Celebrating FSLM’s 2024 Publication Milestones: A Year of Scholarly Excellence and Impact

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management (FSLM) proudly celebrates a year of hard-earned academic success in 2024, showcasing the exceptional contributions of its researchers. These accomplishments highlight FSLM’s unwavering commitment to advancing impactful scholarship and maintaining a prominent presence on global academic platforms.

In 2024, FSLM successfully secured grants from prestigious organisations, including the Centre National Interprofessionnel de l'Economie Laitière (C.N.I.E.L) in France, Mah Sing Foundation (MSF) and Penyelidikan Bagi Penggubalan Dasar OKU Negeri Selangor through Yayasan Warisan Anak Selangor (YAWAS), as well as funding from Ministry of Finance through Yayasan Hasanah Special Grant 2024. Additional support was also received from Move For Hope (MFH) and CellTech Grant from Cell AgriTech Sdn Bhd. Furthermore, Taylor’s University played a pivotal role in fostering impactful initiatives through its Internal Research Grant Scheme - Impact Lab Grant, Taylor’s University INNOVATE programme, and Taylor’s Social Innovation Grant. These collaborative efforts reflect a strong commitment to advancing meaningful research and driving social innovation.

FSLM academic staff collectively produced an impressive 273 indexed publications in 2024, encompassing peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and other scholarly works. Among these, 102 were Q1 journal articles, representing the top 25% of academic journals globally by impact factor. Additionally, the faculty contributed 48 Q2 articles, as well as 31 in Q3 and Q4 rank journals, demonstrating a consistent focus on producing high-quality, high-impact research. Notably, journal articles accounted for 78% of the total publications, followed by other scholarly outputs such as conference proceedings, technical reports, and research notes, which constituted 19.8%. Indexed books and book chapters, while a smaller share, made significant contributions at 2.6% and 0.4%, respectively.

Looking ahead, academics in the social sciences discipline remains focused on strengthening collaborations, amplifying the global impact of its research, and building on the tremendous successes of 2024. With a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, FSLM is poised to remain at the forefront of innovative research and scholarly leadership. This collective drive ensures that FSLM continues to serve as a vibrant hub for groundbreaking ideas and transformative solutions.

Heartfelt Congratulations to all FSLM academic staff for their contributions. Your dedication, passion, and hard work elevate FSLM’s reputation and inspire future scholars. Together, we are paving the way for even greater accomplishments and a legacy of academic excellence in the years to come.

Revitalising Lenggong: Tourism Management Students Showcase Creative Proposals for a Sustainable Tourism Future

As part of an immersive learning initiative at the School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Events, a group of Bachelor of International Tourism Management students presented the outcomes of their Tourism Integrated Project module to industry experts on December 20, 2024, at Taylor’s University. This presentation marked a significant milestone in their assessment. The students were assigned the task of revitalizing Lenggong, Perak, as a destination for heritage tourism, ecotourism, and community-based tourism. Their journey began with an insightful field trip on November 6, 2024, where they explored Lenggong’s unique attractions and untapped tourism potential.

Working collaboratively in teams, the students developed customised tour packages focusing on heritage, ecotourism, and community-based tourism. Their proposals featured innovative concepts such as virtual reality experiences, cultural events, and sustainable tourism models, all aimed at positioning Lenggong as a premier destination for both local and international travellers. These initiatives were designed with a strong emphasis on promoting responsible tourism practices.

During the presentation, the students had the invaluable opportunity to showcase their ideas to a panel of industry experts, receiving constructive feedback that enabled them to refine and strengthen their proposals. The project was supported by the School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Events, alongside the Sustainable Tourism Impact Lab.

By integrating classroom theory with hands-on experience, the students gained critical practical skills that will prepare them for successful careers in the tourism industry. This project underscored the transformative power of experiential learning in nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, essential competencies for the next generation of tourism professionals.

Transforming Education for Refugee Futures in the “Light A Refugee's Dream” Workshop

The Light A Refugee's Dream: Train the Trainer Workshop, was a transformative initiative aimed at equipping volunteer teachers with the skills and cultural sensitivity needed to support refugee children in their education. A collaboration between AIESEC at Taylor’s University and the School of Education (SoEd), the workshop featured SoEd student-teachers as Learning Facilitators, guiding Malaysian Youth Volunteers from Taylor’s University and Inti International University. Together, they prepared volunteers to teach refugee children aged 9 to 17 in English, Bahasa Melayu, and Mathematics.

Understanding the diverse backgrounds and limited teaching experience of many volunteers, the workshop focused on three key areas: developing pedagogical skills, emphasizing cultural sensitivity, and providing practical strategies for adapting resources to meet the needs of refugee students. SoEd student-teachers helped volunteers design engaging, relevant teaching materials tailored for young refugee learners. The training also prepared volunteers to address special needs, maintain student engagement, and deliver motivating lessons. Scenario-based activities offered real-world experience to handle challenges in refugee school settings.

The event’s success established Taylor’s University as a hub for impactful initiatives like Train the Trainer, drawing participants from other institutions, such as Inti International University. The collaborative effort highlighted Taylor’s leadership in community engagement and teacher training. Participants valued the workshop, with one volunteer stating, “This training has been invaluable. I feel more prepared to engage and support these children.” Another shared, “Learning from Taylor’s facilitators showed me how to be both an effective and empathetic teacher.”

Looking ahead, the Light A Refugee's Dream project will further enhance collaboration between AIESEC and SoEd, fostering a compassionate and inclusive educational community. This initiative highlights the transformative power of community engagement, benefiting both educators and learners while advancing educational equity and social responsibility. As we continue to build bridges through education, we ask: How can we inspire and empower future educators to create meaningful and lasting change?