Empowering Futures: Taylor’s Team Ecosphere Excels at the ICCA Asia Pacific Business Events Youth Challenge 2025

Taylor’s University proudly celebrates the remarkable success of Team Ecosphere, represented by Elissa Choo Ze Ern and Oh Ee Qian from the Bachelor of International Events Management (Honours) programme, who secured Second Place at the 4th International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Asia Pacific Business Events Youth Challenge 2025. The prestigious competition was held in Goyang, South Korea, and hosted by the Goyang Convention & Visitors Bureau (GoyangCVB).

The international challenge attracted over 60 submissions from 10 countries and territories across the Asia Pacific region, showcasing some of the most promising young talents in the global business events industry. Team Ecosphere impressed the international judging panel with their innovative strategies to enhance the delegate experience, demonstrating creativity, professionalism, and strategic insight. Designed to nurture the next generation of business events professionals, the ICCA Asia Pacific Business Events Youth Challenge provided a platform for participants under 30 to present sustainable and forward-thinking solutions to real client briefs. Finalist teams were invited to Goyang City to deliver their presentations, with the top winners earning exclusive opportunities to attend the ICCA Congress.

Team Ecosphere’s accomplishment reflects not only their dedication and ingenuity, but also Taylor’s University’s commitment to developing future-ready graduates equipped with global perspectives and leadership capabilities. The team was mentored by Mr. Ch'ng Chor Ban, Senior Lecturer at the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, whose guidance was instrumental in shaping their success. Appreciation is also extended to Sin Ying Tew and Sie Yi Hang for their support throughout the competition journey.

Taylor’s University extends its gratitude to Peter Lee, Dora An, and the GoyangCVB team, as well as Waikin Wong, Sheaufen Lee, and the international judging panel from ICCA Asia Pacific, for creating an inspiring platform that celebrates young innovators in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. This achievement reinforces Taylor’s University’s standing as a leader in hospitality, tourism, and events education, empowering students with the skills, creativity, and confidence to excel on the global stage.

Innovating for Community Impact: Taylor’s University Highlights the Nourish-U Project at TTLC 2025

As part of Taylor’s Impact Lab Showcase at the 16th Taylor’s Teaching and Learning Conference (TTLC) 2025 the Nourish-U project was prominently featured under the Food Security and Nutrition Impact Lab. The exhibition underscored how student-led initiatives contribute to advancing sustainable nutrition and food security through applied innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The exhibition booth presented an engaging display of project posters, product prototypes, and student testimonial videos, offering insight into how the Nourish-U initiative effectively bridges academic learning with community engagement. Established in 2023, the project focuses on developing nutritious meals from surplus food ingredients such as okara, stale bread, and fish. To date, the team has successfully distributed over 500 meals to underserved children in communities including Buku Jalanan Chow Kit, Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) Desa Mentari, and Taman Medan Cahaya.

More than 200 students from four interdisciplinary modules have participated in the initiative, with Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Culinology students taking a leading role. Through the Experimental Food Products and Practices (EFPP) module, students developed innovative, nutrient-dense products such as protein-rich fish nuggets, vegetable-based noodles, savoury sauces, and lasagne designed to meet children’s dietary needs.

Further contributions from the Food Processing and Food Microbiology modules, involving students from both the Culinology and Food Science programmes, strengthened the scientific rigour of the project through safety validation, shelf-life testing, and feasibility assessments under real-world conditions. A key highlight of the exhibition was the visit by YB Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, Minister of Higher Education, Malaysia, who commended the students’ innovative work and their contribution to community well-being through sustainable food solutions.

The participation of Nourish-U at TTLC 2025 reflects Taylor’s University’s unwavering commitment to advancing experiential learning and impactful research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).

“Education extends beyond the classroom. The Nourish-U initiative exemplifies how purposeful learning and innovation can create meaningful and lasting impact, fostering both academic excellence and social responsibility.”

Taylor’s Clinical Psychology Alumni Establish BrightPsych Psychological Services — A Beacon of Hope and Healing

The Master of Clinical Psychology programme proudly celebrates the inspiring journey of its alumni, Ms. Mandy Tan Jia Ming, Ms. Amanda Goh Wye Mun, and Ms. Lee Shu En, who have established their own centre, BrightPsych Psychological Services, in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. All three are Registered Clinical Psychologists under the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council (MAHPC).

They are the first graduates from Taylor’s Master of Clinical Psychology programme to launch a professional psychological practice, marking a proud milestone that reflects their leadership, compassion, and entrepreneurial spirit. Driven by a shared mission to make mental health care accessible, inclusive, and empowering, BrightPsych seeks to reshape the conversation around mental well-being by creating a space filled with hope and light. The founders envisioned a centre where seeking help is embraced as a sign of strength rather than stigma, a belief deeply rooted in the values-based education and entrepreneurial mindset cultivated at Taylor’s University.

The idea for BrightPsych emerged during their final-year clinical placements, where they observed the need for more warmth, inclusivity, and ethical practice in mental health care. Guided by these insights, they created a centre that bridges traditional and modern therapeutic approaches, providing services that are relatable and responsive to diverse needs. Beyond therapy, BrightPsych offers education, early intervention, and mentorship opportunities, reinforcing the message that healing is a collective journey built on connection and compassion. Their initiative embodies Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) competencies, critical thinking, empathy, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking, translating Taylor’s values into meaningful, real-world impact.

This achievement challenges the notion that only senior practitioners can establish clinical centres. BrightPsych demonstrates how young, well-trained, and values-driven psychologists can lead transformative change through integrity, courage, and vision. The School of Liberal Arts and Sciences extends its heartfelt congratulations to the founders of BrightPsych Psychological Services, a shining example of Taylor’s values in action: Wisdom, Integrity, and Excellence.

To learn more or explore their services, visit brightpsych.com.my.