Latest news with #Taylor's
The Star
20-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Satay, roti canai and kuey teow
DIFFERENCES between races, cultures and religions have not stopped South-East Asians from building close-knit communities in their respective countries. While countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam are more homogenous compared to Malaysia and Singapore, social cohesion in the region remains high – averaging 72.4%, according to the South-East Asian Social Cohesion Radar 2025. The study, initiated in 2022 by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University, measures social ties across ethnic, religious and linguistic lines. 'There is a broad acceptance for cultural differences. Overall, more than seven in 10 are confident that people from diverse communities will help each other regardless of their identity,' says the school's Senior Fellow and Social Cohesion Research Programme head Dr Leong Chan-Hoon. And when we zoom in on Malaysia, the numbers appear to be heading in the right direction. Malaysia's overall social cohesion score rose from 68% in 2022 to 75% in 2025. The latest breakdown shows 80% in social relations (ties across ethnicity, religion and language), 70% in connectedness (ties between communities, institutions and government), and 75% in civic-mindedness or people's willingness to work together for the common good. According to the report, Malaysians 'feel strongly connected with their national and cultural identities, and are confident of other ethnic and religious groups.' 'Unity in diversity' Malaysia's national identity often revolves around the idea of 'unity in diversity'. So how do Malaysians mentally process pluralism – especially across generations, where values and cultural scripts may differ? Taylor's University Mental Health and Well-being Impact Lab director Professor Dr Rozainee Khairudin says national identity is shaped by this very diversity. 'Due to the country's multicultural landscape, most Malaysians are exposed from a young age to various ethnic groups, languages, traditions and religious practices,' she says. 'This exposure enables them to form mental representations such as schemas (basic knowledge structures) and cultural scripts (internalised rules for social interaction) that incorporate diversity.' She explains that a Malaysian child growing up in a multicultural school, for instance, may develop a schema that sees ethnic difference as normal and expected. 'Over time, these mental structures become automatic – helping individuals navigate diverse environments with more tolerance and less cognitive effort. 'This is pluralism in action – not just accepting difference, but engaging with it fluidly.' CLICK TO ENLARGE Social acceptance Universiti Sains Malaysia sociologist Dr Zaireeni Azmi says she was pleasantly surprised by Malaysia's 78.4% score under the acceptance in diversity indicator – a component of the social relations domain. 'It's one of the most influential dimensions of social cohesion,' she says. 'To be honest, I do worry when I see racial slurs like 'Type M' or 'Type C' still popping up on social media. 'But clearly, there's more good than bad among the people. I'd call Malaysia a success story in terms of a multiracial society – from the roti canai and nasi lemak we eat, to the 'lah' we use in daily conversation.' Zaireeni also highlights 'mamak-isation' as a symbolic expression of unity – where people of all races sit together at mamak restaurants to eat, chat and watch football. 'You rarely see that in Malay or Chinese restaurants. But at the mamak, Malays, Chinese and Indians hang out together. That reflects our society. It shows a sense of belonging and unity in diversity. 'The report also shows that we're proud of our national identity. That's good news.' Still, she cautions, unity in diversity is not without its cracks. 'There are issues around representation. We've had riots in the past. It's not perfect, but we are living together peacefully.' The report also underscores the role of national policy in shaping unity. For instance, following the May 13, 1969 riots, the government introduced the 'Rukun Negara'– a set of National Principles to promote unity: Belief in God; Loyalty to King and Country; Supremacy of the Constitution; Rule of Law; Courtesy and Morality. 'These principles are integrated into our education system and continue to influence national unity policies. 'The government also promotes the concept of Bangsa Malaysia – an inclusive national identity for all. Bahasa Melayu, as the national language, helps facilitate interaction between ethnic groups.' Zaireeni agrees and points to a recent example. 'When the Visit Malaysia Year montage didn't include any mosques, it wasn't just the Malays who questioned it – other races too felt it didn't represent Malaysia's vibrant cultural identity.' Growing commonality Malaysia also scores highly in the domain that measures focus on the common good –especially in civic participation (80%) and respect for social rules (81%), though solidarity and helpfulness lags slightly behind at 66%. When asked whether religion and culture can be forces for unity or division, Zaireeni says it depends on how people approach their differences. 