Sabah quake 10 years on: Safer routes, new search and rescue team to enhance safety at Mt Kinabalu
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CNA
an hour ago
- CNA
An institution that nurtures creative explorers, not just achievers
As Taylor's University continues to strengthen its standing in the QS World University Rankings, its vice-chancellor and president, Professor Barry Winn, is looking well beyond short-term gains. Core to his vision is a comprehensive 10-year plan aimed at transforming the Malaysian private university into a future-ready institution of global standing. A key part of this transformation is a RM1.2 billion (S$364.8 million) investment to further develop the institution, including revitalising its lakeside campus in Subang Jaya. Planned upgrades include new sports facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories and student residences designed to meet the needs of its multicultural community. Beyond infrastructure, the plan outlines strategic pillars to prepare Taylor's students for a fast-paced, tech-driven world. These include a focus on transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, as well as addressing global challenges like sustainability and an ageing population. Prof Winn highlighted that the university's focus is on nurturing students to become 'creative explorers, not just achievers'. 'These days, you can pull out your phone and find answers instantly,' he said. 'Our job is to help students think critically about challenges and apply knowledge in innovative ways – to create new ideas, not just recycle existing ones.' Ranked the top private non-government-linked university in Southeast Asia, Taylor's is currently placed at No 253 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, positioning it among the top 1 per cent of universities worldwide. CHARTING NEW GROWTH Prof Winn shared that Taylor's growth in the years ahead will be driven by five strategic thrusts: delivering an exceptional student experience, advancing innovative teaching, producing impactful research, strengthening partnerships and pursuing quality-driven growth. One example is its well-established medical school. In response to Malaysia's ageing population, the university plans to introduce more allied health programmes, such as physiotherapy. 'As the population ages, we'll see more cases of strokes and dementia,' said Prof Winn. 'We'll need not just doctors, but also specialists like dietitians and advanced practice nurses to provide holistic care.' Taylor's also operates 11 Impact Labs, where students collaborate with faculty, industry professionals and corporate partners to create solutions to real-world problems – all guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Since 2023, these labs have delivered 230 projects with 210 partners, tackling issues in areas such as sustainable tourism, clean energy and community well-being. Among them is Project BacaBaca, a literacy programme for underserved communities led by Ms Hema Letchamanan, senior lecturer at Taylor's School of Education. Since 2021, the initiative has supported over 500 students across Malaysia and was awarded the 2024 Asia-Pacific SDG Initiative of the Year at the Triple E Awards. Another project, – led by Professor Anindita Dasgupta of Taylor's School of Liberal Arts and Sciences – provides women from marginalised communities with entrepreneurship training. To date, 110 women have completed the programme. DRIVING MEANINGFUL IMPACT THROUGH COLLABORATION To meet rising demand for research expertise, Prof Winn said Taylor's is exploring the launch of more postgraduate programmes and is actively recruiting academics from around the world to teach them. The university also aims to strengthen international collaborations to provide students with a truly global perspective. Prof Winn explained: 'How small-and medium-size enterprises operate in Kuala Lumpur is very different from how they function in cities like Manchester or Boston. To truly understand international trade, you often need local partners who can help you grasp the unique business dynamics of each region. Many business owners are especially interested in Southeast Asia, and Taylor's is pleased to support this mutual learning and exchange.' He added: 'We want to harness technology to offer joint courses that bring students from different regions together, enriching the learning experience across borders.' PUTTING STUDENTS FIRST To better equip its students for the workforce, Taylor's is developing immersive avatar-based simulations that allow learners to practise real-world scenarios in a safe environment. 'Clinical psychology students, for instance, could interact with an avatar exhibiting a mental health disorder,' explained Prof Winn. 'Or hospitality students might be placed at a virtual hotel reception. Our goal is to go beyond virtual reality – we want to be better than reality.' The university's growing emphasis on research is also driven by its goal to serve students. 'We want students to be taught by people who wrote the book, not just read it,' said Prof Winn. 'Our research isn't just about publishing more papers – it's about creating a rich learning environment led by engaged, knowledgeable academics.' Prof Winn said his proudest achievement thus far has been to improve staff engagement and giving educators a voice in shaping Taylor's academic culture. This people-first philosophy is reflected in Taylor's strong global rankings. 'If we do the right things, the rankings will follow,' Prof Winn said. 'They provide external validation and inspire confidence among employers, students and parents. Ultimately, we want to be known as a university that puts students first and gives every student the chance to improve their lives.'
