Taylor’s College’s student engagement arm The Risers empowers students to become all-rounded individuals
IN today’s competitive academic landscape, students seek more than just exceptional education – they crave a comprehensive college experience that fosters personal growth, leadership skills and real-world preparedness.
Holistic experiences like these, not only shape intellect but also the character of students, preparing them for the multifaceted challenges of the modern world.
At Taylor’s College, the student engagement body known as The Risers embodies this holistic approach, preparing students to become all-rounded individuals ready to thrive in all aspects of life.
The Risers
At the heart of The Risers’ mission is its commitment to engage, equip and empower students with transformative experiences.
This entails efforts to “engage” with secondary school leaders and students nationwide, “equip” them with the knowledge and skills necessary for both academic and societal success, and “empower” them to curate their own life paths while giving back to their communities.
The body thrives as a vibrant community that has spearheaded numerous initiatives to bridge the gap between academic and broader life contexts.
Taylor’s Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) final-year student Ludwina Anela Effiana Rumuat has participated in many community-focused programmes and initiatives with The Risers.
She says that each experience has been enriching and eye-opening, enabling her to develop new skills and leverage opportunities for personal growth.
“Being a part of The Risers has exposed me to various opportunities and skills outside of my studies,” she says.
“I was able to represent Taylor’s on a more professional scale and engage with various target audiences from all across Malaysia.”
She adds that she also improved her communication skills and self-confidence by assisting prospective students and acting as an emcee at numerous in-house Taylor’s events.
“Considering that I am starting my internship soon, these skills will be very valuable. My improved confidence and communication skills will enable me to articulate my ideas persuasively and professionally, ask pertinent questions and collaborate effectively with colleagues and supervisors,” says Ludwina.
RISE Educator Award
Among the pivotal initiatives that Ludwina participated in, and is championed by The Risers, is the RISE (Remarkable Impact in Student Education) Educator Award, which serves as a beacon of recognition for educators who transcend conventional teaching methods.
Each year, this award highlights noteworthy educators like Cikgu Shawn Stanly, whose innovative teaching methods – such as transforming his classroom into a flight simulator using a projector and creating a beach-themed classroom to educate about marine conservation – inspire both students and peers.
Ludwina shares that she was moved by her involvement in the programme and realised the potential such initiatives have for the broader outlook of local education.
“By celebrating outstanding educators and promoting their dedicated efforts towards their students, we can contribute to the overall improvement of education quality and reinforce the importance of dedicated teaching in shaping future generations,” she says.
CAREbinet by The Risers
One of the most impactful initiatives established by The Risers is the CAREbinet by The Risers programme, designed to address fundamental needs within underserved school communities to ensure that every student has access to basic resources.
This programme not only provides tangible support for school students through monthly stocked cabinets with essential items but also fosters a culture of sustainability in local schools.
Ludwina recounts her involvement in the programme and how it was able to broaden her perspective on the needs of others.
“Engaging in this initiative deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities. It taught me empathy and the importance of supporting those in need, reinforcing my sense of social responsibility,” she says.
Another active participant in The Risers, Taylor’s Bachelor of Laws (Honours) first-year student Yap Han Ze, also expressed how the CAREbinet by The Risers programme ignited his passion for community service.
“My experience in the CAREbinet by The Risers donation handover ceremony was definitely fulfilling. I was really impressed to see how Taylor’s students took the initiative to fulfil the fundamental needs of students in underprivileged communities,” says the 20-year-old.
“This inspired me to involve myself more in initiatives and donation drives like this, as I realised that we can make an impact on society and help out those in need.”
Taylor’s Cruiser by The Risers
Central to The Risers’ ethos is its commitment to engagement with school-leavers, students, faculty, alumni and community.
This is why the study body has enhanced its engagement initiatives with a futuristic approach by leveraging virtual reality (VR) technology to digitalise the student experience via a roving truck activation programme dubbed Taylor’s Cruiser by The Risers.
Yap states that the initiative is perfect for exposing secondary school students to future learning environments and describes how he was able to help students figure out what studies they want to pursue.
“While we were in secondary school, I’m sure that most of us were unsure about what to study or what to do in the future.
“Being a part of the Taylor’s Cruiser by The Risers initiative allowed me to guide students on their future career aspirations and what study pathway they can pursue to reach their goals,” he says.
Reflecting on his involvement in numerous activities and initiatives at Taylor’s, Yap explains that student bodies like The Risers can transform the educational experience in college and university.
“These experiences enrich my time studying at Taylor’s. It is really fulfilling to involve myself in on-ground events, sharing my personal experiences with potential students and participating in volunteering activities,” he says.
“The Risers has given me opportunities to step out of my comfort zone, engage with different people and give back to the community.”
To learn more about Taylor’s College and The Risers, visit https://college.taylors.edu.my/en/the-risers.html