Taylor’s is dedicated in propelling innovative, purposeful learning experiences, ensuring students are well-prepared for triumph in an ever-changing and dynamic world.
TAYLOR’S University clinched the top spot again as the leading private institution in South-East Asia, firmly securing the 41st position in the latest QS Asia University Rankings 2024.
This accomplishment highlights the university’s enduring commitment to excellence as well as validating its prestigious status as one of Asia’s most esteemed academic institutions.
Taylor’s University president and vice chancellor Prof Michael Driscoll said, “This achievement is a testament to the exceptional quality of our academic programmes, effective teaching methods, and the dedication of our faculty and accomplished students.
Driscoll: ‘We remain resolute in expanding the horizons of education and offering innovative, purpose-driven learning experiences.’
“As we shape our path into the future, we remain resolute in expanding the horizons of education and upholding our commitment to offering innovative, purpose-driven learning experiences that prepare our students for success in a dynamic and ever-evolving world.”
The institution’s accomplishment can be attributed to its innovative teaching approach called Multidisciplinary Learning Experience (MLE), a key feature of its renowned Taylor’s Curriculum Framework.
This approach seamlessly integrates selected subjects in different degrees through interdisciplinary projects that blend elements from multiple disciplines.
It provides students with an educational experience that mirrors the complex challenges faced in the working world.
Deputy vice chancellor and chief academic officer Prof Dr Pradeep Nair highlighted that the wide-reaching impact of the pandemic across different fields coupled with massive technological advancements, digitalisation and sustainability issues make it necessary for learning to shift beyond a specific discipline to a multidisciplinary approach to effectively address these challenges.
“Taylor’s consciously decided that every student must experience at least one major multidisciplinary project during their studies, and we have done this across all undergraduate programmes.
Micro-entrepreneurs and Taylor’s Culinary Institute lecturers after a culinary workshop organised under the Ibu.Niaga project.
“This underscores our commitment to help graduates easily navigate the complex landscape of our interconnected world, foster innovation and drive meaningful change in their future workplace.
“Mastery of a single discipline can no longer adequately address many real-world problems. MLE allows students to approach these problems from multiple angles, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of complex phenomena.
“In MLE projects, students develop a deeper understanding of other disciplines, see its interconnectedness, appreciate its idiosyncrasies, learn to adapt and collaborate to solve complex problems.”
Benefitting underserved communities
Community initiatives like Taylor’s own Ibu.Niaga serve as a prime illustration of students’ MLE experience.
Organised under Taylor’s Impact Lab for “Eradicating Poverty”, the project brought together over 600 students across five modules in four schools to support the cause, resulting in the empowerment of 80 underserved women with essential business skills that enabled them to launch successful ventures and achieve financial independence.
Ibu.Niaga micropreneurs refining their culinary skills by making kuih in Taylor’s Culinary Institute’s kitchen.
Students from the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Finance and Accounting; Taylor’s Culinary Institute; and the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events conducted four workshops to equip these women with the knowledge, business skills and mental fortitude to set up successful businesses.
Guided by dedicated academic mentors and supported by partners and sponsors, such as Milores Sdn Bhd and the former Seri Setia Adun Halimey Abu Bakar, the workshops delved into a diverse array of subjects, from Fundamental Mechanics of Filmmaking to Learning and Motivation, Macroeconomics, Patisserie and Bakery Confections and more.
These seek to educate micro-entrepreneurs on improving their mental health, managing personal or business finances, developing an additional source of income with basic culinary skills and using the power of social media to promote their products.
Subsequently, a two-day bazaar took place on Taylor’s University campus, offering the mothers a chance to generate income and apply the skills they have learnt, resulting over RM31,800 in sales, in just one weekend.
Following this success, the initiative extended its impact with “Pasar Makmur,” hosting a weekly marketplace for many other disadvantaged micro-entrepreneurs, with 50% of the participants being Ibu.Niaga alumni.
In the future, the initiative aims to further support micro-entrepreneurs, boost product quality by 80%, and facilitate corporate consignments with its Maju bersama Korporat project, expanding customer reach and enhancing understanding.
Eradicating Poverty represents one of Taylor’s 13 Impact Labs that are aligned with the United Nations SDGs.
Each lab is dedicated to addressing complex challenges encountered by both global and local communities.
Under this initiative, impact projects are seamlessly integrated into every programme’s curriculum, enabling students to learn and engage in causes they are passionate about, while making a positive impact on the society.
Targeting new learners
In response to evolving student expectations, Taylor’s wants its students to do what they love, what they are good at, what the world needs and what they can be paid for, so that their passion, purpose and profession are aligned.
Professor Pradeep elaborated, “In 2022, we set out to become a purpose-driven university – where our education and research will focus on crafting solutions to real world problems.
“In addition to acquiring the essential qualifications for entering the workforce, students today seek meaning in their education.
“The new generation of learners is increasingly purpose-driven and socially aware; they desire education that is not only relevant but also personalised, aligning with their unique identities, passions, and goals.
“In light of these changes, Taylor’s is taking proactive measures by establishing Impact Labs. These labs aim to engage our students in social and environmental initiatives where they can actively participate and contribute positively to their communities.”
As the institution continues its dedication to providing students with the essential tools, networks, and resources for future success, the MLE experience also aims to make a positive impact on society through purposeful learning.
Currently, a significant 75% of Taylor’s University students engage in a diverse range of subjects and modules, collaborating on real-world projects within
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