'When we talk about religion or linguistic identities, we should celebrate them together. Look at how we observe all major religious festivals – Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Christmas, among others. 'That shared heritage is our strength. We must always work for a common good.' But she warns that unity can unravel if differences are politicised. 'When people push a 'them vs us' narrative, it strains relationships. I don't know why some keep doing that.' The media, she adds, also plays a vital role in shaping public perception. 'Some media houses sensationalise differences for attention. That's harmful. Instead, let's highlight the positive – stories about people helping one another, about collaboration. 'We already have enough politicians doing the opposite.' Young and old The survey also notes that age, ethnicity and religion influence perceptions of social cohesion – especially in Malaysia. Younger people tend to view society more positively than older generations. Among 1,003 respondents, youths rated Perception of Fairness at a mean of 3.81, compared to 3.64 for adults and 3.25 for seniors. Similarly, in Identification, youth scored 4.14, adults 4.02, and seniors 3.82. Rozainee says these generational gaps can shape how pluralism is understood. 'Older generations may hold onto more rigid cultural scripts formed by past sociopolitical experiences, while younger Malaysians – especially those influenced by global media and inclusive education – develop more flexible, integrative ways of thinking about identity and diversity. 'These differing cognitive frameworks can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or value clashes between generations.'
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Taylor's University strengthens global standing in higher education
KUALA LUMPUR: Taylor's University has retained its position among the top one per cent of universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026, placing 253rd globally. It remains the highest-ranked non-government-linked private university in Southeast Asia, and is placed 92nd position globally for employer reputation, the highest among private universities in the region. While proud of its accolades, Taylor's University remains focused on equipping students with practical skills and real-world experience that extend well beyond the classroom. Vice-chancellor and president Professor Barry Winn explained that the university is committed to providing world-class education that blends academic rigour with purposeful innovation and industry collaboration. "We are growing our student community, investing in staff, and advancing capabilities to address global challenges through industry partnerships, AI-powered learning, and purpose-driven innovation. "In doing so, we support Malaysia's efforts to develop talent and strengthen its position as an education hub in the region," he said. Taylor's also ranks 34th globally for international student population, reflecting its efforts to create a multicultural learning environment. The university aims to produce graduates who are adaptable, critical thinkers, and equipped to engage with both local and global issues. INDUSTRY AND REAL-WORLD EXPOSURE At Taylor's, the academic experience is designed with strong input from leading practitioners and organisations. Curricula are co-developed to ensure relevance to current and emerging challenges across industries. From the outset, students are immersed in learning that integrates live projects, problem-solving tasks and internships as part of the academic structure. This approach contributes to the university's 99.5 per cent graduate employability rate, according to the Higher Education Ministry's 2024 Graduate Tracer Study, placing well above the national average of 92.5 per cent. The university's Culinary Institute offers more than technical training. Students work alongside Michelin-starred chefs in workshops and masterclasses, while completing internships at renowned restaurants in Japan, France, Spain and the United States. Monthly visits from these chefs, including the Michelin Star Series with The Datai Langkawi, give students rare opportunities to participate in masterclasses, workshops and networking sessions on campus. The programme also includes modules on entrepreneurship and sustainability, preparing graduates for diverse careers in hospitality, food innovation and business. Beyond culinary arts, the university's interdisciplinary projects and international student engagement further enrich learning, encouraging students to explore creativity and collaborate across fields. BRIDGING AND PRACTICE Taylor's works with global thought leaders to bring real-world insight into the classroom. Among them is Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Timor-Leste president Dr José Ramos-Horta, who serves as honorary adjunct professor in its Philosophy, Politics and Economics programme. His involvement provides students with direct exposure to topics such as diplomacy, governance and global problem-solving. The university continues to invest in AI-powered learning tools, expand hybrid and interactive teaching methods, and strengthen industry and community partnerships.
