Whipping Up Creativity: Taylor’s Culinary Institute Inspires the Next Generation of Pastry Artists

Taylor’s Culinary Institute successfully hosted a Pastry Decoration Workshop for 35 high school students from Johor, offering an immersive learning experience. The workshop aimed to enhance advanced pastry decoration skills by introducing contemporary techniques and innovative design principles. The event's success was attributed to meticulous planning, seamless collaboration, and dedicated facilitation, ensuring a rewarding experience for all participants.

Led by pastry chefs Chef Azuralisda Mohd Ghazali and Chef Nur Syirin Mohd Said, the workshop combined theory with hands-on practice, providing a comprehensive pastry arts experience. The session began with an introduction to essential tools, materials, and design methodologies, followed by a live demonstration showcasing intricate techniques such as piping, fondant manipulation, and textural enhancements. Participants then applied their creativity in crafting unique pastry designs, culminating in a presentation and critique session, where they received constructive feedback to support continuous improvement.

Beyond technical training, the workshop boosted participants' confidence in executing advanced decoration techniques and deepened their understanding of aesthetic principles. It encouraged creativity, precision, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential in the culinary arts. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees underscored the impact of experiential learning in nurturing professional competencies and inspiring future pursuits in pastry and baking.

The workshop highlighted the importance of hands-on engagement in developing both technical proficiency and artistic aptitude in the pastry arts. Under the expert guidance of the chefs, students gained industry-relevant skills while fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistry of cake decoration.

Looking ahead, future workshops could incorporate a broader range of pastry techniques to diversify skill sets, introduce competition-based activities to enhance engagement and excellence, and offer follow-up mentorship initiatives to provide sustained professional guidance and development opportunities, ensuring continued growth and mastery in the field.

Charting a Sustainable Path: Dr. Nagathisen Katahenggam Explores the Future of Tourism in Southeast Asia

Dr. Nagathisen Katahenggam, Deputy Director of the Sustainable Tourism Impact Lab and Senior Lecturer at the School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Taylor’s University, Malaysia, delivered a compelling online guest lecture to tourism and development studies students at Satya Wacana Christian University, Indonesia.

His session provided an in-depth exploration of sustainable tourism management, emphasizing its crucial role in shaping the future of Southeast Asia’s tourism industry. He underscored the delicate balance between tourism growth and environmental conservation, illustrating how responsible tourism practices can drive long-term benefits for both local communities and global visitors.

The lecture offered students valuable insights into the real-world applications of sustainable tourism, showcasing emerging trends, best practices, and key challenges unique to the region. Through engaging discussions and thought-provoking questions, Dr. Nagathisen encouraged students to rethink traditional tourism models and adopt innovative, eco-conscious approaches to destination management.

By fostering meaningful cross-border knowledge exchange, the session reinforced the urgency of integrating sustainability into the core of tourism and hospitality development. Dr. Nagathisen’s lecture not only inspired future tourism professionals but also underscored the transformative power of sustainable tourism in creating resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible destinations across Southeast Asia.

A Milestone in Tourism Excellence: Zaha Ziyad Redefines the Industry with the President’s Award for Special Achievement

Zaha Ziyad, a graduate of the Bachelor of International Tourism Management (Hons) programme from the School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events at Taylor’s University, has been awarded the distinguished President’s Award for Special Achievement during the 56th Republic Day celebrations in the Republic of Maldives. This prestigious accolade recognizes her exceptional academic excellence, exemplary leadership, and significant contributions to the tourism industry.

Presented by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Maldives, the award celebrates individuals who have achieved remarkable success in their respective fields, bringing pride and recognition to the nation. Zaha’s accomplishment reflects her steadfast dedication to academic excellence and her influential role in shaping the future of tourism.

While pursuing her undergraduate studies at Taylor’s University, Zaha showcased outstanding leadership as the President of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Malaysia Taylor’s Student Chapter. Under her visionary guidance, the chapter made significant strides in advancing tourism education and practices across Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region, solidifying its reputation as a key contributor to the industry.

Currently, Zaha is advancing her academic and professional journey by pursuing a Master of Science in Tourism at Taylor’s University. Her unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable and innovative tourism practices positions her as a trailblazer and an ambassador for positive change in the global tourism sector.

Taylor's University wishes Zaha Ziyad a heartfelt congratulation on this incredible achievement! Her success serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders and professionals in the tourism industry.