A Defining Milestone from Achievement to Aspiration: FSLM Graduates Celebrate Academic Excellence

Taylor’s University proudly celebrated a significant milestone in the academic journey of its students as the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management (FSLM) held its convocation at The Grand Hall. On 8 February 2026, a total of 773 graduates from the faculty’s five distinguished academic schools, including the inaugural cohort of 10 graduates from Villa College under the franchise programme of the Master of Communication and Master of International Hospitality Management, all gathered with their families and loved ones to commemorate the successful completion of their academic pursuits.

This graduating cohort demonstrated remarkable diversity, with 420 international students representing more than 30 countries, including China, Indonesia, Maldives, Japan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, South Korea, Pakistan, and others. Their presence underscores Taylor’s University’s global reach and steadfast dedication to fostering cultural inclusivity and academic excellence.

The ceremony was honoured by the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Chancellor, Y.Bhg. Emeritus Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Syed Jalaludin Bin Syed Salim; Vice Chancellor and President, Prof. Dr. Barry Winn; Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Dr. Darren Bagnall; Executive Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan; Prof. Dr. Jean Pierre Poulain, University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès; Registrar, Ms. Ungku Nazli Ungku Ismail; Heads of Schools and Departments; Programme Directors; academicians; and the proud families of our graduates. Their presence highlighted the University’s unwavering dedication to recognising and celebrating the remarkable achievements of its students.

As these graduates embark on the next chapter of their lives, whether in professional careers, advanced studies, or entrepreneurial ventures, they carry with them the values, knowledge, and experiences that define a Taylor’s University education. Their resilience, determination, and commitment to excellence will enable them to make meaningful contributions to their professions and communities while serving as an inspiration for future generations. Taylor’s University extends its heartfelt congratulations to all graduates and wishes them continued success, fulfilment, and distinction in their future endeavours.

From Classroom to Regional Stage: Culinology® Students Redefine Food Innovation at CP CUP 2025

The Bachelor of Science (Hons) Culinology programme continues to demonstrate how rigorous food innovation translates into real-world impact. This was exemplified by its students’ outstanding performance at the CP CUP 2025 Global Round, one of Asia’s largest industry-driven innovation and business competitions. The journey placed students alongside peers from 10 countries across Asia and ASEAN, competing among 7,350 teams and 26,959 participants, demanding not only technical expertise but also agility, business acumen, and confidence under pressure.

The collaboration with CP Malaysia established the foundation for participation, with Dr. Wendy Lim Pek Kui coordinating industry engagement and Prof. Dr. Chong Li Choo providing technical coaching. This dual mentorship enabled Team Z-Team, representing Malaysia in the Food R&D track, to become National Champions, advancing to the regional semi-finals.

At the semi-finals, Z-Team distinguished themselves through scientific rigour, product feasibility, and market-driven innovation, earning the title of Food R&D Category Winner and becoming one of four finalist teams across all tracks. The final round tested the teams with a 24-hour business case challenge, requiring strategy, cost analysis, scalability, and market positioning. Leveraging their interdisciplinary training, Z-Team secured 2nd Place Overall, demonstrating exceptional performance on a global stage.

This achievement reflects the Culinology® programme’s mission to develop graduates who excel in Food R&D, commercial thinking, and professional practice. Students engaged with industry judges, adapted to evolving briefs, and collaborated across disciplines, gaining invaluable experience in global teamwork and strategic communication. The CP CUP 2025 journey underscores the programme’s commitment to industry-relevant skills, experiential learning, and global exposure, reaffirming that when academic leadership, industry trust, and student readiness converge, learning extends beyond the classroom to prepare graduates for success in the competitive food innovation sector.

Taylor’s University Continues Distinguished Diplomat Series with High-Level Dialogue on India and the Indo-Pacific

Taylor’s University recently convened the fourth edition of the Distinguished Diplomat Series, the flagship initiative of the Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) in International Relations under the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences (SLAS). The session featured His Excellency Mr. B. N. Reddy, High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, in dialogue with YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Ilango Karuppannan, former Malaysian Ambassador and Series Convener. Held at the Lakeside Campus, the event attracted a full audience comprising students, faculty members, senior university leadership, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from policy and research institutions. The discussion provided a substantive examination of India–Malaysia bilateral relations, India’s engagement with Southeast Asia, and the evolving strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific.

The dialogue addressed key policy dimensions including India’s Act East policy, regional connectivity initiatives, multilateral cooperation frameworks, and the broader diplomatic considerations arising from intensifying geopolitical competition. The exchange offered students valuable exposure to contemporary diplomatic practice, strategic negotiation, and the complexities inherent in international statecraft. The session was formally opened by Prof. Dr. Barry Winn, Vice Chancellor and President of Taylor’s University. Prof. Dr. Anindita Dasgupta, Head of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, introduced the Distinguished Diplomat Series and underscored its academic relevance within the International Relations programme.

The event concluded with a presentation of a token of appreciation to His Excellency by Prof. Dr. Barry, joined by senior leadership including Prof. Dr. Darren Bagnall, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), and Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management. As a signature platform of the International Relations programme, the Distinguished Diplomat Series continues to reinforce Taylor’s University’s role as a credible forum for informed diplomatic discourse. By facilitating direct engagement between senior practitioners and students, the Series strengthens experiential learning and affirms the University’s commitment to globally oriented, practice-informed education.

The Distinguished Diplomat Series will continue in forthcoming semesters, welcoming senior diplomatic representatives from across regions to advance critical dialogue and meaningful academic engagement.