The Star
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
FROM CAMPUS TO CAREER
IN AN era where the financial world demands agility and ethical leadership, the need for skilled professionals is becoming more crucial. The fast-paced world of accounting, for example, brings with it complex challenges and evolving demands, highlighting the need for clear educational pathways in the field. Renowned for its pursuit of academic excellence and a holistic approach to student experiences, Taylor's College stands as a beacon for aspiring accountants, as the institution shapes the next generation of finance professionals, ready to navigate the ever-competitive landscape. At the heart of its mission lies its comprehensive approach to accounting education, offering numerous pathways from foundational studies to professional qualifications. Among these include the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) programme, which provides students with a well-defined route and holistic experience to becoming globally recognised chartered certified accountants. 'The strong industry connections at Taylor's enabled me to expand my professional network and build meaningful relationships with professional leaders and future colleagues,' said Yap. World-class accounting education Yap Yi Heng, a distinguished alumnus now thriving at a Big Four accounting firm, attests to the institution's impact on his career. He pursued a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance degree at Taylor's University, before enrolling in the ACCA Accelerate programme at Taylor's College to complete his remaining Strategic Professional level papers. Yap was also recognised as the champion of the Deloitte Tax Challenge Malaysia 2024 and received key accolades for the Advanced Financial Management exam in ACCA – including being ranked the top student in Malaysia and third globally for the exam's December 2024 sitting. 'I chose Taylor's because of its strong reputation in accounting programmes,' he said. 'The Bachelor of Accounting and Finance at Taylor's University is accredited by esteemed professional bodies, such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)-American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), among others. 'This recognition ensures that the programme meets international standards and prepares students for global career opportunities.' Yap shared that Taylor's industry-backed curriculum was also crucial in helping students develop real-world skills and competencies, enhancing student adaptability and employability in the interconnected job market. 'The ACCA Foundation in Accountancy (AFIA) programme is the ideal stepping stone for me to pursue my long-term goal of becoming an audit partner,' Lim said. 'The strong industry connections at Taylor's enabled me to expand my professional network and build meaningful relationships with professional leaders and future colleagues, even before joining the organisation,' he said. 'This early engagement proved invaluable as it provided me with a smooth transition into my career. 'Several subjects also offered current industry insights, equipping me with practical knowledge and preparing me for the realities of the corporate world, which ultimately empowered me to secure a position with a prestigious firm.' Structured academic pathways Meanwhile, current foundation student Ivan Lim Guok Yi shared that for prospective and current students, the accounting journey at Taylor's College begins with a clear roadmap and direct routes into the profession. 'The ACCA Foundation in Accountancy (AFIA) programme is the ideal stepping stone for me to pursue my long-term goal of becoming an audit partner. It is also a great launchpad if you're aiming to pursue ACCA,' said Lim. 'I chose AFIA because it is a faster route with just one year of foundation before taking around two-and-a-half years to complete the ACCA qualification. 'This route allows me to focus directly on accounting from the start and work towards my goal more efficiently because it is a globally recognised qualification that leads straight into a professional accounting career.' Lim shared that the supportive and student-focused learning environment also made it easier for him to stay focused on achieving his career goals. Aidil said Taylor's College lecturers always have time after class to help with any questions and the institution attracts talented and driven students, enabling him to learn and grow alongside them. 'I struggled at first to balance my studies and personal life. But studying at Taylor's College has helped me grow both personally and academically. I've become more confident, more disciplined with managing my time and better at solving problems,' he said. Holistic support Beyond the lecture halls, Young ACCA scholarship recipient Muhammad Aidil Iqbal, who formally studied Cambridge A Level at Taylor's College and is currently undertaking his ACCA, believes a high-quality curriculum is only truly effective when paired with comprehensive educational support. He explained that without such support, students can be held back, which is why the holistic support system at Taylor's is so vital for student success. 'The lecturers always have time for you after class to help you with any questions,' he said. 'My seniors are also so welcoming and always share their study materials with me. I am very grateful for the support from all my lecturers throughout my studies.' He said that the institution attracts talented and driven students, which enables him to learn and grow alongside them. Aidil added that there are countless study areas at the institution, providing students with relaxing spaces to study and catch up on their assignments. 'There's a variety of places you can use to study at Taylor's, such as the four-floor library, various study rooms and empty classrooms, and X-Space, a technology-rich classroom designed for flexible formal learning spaces,' Aidil shared. Accounting at Taylor's Taylor's College dedication to accounting excellence is demonstrated by its prestigious ACCA Platinum Approved Learning Partner status, the highest level of recognition from ACCA Global. This coveted status grants its students access to ACCA's extensive professional development resources and global networks, empowering them with critical skills and insights into the industry, which could drive their future career growth. Central to its mission, the college is dedicated to providing an environment that nurtures purpose-driven individuals, aiming to equip students with the necessary capabilities to excel in their educational journey, transition seamlessly to university and succeed in their future careers. Taylor's College offers a seamless transition pathway to ACCA, from pre-university foundation programmes such as AFIA, Cambridge A Level and AUSMAT, as well as diploma or bachelor's degrees in accounting-related fields. Learn more about Taylor's College and its ACCA offerings online or by visiting the Taylor's Lakeside Campus.
