The Power of Presence: Deborah on BFM “Teaching Public Speaking in the Age of AI”

Taylor’s University contributed to the national dialogue on the future of education through a feature on BFM 89.9, Malaysia’s leading business radio station, hosted by Mr. Richard Bradbury. Representing the School of General Studies and Languages (SGSL), Ms. Deborah Chris Raj, Lecturer in Public Speaking and Emotional Intelligence, shared her insights on the workplace programme in a segment titled “Teaching Public Speaking in the Age of AI.”

The discussion addressed one of the most compelling questions in contemporary education: Can AI make us better communicators? Drawing from her experience in developing the AI-integrated HyFlex public speaking programme, she emphasised that while AI can serve as a valuable coach, offering feedback and provide opportunities for practice. However, the human dimensions of communication remain irreplaceable.

“AI can accelerate knowledge transfer, but it cannot face our fears for us. Lecturers play an important role in engaging and offering their presence to coach students as they face their struggles in real time,” she shared during the interview.

This engagement not only showcased Taylor’s University’s innovative approach to teaching and learning but also positioned the institution as a thought leader in national conversations surrounding education, leadership, and the future workforce. Ms. Deborah also shed light on the challenges faced by Gen Z students, who, while adept at digital communication, often experience heightened anxiety when speaking in public. By integrating AI tools with critical thinking and emotional intelligence, Taylor’s is empowering students to lead with both competence and confidence.

The conversation resonated strongly with BFM’s audience of professionals, educators, and industry leaders, reinforcing Taylor’s commitment to embedding AI literacy, communication, and leadership skills across its programmes, skills essential for Malaysia’s evolving workforce. Moving forward, the School of General Studies and Languages will continue to champion innovative pedagogical approaches to teaching public speaking, recognising it as a transformative skill that extends beyond performance to nurture confidence, clarity, and critical engagement in the AI era.

Redefining Language Learning: Taylor’s Educators Inspire Innovation at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah

Dr. P. Thivilojana, Senior Lecturer at the School of Education, and Mr. Faisal Athar Mohd Fadzil, XR Specialist from Taylor’s Virtual Online Future Technology and Extended Reality (VORTEX) XR Lab, were recently invited to deliver guest lectures at the Centre for Modern Languages, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Pekan, Pahang. Their sessions, held as part of the professional development programme Practical Instructional Approaches 2025, attracted over 80 participants comprising academics, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The lectures exemplified Taylor’s University’s ongoing commitment to advancing digital innovation and pedagogical excellence in higher education. Dr. Thivilojana’s session, titled “TPACK and AI for Engaging 21st Century Language Learners,” equipped participants with practical strategies for integrating technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), into language teaching and learning. Grounded in the TPACK framework, the lecture guided educators in harmonising technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge to design engaging and impactful learning experiences. In her presentation, Dr. Thivilojana demonstrated how AI can be leveraged to generate creative writing prompts, stimulate meaningful discussion, and foster deeper learner engagement. She also highlighted the transformative potential of immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality in enriching language education through interactive and contextually driven experiences.

Mr. Faisal Athar conducted the second session, leading a hands-on workshop on the use of immersive learning environments and AI tools for content creation. Participants explored innovative approaches to lesson design that cultivate critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration, key competencies for 21st-century learners.

This collaborative initiative underscores Taylor’s University’s thought leadership in future-ready education and its steadfast commitment to empowering educators to harness emerging technologies for transformative teaching and learning.

Golden Glory, Crafted Champions: Taylor’s Double Gold Triumph at WorldSkills ASEAN 2025

Taylor’s University proudly marks a historic achievement as two students from Taylor’s Culinary Institute secured an extraordinary double victory at the WorldSkills ASEAN 2025 competition, held in August in Manila, Philippines. Grace Ong, who represented Malaysia in the Cooking trade, and Herman Wong, who competed in the Bakery trade, each won Gold Medals, bringing immense pride and honour to the nation. This milestone is not only a proud moment for Malaysia, but also a defining chapter in Taylor’s legacy of nurturing world-class talent.

Often referred to as the “Skills Olympics,” the WorldSkills Competition is the premier platform for technical and vocational excellence. Within this framework, WorldSkills ASEAN, organised biennially, brings together the most outstanding young talents from across Southeast Asia. To emerge victorious amidst such exceptional competition is a true testament to the calibre of Taylor’s students and the uncompromising standards the university upholds.

This success was the culmination of months of rigorous training and preparation. Guided by national experts, Chef Frederic Cerchi, Chef Farouk Othman, and Chef Aaron Tang; Grace and Herman honed not only their technical mastery but also their resilience, creativity, and strength of character. Their triumph reflects both their personal determination and the collective spirit of Taylor’s Culinary Institute, where passion is cultivated, skills are sharpened, and leaders are forged.

The victory in Manila also opens the door to an even greater honour: both students will represent Malaysia at the WorldSkills Competition 2026 in Shanghai, China, showcasing their abilities on a global stage among the world’s best young professionals. This opportunity will not only highlight Malaysian excellence internationally, but also inspire a new generation to embrace the transformative power of skills and vocational education.

Taylor’s University extends its heartfelt congratulations to the gold medallists and its deepest gratitude to the coaches, faculty, and supporters who made this achievement possible. This double gold triumph is more than a personal victory, it is a symbol of Taylor’s enduring mission to shape future leaders of industry and society.