Taylor’s University climbs to 36th place in the QS Asia University Rankings 2025 in its commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
Taylor’s University’s top ranking reflects its excellence in innovation and impactful education in South-East Asia
TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY continues its stellar ascent in academia, climbing five spots to rank 36th in the prestigious QS Asia University Rankings 2025.
This achievement not only solidifies Taylor’s University’s position as South-East Asia’s top private institution for the fourth year, but also affirms its standing within Asia’s elite top 50 universities.
The university’s climb in the QS rankings is rooted in advancements across 11 critical indicators. The institution has achieved remarkable progress in areas such as academic reputation, international research network and employer reputation, reflecting its dedication to cultivating a globally recognised and impactful academic environment.
Notably, Taylor’s University has also made strides in other indicators, including international student ratio, faculty-student ratio and citations per paper, all of which showcase its commitment to nurturing a diverse, intellectually vibrant and research-focused community.
Purposeful education
Taylor’s University’s vice-chancellor and president Professor Barry Winn attributed this success to the university’s evolving influence.
“This ranking is a reflection of our unwavering dedication to purposeful education,” said Winn. “Through a culture of continuous innovation in teaching, research and collaboration, we are preparing our students to build a future filled with possibilities,” he added.
Winn states that the new ranking underscores Taylor’s University’s commitment to innovation, dedication and collaboration.
The institution empowers its students not only through academic rigour but also by encouraging them to engage deeply in social and environmental initiatives that drive change for the better.
One of the key elements driving Taylor’s University’s rise in the rankings is its dedication to hands-on learning through the Taylor’sphere ecosystem.
This comprehensive and holistic ecosystem seamlessly integrates pedagogical methodologies with hands-on experiences to foster a holistic educational journey, ultimately empowering students to graduate with a clear sense of purpose.
Over the past year, the university has launched 106 Impact Projects that have positively impacted more than 3,100 lives, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainability.
In particular, two pioneering projects – BugKwa and PapLite Pro – highlighted how the university is fostering an environment of innovation, collaboration and societal impact.
Sustainable solutions for a better world
With food waste being a pressing issue in Malaysia, Taylor’s University’s Food Security and Nutrition Impact Lab has taken on the challenge.
Through the BugKwa project, students have been working with Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) to reduce food waste in a sustainable, effective way. BSFL, which can decompose large amounts of organic waste within just seven days, offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional and machine composting.
This initiative is more than just waste management; it introduces BSFL as a potential high-protein ingredient for animal feed, addressing food security while promoting sustainability.
With support from Entomal Biotech, students have access to a mobile bioconversion system, enabling them to experience firsthand how BSFL can be transformed into a key ingredient for high-protein food products.
Eleonora (right) is breaking new ground in sustainable protein with BugKwa. Her innovative project received mentorship from Entomal Biotech chief commercial officer Yanni Xinyan Ching (left).
Eleonora Rumuat, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Culinology graduate who worked on BugKwa, shared her transformative experience.
“Being at Taylor’s University has been an eye-opener. I’ve been exposed to project-based assignments that allow me to study everything from regulatory aspects of food to the specific functions of various ingredients, which has completely changed my perspective on the food industry.”
She added: “Being at Taylor’s University has deeply influenced my understanding of social responsibility, especially through the lens of culinology.”
Eleonora, whose passion lies in food creation and research, said with product development projects, students actively incorporate UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on solutions for issues like food waste and improving nutritional quality.
“It was here at Taylor’s University that I was introduced to the concept of sustainability in a practical context, learning how crucial it is to create food products that are not only innovative but also environmentally and socially conscious,” she explained.
She highlighted that this emphasis on making a positive impact has also shaped her perspective on how she can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable food industry.
Tools of the future
Another remarkable project at Taylor’s University is PapLite Pro, a groundbreaking tool designed to enhance cervical cancer screening. Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women in Malaysia, with a high mortality rate of around 56.9%.
Developed by Taylor’s Digital Health and Medical Advancement Impact Lab (DHMA IL), PapLite Pro makes cervical screening less invasive for the patients and more efficient for healthcare professionals like doctors or nurses.
With its user-friendly design and enhanced visualisation capabilities, the tool addresses common barriers in cervical screening, such as discomfort, while improving accuracy.
DHMA IL director Prof Dr Chong Pei Pei explained the importance of this innovation: “The all-in-one Pap smear innovation eliminates shadows cast by the hand of the healthcare professional to better visualise the cervix.
Prof Chong: The university’s commitment to innovation is backed by investments in infrastructure and organisational support.
“It is also ergonomically designed for improved ease of collecting sufficient cervical cells from the correct area of the cervix, resulting in accurate diagnostic test results compared to conventional Pap smear tools.”
Prof Chong highlighted the multidisciplinary approach that led to PapLite Pro’s success, emphasising how collaboration across various academic fields was instrumental.
“The DHMA Impact Lab brings together academic experts from different backgrounds, including medical and health sciences, engineering and computer science. “Our diverse expertise allows us to brainstorm ideas and come up with innovative projects that could help to change lives and impact the community,” said Prof Chong. In addition to improving cervical cancer screening, the development of PapLite Pro has provided Taylor’s University students with invaluable opportunities to work in multidisciplinary teams, gaining hands-on experience in product development, design thinking and the commercialisation of innovations.
Through the university’s facilities, such as Taylor’s Makerspace and the Knowledge Transfer and Commercialisation Unit, the PapLite Pro prototype underwent rigorous development, benefiting from access to in-house designers, engineers and 3D printing resources.
“Taylor’s University offers unrivalled opportunities for students to experience working in multi-disciplinary teams to complete challenging projects.
“Through the process, they hone their interpersonal skills such as effective communication, tactful self-projection, social awareness, self-management, accountability and conflict resolution,” she shared.
She stressed that students who work with industry-linked projects can also expect to learn stakeholder management skills.
“These skill sets are invaluable for raising the profile of the students, preparing them to embark on a fulfilling career,” she added.
Bright futures ahead
Taylor’s University’s remarkable rise in the QS Asia University Rankings highlights its role as a trailblazer in the academic landscape.
By investing in meaningful research and projects that address real-world issues, the university has cultivated a reputation as a transformative institution where education meets purpose.The institution’s success lies not only in its academic achievements but in its broader mission to equip students with the knowledge, skills and empathy to contribute to a better world.
As Taylor’s University continues to expand its influence, its students and faculty stand ready to take on new challenges with the same spirit of innovation, social responsibility and commitment that defines their university.