Rakyat Post
24-06-2025
- Business
- Rakyat Post
Taylor's Education Group Scales Climate Commitment Across 10 Schools & Campuses Across Southeast Asia
Subscribe to our FREE Taylor's Education Group (TEG) signalled its growing commitment to sustainability and climate action with coordinated, cross-border effort to embed environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles across its seven campuses in Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. At the recent Taylor's Environmental, Social and Governance (Taylor's ESG) Festival themed 'Embedding Impact: From Action to Culture' held at Taylor's Lakeside Campus, the group announces its latest efforts to institutionalise ESG across operations, education and campus life. According to UNESCO's 2024 report, Education and Climate Change: Learning to Act for People and Planet , while education plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable development and preparing future professionals, it remains largely absent from national climate and development strategies. At the same time, climate change is increasingly disrupting education itself. The same report highlights that over the past two decades, 75% of major climate-related disasters in low- and middle-income countries have resulted in school closures. Closer to home, Malaysia has experienced this firsthand. In recent years, floods, haze, and extreme heat have forced the temporary closure of schools—disrupting learning and underscoring the urgent need for climate-resilient education systems. These challenges underline the urgent need to embed sustainability into education—not only in what is taught, but also in how institutions are designed and run. Spanning three higher education institutions and six international schools across Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, TEG's ESG strategy is anchored on three key pillars: delivering measurable impact, creating sustainable learning environments and campuses, and embedding ESG principles into everyday operations. 'At Taylor's, we see sustainability as a core responsibility of a future-ready institution. Our efforts are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 on climate action. By embedding ESG into our campuses and daily operations, we are well positioned to strengthen our resilience to climate-related risks, contributing to the global net-zero movement, and nurturing a culture of sustainability in our students, staff, and leadership. This is about creating lasting impact – not just through policy, but through mindset and behaviour,' said Dato Loy Teik Ngan, Chairman of Taylor's Education Group. The first key focus of TEG's ESG strategy is the deployment of a centralised impact measurement dashboard, designed to track carbon emissions and sustainability performance across all its institutions in Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. This system positions every TEG campus to take ownership of their sustainability journey—using data to guide sustainable choices, track progress, and accelerate towards a regenerative tomorrow. It also ensures transparent reporting towards the Group's net-zero goals—building trust with stakeholders and aligning with global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and international climate standards. At the same time, it enriches teaching and learning by transforming campus data into living-lab opportunities for student research and innovation. The second key pillar of TEG's ESG strategy focuses on transforming campuses and schools into living examples of sustainability—where every classroom, commute, and kilowatt consumed reflects a strong commitment to a low-carbon future. This strategy aligns with the global principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) championed by UNESCO, embedding sustainability deeply into the culture and mindset of students, staff, and leadership. Central to this pillar are three key initiatives targeting classrooms, transport, and campus operations: The Green Classroom Initiative reduces environmental impact through recycled and sustainable furnishings, energy-efficient lighting, natural ventilation, and a strict no single-use plastic policy—while fostering sustainable habits. Programmes like Nexus International School's Forest Walk further embed environmental education through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. The Sustainable Transport Plan drives greener commuting by aiming to electrify shuttle fleets by 2030, expanding EV charging infrastructure, promoting carpooling, staggering class schedules, and