Research in Motion: FSLM Achieves Global Impact and Scholarly Excellence in 2025

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management (FSLM) proudly marks a year of remarkable academic achievements in 2025, reflecting the significant contributions of its researchers. These accomplishments underscore FSLM’s steadfast dedication to producing impactful scholarship and strengthening its presence on the global academic stage.

In 2025, FSLM secured RM 504,529 in external research funding from several esteemed organisations, including Mah Sing Foundation (MSF), the Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur (JFKL), Medklinn International Sdn Bhd, Yayasan Hasanah, and Khazanah Nasional Berhad. The faculty also received matching grants totalling RM 75,000 from IMU University, Malaysia, and Prince of Songkla University, Phuket, Thailand. In addition, Taylor’s University provided substantial institutional support amounting to RM 175,000 through the Internal Research Grant Scheme – Impact Lab Seed Grant and the iNNOVATE Grant Programme. Collectively, these funding achievements underscore a strong culture of collaboration and a shared commitment to advancing meaningful research and fostering social innovation.

FSLM academic staff produced a total of 283 indexed publications, comprising peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, books, and conference papers. Of these, 153 were Q1 and Q2 journal articles, including 104 Q1 publications ranked within the top 25% of academic journals worldwide by impact factor and 49 Q2 publications, alongside 36 Q3 and Q4 articles. This strong concentration in the top two quartiles demonstrates consistent scholarly productivity and an unwavering commitment to high-quality, high-impact research. Journal articles accounted for 79.5% of the total research outputs, reflecting both the depth and breadth of the faculty’s scholarly engagement.

Looking ahead, FSLM remains resolute in deepening strategic collaborations, enhancing the international visibility of its research, and building upon the significant milestones achieved in 2025. Guided by a clear vision for academic distinction and research excellence, the faculty is well positioned to sustain its leadership in pioneering scholarship and thought leadership. This collective dedication ensures that FSLM continues to flourish as a dynamic hub for innovative ideas and transformative academic contributions.

The faculty extends its heartfelt congratulations to all FSLM academic staff for their exemplary achievements in 2025. Their professionalism, intellectual rigour, and unwavering pursuit of excellence continue to elevate the faculty’s reputation and inspire future generations of scholars. Together, the faculty looks forward to achieving even greater milestones and advancing a distinguished legacy of academic excellence in 2026.

SOMAC at the Helm: Shaping Standards, Driving Innovation, and Leading Malaysia’s Digital Content Future

The School of Media and Communication has been formally admitted as a member of the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF), widely known as the Content Forum, the nationally designated industry body responsible for overseeing and promoting self-regulation of content distributed across electronic networked media.

As a self-regulatory organisation, the Content Forum brings together key stakeholders from the communications and multimedia ecosystem, including advertisers, broadcasters, content creators and distributors, audiotext hosting service providers, internet service providers, civic groups, and technology, media and digital service providers. Its mandate is to ensure responsible, ethical, and standards-driven content governance within Malaysia’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Central to its role is the implementation and enforcement of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Code, the principal framework guiding industry self-regulation. The Code establishes governing standards and best practices for content dissemination across the communications and multimedia sector, ensuring that innovation remains aligned with the public interest and national values.

As a member institution, the School of Media and Communication (SOMAC) is well placed to provide rigorous academic insight and industry-informed perspectives to the Forum. This contribution is strengthened by the School’s diverse local and international community of emerging filmmakers, content creators, and communications specialists. Further enhancing this is Lumicko, SOMAC’s pioneering video content streaming platform and the brainchild of Dr. Prema Ponnudurai, former Head of School, which exemplifies the School’s commitment to innovation in digital storytelling and content distribution.

Recent engagements with the Content Forum have highlighted the value of perspectives offered by Taylor’s University, the School of Media and Communication, and Lumicko in shaping a more comprehensive and contemporaneous Content Code. With the latest version scheduled for release this year, SOMAC’s membership signals not merely participation but a meaningful contribution to the advancement of responsible content governance in Malaysia.

Through this strategic alignment, the School affirms its role not only as an academic institution but also as a thought leader at the intersection of media innovation and ethical digital practice.

Taylor’s Education Discourse "Curriculum of Wholeness: Learning Beyond Divides

Can education truly be measured by a GPA, or is there a deeper rhythm to learning that we have yet to fully embrace?

Taylor’s University recently became the epicentre of this vital conversation as it hosted the biennial Taylor’s Education Discourse (TED) 2025. Organised by the School of Education under the visionary leadership of Co-Chairs Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jasmine Jain and Dr. Vinothin, the forum served as a landmark event for reimagining the future of teaching and learning. Centered on the theme “Curriculum of Wholeness: Learning Beyond Divides,” the event highlighted the importance of nurturing the physical, social, and creative dimensions of every learner to truly empower them for life beyond the classroom.

Attendees were inspired by three keynote speakers, each offering unique perspectives that challenged traditional educational assumptions. Datuk Nicol Ann David emphasised the transformative power of sport in fostering character, resilience, and discipline. Adjunct Professor B.K. Gan explored the evolving role of educators as mentors in the 21st century, while Prof. Dr. Wan Chang Da offered a compelling view on the “Playing Fields” of the curriculum. Collectively, their insights underscored that learning extends beyond academic mastery to the cultivation of character, identity, and purpose.

Panel discussions further reinforced this perspective, highlighting the intersection of the arts, athletic excellence, and the spirit of service. A recurring message emerged: the experiences that shape the whole child often occur in spaces traditionally referred to as the “co-curriculum.” Yet, the prefix “co” has inadvertently suggested a hierarchy, framing these developmental experiences as supplementary rather than essential. In reality, these are precisely the spaces where young people develop persistence, empathy, and leadership. As Malaysia continues to embed character building within schools, we are prompted to ask: what if the co-curriculum is not an add-on, but the very environment where the curriculum truly comes alive?

To celebrate this spirit of engagement, five attendees who arrived dressed in co-curricular attire were recognised with special gifts. As the event concluded, it was clear how many educators and leaders are ready to reframe schooling. The Curriculum of Wholeness is not a single model, it is a mindset, one that invites us to look beyond subjects and focus on the holistic shaping of human beings. Grateful to everyone who contributed, shared, and imagined with us, we leave the conversation open and ongoing.