic Development, Ms. Angie Ng Sok Ping. Also in attendance were Ms. Prema Ponnudurai, Head of the School of Media & Communication, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kandappan Balasubramanian, Head of the School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Events, alongside the FSLM team. Representing Villa College were Dr. Ali Najeeb, Vice Rector and Mr. Abdul Munnim Mohamed Manik, Deputy Vice Rector, Administration and Finance.

Villa College is the first private higher education institution of the Republic of Maldives. In 2007, it was founded by Hon. Dr. Qasim Ibrahim, Chairman of the Villa group, through the Private-Public Partnership Agreement with the government. From just 54 students in four classrooms, the College has since then expanded significantly, becoming the first in the country to offer franchise programmes through partnerships.

The meeting focused on expanding partnership programmes at Villa College in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, and Communication, with both teams engaging in strategic discussions to enhance programme development, strengthen institutional collaboration, and broaden academic opportunities. A key highlight was the commitment to enriching the student experience through international exposure at Taylor’s, providing students with global learning opportunities and fostering a holistic educational journey. The collaboration aims to bridge academia and industry by offering multiple internship opportunities in Malaysia, equipping students with practical skills and hands-on industry experience to enhance their career readiness and professional growth.

Additionally, the partners discussed preparations for the Asia-Euro Conference 2026 in Hospitality, Tourism and Gastronomy. Villa College will host this prestigious event in the Maldives in May 2026. Both institutions agreed to establish a dedicated joint committee and develop a conference website to streamline planning and execution. The event will feature research sessions with keynote, guest speakers and panel discussions, alongside with networking opportunities, fostering knowledge exchange and industry collaboration.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in fostering academic excellence and global engagement, further strengthening the ties between Taylor’s University and Villa College.

Bridging Literacy Gaps: Projek BacaBaca Secures RM400,000 to Empower Young Minds

Projek BacaBaca, an initiative by the School of Education led by Ms. Hema Letchamanan, Programme Director has been awarded a RM400,000 grant under the Hasanah Special Grant (HSG) from Yayasan Hasanah, Malaysia’s largest social impact grant provider. This funding will support the programme’s implementation in five schools across Selangor, with the goal of improving Bahasa Melayu (BM) literacy for 100 students from underserved communities.

As a research-driven initiative, Projek BacaBaca is committed to evaluating literacy strategies and refining teaching methodologies to enhance reading skills and boost students' academic confidence. Since its inception in 2021, the programme has engaged over 300 volunteers and positively impacted more than 400 students nationwide.

This grant marks a major milestone in advancing educational research and practice, paving the way for innovative literacy development approaches within the Malaysian education landscape.