A FIRM and solid foundation is crucial for any building – the higher the building, the deeper the foundations to be laid. The same can be said for one’s growth in education and career.
The importance of a strong foundation when it comes to tertiary education can never be denied. Students who start off with the right foundation programme will find they are better equipped for the educational journey ahead, having already acquired the skills and knowledge needed for a successful transition to the programmes of their choice.
“Taylor’s has been laying a strong foundation for more than 100,000 students over five decades, and we carry this legacy with a great sense of purpose to help students achieve their potential and be leaders in the industry and community,” said Taylor’s College campus director Josephine Tan.
“Students in our foundation programmes benefit from industry networks, world-class university facilities and experienced educators who also teach in Taylor’s University. Many of our foundation students have gone on to pursue degrees in Taylor’s and other highly ranked universities internationally,” she added.
With a wide variety of Foundation programme choices ranging from generic to specific, namely Arts, Science, Business, Communication, Computing, Design, Engineering, and Natural and Built Environments, students get a head start in their degree of choice.
Jasmine Ah Jie Mie, who recently completed her Foundation in Communication, said her programme exposed her to the industry via field study, which gave her greater insight into her future career.
“It helped me to clearly understand what mass communication is about, and I realised that the future is full of potential as this is an expanding and evolving industry that requires creativity – a value not easily replaced.
“I personally think it is best to start with a foundation programme if you already know what field you want to be in, as a foundation programme can give you an overview of the industry,” she said.
Foundation in Science alumna Angeline Wan Joey agreed, saying that her year-long Integrated Science Project “closely imitates the research process of scientists” as students are given a research topic related to the latest developments in the industry, requiring them to scour cutting-edge academic journals and work as a team to present their findings in an exhibition.
Angeline, a Top Achiever Award recipient, intends to pursue a Pharmacy degree at Taylor’s University, but her foray into this industry nearly did not materialise, had it not been for her lecturers.
“I used to hate chemistry during secondary school because we needed to memorise and calculate a lot to solve problems. When I came to Taylor’s, the lecturer made the classes so enjoyable that I came to love the subject and actually want to learn more,” she revealed.
Both students felt that the vibrant campus environment gave them plenty of opportunities to discover their talent and passions apart from studies.
While Jasmine was active with the Taylor’s Lakeside Dance Club and even won first runner-up in the Taylor’s Got Talent competition, Angeline involved herself in organising various local and international events and became a student ambassador.
“There were many ‘firsts’ for me at Taylor’s – it was my first time being a student ambassador, first time sharing my experience to secondary school students, and my first time collaborating with an external organisation in planning an international event,” she said.
“I made countless mistakes along the way but it is all worth it because it opens up so many opportunities for us to grow and network with different individuals which will be beneficial in the future.”
To find out more about Taylor’s College Foundation programmes, log on to https://college.taylors.edu.my/en/study/foundation-programmes.html