Prof Dr Pradeep Nair (left) and Mah Sing Foundation chairman Datuk Syed Norulzaman Syed Kamarulzaman together with children from the underserved communities during Taylor’s Projek BacaBaca launch. Projek BacaBaca is an initiative that aims to raise awareness on learning poverty and promote literacy for underserved communities.
Taylor’s maintains consistent ranking four years in a row
TAYLOR’S University continues to shine in the global education landscape with their solid performance in the recent QS World University Ranking 2024 – marking their fourth consecutive year as the top private university in South-East Asia.
The institution’s consistent placement within the top 300 reinforces the institution’s position among the top 1% of the most influential universities globally.
This outstanding achievement is a testament to Taylor’s University’s dedication to academic rigour, innovative research, and teaching methodologies.
“The high-ranking not only bolsters Taylor’s University’s reputation but also fosters invaluable collaborations with esteemed institutions and industry partners,” says Taylor’s University vice chancellor and president Prof Michael Driscoll.
“This enhances the educational journey for our students and opens doors to a myriad of exciting opportunities, propelling them towards a future of limitless possibilities.”
Taylor’s team Visionaries was runner-up at the Medical Grand Challenge 2022 for their BraillePad entry, winning a cash prize of S$15,000.
The institution’s commitment to balanced excellence creates an appealing environment for motivated individuals seeking a high-quality learning experience.
This ability to attract high-calibre individuals creates a positive cycle, enriching the educational experience for students.
Through exposure to influential industry players, students gain valuable opportunities for internships, mentorship and networking – equipping them with the skills and connections necessary for future success.
Within the university’s Taylor’sphere ecosystem, Taylor’s provides a supportive and nurturing environment whereby students can explore their passions, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and develop their skills beyond the classroom.
It offers a holistic approach to education that goes beyond academic excellence, encouraging students to engage in personal growth, leadership development and community involvement.
Passion projects
Ng Yong Pong, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honours, exemplifies the remarkable outcomes that emerge when passion, opportunity, and support intersect.
Having discovered his passion for engineering at the 12th MICSS Nationals Science Camp in 2016, Yong Pong who hails from Sabah embarked on a journey to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional engineer.
Immersing himself in various clubs such as the Agents of Tech coding club and Taylor’s Makerspace as well as the institution’s innovative multidisciplinary learning experience (MLE), he harnessed his skills and creativity to co-create BraillePad – a 3D printed tablet-like Braille book device designed to empower the visually impaired.
The beauty of BraillePad is the ability to customise textual and graphical content in 3D, enhancing quality learning via tactile sensory and eventually making learning more fun and accessible to everyone. This innovative technology enables the visually impaired to engage in independent learning, free from the constraints of a teacher’s presence.
“The Taylor’sphere ecosystem and purpose-led education curriculum at Taylor’s University have been instrumental in transforming my passion for engineering into a tangible solution that empowers visually impaired individuals.
“With their support and guidance, my team and I embarked on a multidisciplinary project to revolutionise braille books, ensuring equal and equitable access to knowledge for all communities.
“Traditional braille books pose limitations, as they require individuals to rely on teachers for guidance. Moreover, the production process is costly and arduous.
Launch of CAREbinet by The Risers initiative at SMK Seri Tasik in Bandar Sri Permaisuri in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur on May 11. The project is aimed at fulfilling the fundamental needs of students in underserved communities while promoting sustainability.
“Our 3D Printed Audible BraillePad represents a groundbreaking self-learning system that is not only cost-effective but also fosters independent learning.”
Another student, Tharani Ramasamy’s journey highlights the transformative possibilities that unfold when students are encouraged to explore their interests and pursue their purpose.
After completing her Foundation in Business course, Tharani embarked on a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance at Taylor’s University.
Thanks to the institution’s emphasis on practical skills and industry connections, Tharani secured internships with prestigious accounting firms.
However, her passion for teaching led her to pursue a Master of Teaching and Learning programme at Taylor’s School of Education graduating with a perfect CGPA of 4.0.
Her interactions with her lecturer and supervisor during her master’s programme led to her role as the project officer for Projek BacaBaca which then ultimately led her to pursue her PhD in education whereby she is currently investigating former Tamil primary school students’ primary-secondary medium of instruction transition.
“Projek BacaBaca is an initiative that aims to raise awareness on learning poverty and promote literacy for underserved communities.
“Taylor’s University has nurtured my passion for teaching and research, enabling me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students.
“Through their purpose-led education curriculum and support, I have been able to explore my interests, tackle educational challenges, and pave the way for a better future in education,” she explained.
Tharani has also gone on to present a research paper on Learning Poverty at the BERA Conference 2022 at Liverpool University and was invited to conduct a sharing session for teachers from The Night School Project on Assessment – a programme that trains teachers who teach refugee and stateless students in Malaysia.
Immanuel Santosh, a former Taylor’s College Foundation in Arts student who went on to pursue Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Architecture at Taylor’s University and a dedicated ambassador of The Risers, spearheads CAREbinet by The Risers project – a noble initiative aimed at fulfilling the fundamental needs of students in underserved communities while promoting sustainability.
His leadership and passion have fostered a culture of collective activism, ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to thrive academically.
“The project involves building and distributing 14 cabinets to schools in Kuala Lumpur, which highlights the importance of community involvement in ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
“I am proud to be a part of the team that worked on building and distributing the cabinets which included other The Risers ambassadors as well as Taylor’s students, with guidance and assistance from creative hub Mereka,” said Immanuel.
Purpose learning
Taylor’s University deputy vice chancellor and chief academic officer Prof Dr Pradeep Nair highlighted the varsity’s commitment to become the best university for the world through its purpose learning initiative.
“Our education and research are purpose-led and impact-driven and will align the staff’s and students’ passion, purpose, and profession.
“We have established 13 Impact Labs, which are solution-focused multidisciplinary teams of academics, practitioners, and students, committed to working together to make progress on societal problems, guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“Our labs bring together expertise from across the university, as well as partners from government, businesses, non-profits, philanthropic practitioners, and beneficiary groups to generate new insights and creative approaches required to solve complex challenges in our world.
“Our aspiration is for students to live successful and meaningful lives – by doing what they love, what the world needs, what they are good at and what they can be paid for.”
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