Independent Singapore
15 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
US tourist says food is better in M'sia than SG — and many S'poreans agree
SINGAPORE: An American tourist in Malaysia has been very vocal on social media regarding his love for the country. His regular posts on the Malaysia Travel Tips Facebook page show that he's quite the super fan. A recent post he wrote touting the superiority of Malaysian food, especially durian, blew up, with many Singaporeans agreeing with him. On June 25, Brent Farris wrote that he was about to say 'something quite controversial.' While he apologised in advance if anyone found it offensive, he walked it back immediately and said he wasn't sorry after all. 'Anything you can find in Singapore (food-wise), you can find it in Malaysia for 1/3rd the price and tastes better. 'And, Singapore's national fruit is the durian. I'm sure they love durian, but they don't grow any. Malaysia originated it, and the durian from Malaysia is better than any durian grown anywhere in the world. Sorry Thailand. 'There, I said it. Whew, that feels like a weight has been lifted. I've been wanting to say this for years,' Mr Farris wrote. His post has since been shared over 800 times and received more than 1,000 comments. As it turns out, many people agreed with him, calling his post '100% true' and telling him that his opinion wasn't controversial at all. 'I'm Singaporean, and I agree. Malaysian food is delicious… and better than the versions in Singapore,' a commenter wrote. She added, however, that she found that non-Malaysian food, such as Korean, Japanese, or Italian fare, is better in Singapore 'because the actual people from those cultures are making it. 'Authenticity is the key theme here.' Another Singaporean wrote that they didn't find Mr Farris' opinion controversial. 'It's facts that some Singaporeans just refuse to accept.' 'Accurate and true,' one simply wrote. 'Even a foreigner like you knows the truth,' another chimed in. 'Oh, tell me about it. We went on a durian tour in Malaysia some years ago and it was the best place we spent our money,' a commenter reminisced. 'Am I missing something here? Why are you apologising for telling the truth?' a Facebook user asked. 'Okay. Now say it again. And louder this time,' wrote another. Perhaps encouraged by the feedback he got, Mr Farris in a more recent post offered no apology at all. FB screengrab/ Brent Farris (Malaysia Travel Tips) The Independent Singapore has reached out to Mr Farris for further comments or updates. /TISG Read also: American man learns from Malaysians how to be the most annoying and rudest tourist: beg-packing, not showering, insulting Malaysian food
CNA
a day ago
- CNA
61 missing after boat sinks near Indonesia's Bali: Local rescue agency
DENPASAR: At least 61 people were missing after a ferry sank off the popular Indonesian resort island of Bali, a local search and rescue agency said on Thursday (Jul 3). The vessel sank around 11.20pm on Wednesday in the Bali Strait as it sailed to the famous holiday destination from Indonesia's main island Java, the Surabaya search and rescue agency said in a statement. "The ferry's manifest data totalled 53 passengers and 12 passenger crews," the Java-based agency said, adding rescue efforts were still underway. "The ferry, which is estimated to have sunk at 11.20pm local time, also contained 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks," it said. The agency said in a later statement that four people were rescued in the early hours of Thursday. Marine accidents are a regular occurrence in Indonesia, a Southeast Asian archipelago of around 17,000 islands, in part due to lax safety standards. In March, a boat carrying 16 people capsized in rough waters off Bali, killing an Australian woman and injuring at least one other person.
