Start It Right: Taylor’s University Equips Students with Essential Life Skills

The Life Skills Development team, under the School of General Studies and Languages (SGSL), recently conducted an engaging session designed to equip new students with key competencies for success in both academic and professional settings. The session brought together over 130 students in interactive exercises aimed at fostering confidence, collaboration, and effective communication.

Themed “Start It Right,” the programme focused on strengthening communication skills, a critical component of personal and professional development. Through experiential activities, students connected with peers, practised practical communication strategies, and built confidence in expressing ideas within a supportive learning environment. The session was expertly facilitated by Michelle Francis, Chin Chee Meng, and Sharvinder Raj from the Life Skills team.

A highlight of the initiative was its emphasis on providing students with actionable communication tools to support both their academic journey and lifelong learning. In recognition of its importance, the content has been incorporated into the Emotional Intelligence in Action (EIA) module, reinforcing the University’s commitment to holistic student development.

By engaging students from the outset, Taylor’s University cultivates a sense of belonging, promotes adaptability, and ensures that students approach their studies with confidence and resilience. The success of the session reflects the University’s ongoing dedication to nurturing essential life skills, preparing students not only for academic achievement but also for meaningful personal and professional growth.

“Lumicko” Launch: Empowering Student Creativity, Transforming Learning, and Bridging Academia and Industry

The School of Media and Communication has officially launched Lumicko, an innovative, learning-integrated multimedia streaming platform designed to transform how students learn, create, and showcase their digital productions. The platform marks a significant step in Taylor’s University’s commitment to redefining creative education and strengthening pathways between academia and industry.

Lumicko’s launch comes amid the rapid growth of Malaysia’s digital content and streaming sector, which generated RM 5.31 billion in 2023, with the over-the-top market projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 18.5% from 2025 to 2031. As audiences increasingly turn to online and on-demand platforms, the demand for graduates skilled in contemporary streaming conventions, audience engagement, and original content creation continues to rise.

Beyond serving as a learning platform, Lumicko acts as a discovery ecosystem, making student talent visible to directors, producers, and creative agencies. For students, it functions as a living portfolio, while for industry professionals, it provides direct access to emerging creative talent. Guided by its Industry Advisory Panel (IAP), Lumicko ensures adherence to professional standards in ethics, copyright, and cybersecurity, while giving students hands-on exposure to industry best practices. Pn. Mediha Mahmood, CEO of the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia and IAP member, commented:

“Lumicko provides students a structured space to produce and publish content responsibly while building their understanding of industry standards. It is a vital bridge between education and Malaysia’s creative content industry, ensuring future talent enters the workforce with skills, confidence, and ethical grounding.”

The launch welcomed industry leaders from Google (YouTube), Golden Screen Cinemas, Astro (RocketFuel and Supersport), and Hollywood-based ACE Pictures, some of whom contributed to a forum on “The Role of Universities in Nurturing Creative Talent.” Initially featuring content from the School of Media and Communication, Lumicko will expand to include productions from other faculties, showcasing work from engineering, medicine, architecture, fashion, law, business, and beyond.

Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, Lumicko provides students, educators, and industry professionals with seamless access to a growing library of original, student-produced content bringing Taylor’s University’s creative learning into the digital era.

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Culinary Diplomacy: Japanese Food Culture as Soft Power

The Centre of Asian Modernisation (CAM) at Taylor’s University successfully hosted a specialised workshop titled Flavours of Diplomacy: Investigating Japanese Food Culture as Soft Power. Supported by the Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur (JFKL), the event brought together scholars and participants to examine the role of food as a powerful bridge between nations.

Moving beyond the realm of culinary practice, the session explored how washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) functions as an instrument of cultural diplomacy. Discussions centred on the ways in which food heritage is “mobilised” across borders, evolving from state-led narratives into lived, everyday practices embedded within communities worldwide.

The workshop was honoured by the participation of Dr. Haruka Ueda from the University of Tokyo and Associate Professor Dr. Jimmyn Parc from the University of Malaya. Their engaging dialogue highlighted how Japanese food culture is reinterpreted and integrated into diverse local foodways, illustrating the dynamic interplay between official governmental branding and organic community-driven traditions.

This workshop forms part of CAM’s ongoing commitment to advancing scholarly discourse on the intersections of culture, modernisation, and global influence. CAM extends its sincere appreciation to the distinguished speakers and to its partner, the Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur, for their invaluable contributions to this meaningful exchange.