optimising parking. Transport data is closely monitored and analysed through the impact measurement dashboard to ensure continuous improvement. The Net-Zero Energy Campus pilots strengthen the Group's climate action through British University Vietnam's EDGE certification—a globally recognised green building standard for resource-efficient design—alongside large-scale solar panel installations and Taylor's University's Thermal Energy Storage system, which reduces peak energy demand. These efforts are monitored via the impact measurement dashboard, while smart technologies further enhance campus-wide utility and waste efficiency. Building on these efforts, the group's third pillar ensures that sustainability is embedded into the very fabric of daily operations. The development of a Green Procurement Policy places strong emphasis on responsible procurement, which sets clear guidelines to prioritise products, services, and vendors that meet ethical, environmental, and social sustainability standards. From the products used in classrooms to services sourced for campus operations, TEG prioritises vendors and solutions that are ethical, sustainable, and low emission. Sustainability isn't just a target to meet; it's a mindset we nurture, a behaviour we model, and a culture we live every day. Our goal is not just to create sustainable campuses—but to inspire a generation that sees sustainability as second nature, wherever they go and whatever they do. Dato Loy Teik Ngan, Chairman of Taylor's Education Group. Taylor's ESG Festival brought together over 230 participants—including educators, students, corporate sustainability leaders, and social enterprises—in a vibrant celebration of ideas, action, and impact. The festival culminated in a panel discussion titled 'Shaping a Regenerative Future through Mindsets, Metrics and Movements,' moderated by Karl Engkvist, President of Taylor's Education Pte Ltd and Co-Chair of ESG at Taylor's Education Group. The session featured prominent ESG leaders Ng Tsu Mae, Head of Corporate Responsibility, CIMB Bank Berhad; Chook Yi Jean, Senior Manager, Sustainability Reporting & ESG Strategy, Pos Malaysia; and Benjamin Soh, Co-Founder & Managing Director of ESGpedia. The festival also featured an Impact Bazaar and hands-on workshops, spotlighting community-driven social enterprises and student-led sustainability initiatives—demonstrating how climate action can be tangible, localised, and inspiring. Taylor's ESG Festival marks an important step forward in embedding sustainability as a core part of campus culture, supporting and inspiring the next generation of change-makers across Southeast Asia. Go for more information. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Taylor's University ranked 253rd in QS World University Rankings
Taylor's University has once again strengthened its global standing, securing the 253rd spot in the QS World University Rankings 2026. This milestone reaffirms Taylor's as the top-ranked non-government-linked private university in Southeast Asia, and among the top 1% of universities worldwide. One of the university's standout achievements is its 92nd place globally for employer reputation, making it the highest-ranked private institution in Southeast Asia in this indicator. This aligns with findings from the Ministry of Higher Education's 2024 Graduate Tracer Study, which reported a 99.5% employability rate for Taylor's graduates—well above the national average of 92.5%. Taylor's also ranks 34th globally for its international student population, reflecting its success in cultivating a globally diverse and inclusive learning environment. 'As a modern progressive institution, we are committed to building world-class education driven by innovation and real-world impact. We are growing our student community, investing in staff, and advancing capabilities to address global challenges through industry partnerships, AI-powered learning, and purpose-driven innovation. In line with our aspirations to facilitate nation-building efforts, we aim to empower students to reach their full potential, align research with national priorities, and foster local and global partnerships that drive meaningful change. In doing so, we support Malaysia's efforts to develop talent and strengthen its position as an education hub in the region,' said Professor Barry Winn, Vice-Chancellor and President of Taylor's University. With this latest global recognition, Taylor's continues to push boundaries in shaping talent for Malaysia and beyond, supporting national goals while staying globally competitive.
