Forging Global Connections: Taylor’s Culinary Institute Formalizes MOU with Peru’s CENFOTUR for Educational Partnerships

Taylor’s Culinary Institute proudly announced a monumental step in global collaboration. On November 13, 2024, at an official ceremony in Lima, Peru, Taylor’s Culinary Institute formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CENFOTUR (Peru’s National Center for Tourism Training), heralding a historic moment in international education.

This landmark partnership is dedicated to advancing excellence in culinary, hospitality, and tourism education through student and faculty exchange programmes, collaborative workshops, and joint research initiatives. The agreement reflects a shared vision between Taylor’s University and CENFOTUR to elevate industry standards and deliver transformative learning experiences.

The ceremonial exchange of the MOU, conducted in the esteemed presence of the Prime Minister of Malaysia and the President of Peru, underscores the diplomatic and educational significance of this collaboration. This high-level acknowledgment highlights the role of cultural exchange in cultivating global leaders within the culinary and tourism sectors.

Taylor’s University is committed to global engagement and academic excellence, and this partnership reinforces its dedication to fostering meaningful international connections. Taylor’s Culinary Institute is enthusiastic about this journey with CENFOTUR and anticipates the innovative opportunities this collaboration will bring to its students and faculty.

Key Initiatives Under the MOU:

• Student Exchange Programmes: Offering immersive experiences in diverse culinary traditions and professional environments.

• Faculty Development: Facilitating cross-cultural teaching opportunities and collaborative learning.

• Joint Research: Pioneering sustainable approaches to culinary and hospitality practices.

Taylor’s Culinary Institute remains steadfast in its mission to inspire excellence and innovation in culinary and hospitality education. This partnership with CENFOTUR marks the beginning of a new chapter in global collaboration in South America, paving the way for lasting benefits for students, faculty, and the broader industry. We look forward to sharing updates on this exciting collaboration and invite you to stay connected as we achieve new milestones on the global stage.

Charting the Future of Media: Taylor’s 8th International SEARCH Conference 2024 on Media Evolution, Sustainability & Disruption

In response to the evolving media and communication landscape, Taylor’s University’s School of Media and Communication hosted its 8th International SEARCH Conference 2024. Themed "Media Evolution: Navigating Sustainability and Disruption in a Dynamic World," the event focused on how technological advancements are reshaping the industry and its future trajectory.

The two-day conference brought together over 150 academic thought leaders, industry experts, and media professionals from eight Asian countries. It delved into critical sub-themes such as Media and Technological Disruptions, Sustainable Practices in Media and Culture, Media Literacy and Resilience in a Disruptive Era, and Ethics and Relations Management in Disruptive Media.

Officiated by YB Tuan Ahmad Fahmi bin Mohamed Fadzil, Malaysia’s Minister of Communications, the conference marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration between academia and the media industry. Ms. Prema Ponnudurai, Chairperson of the SEARCH Conference and Head of the School of Media and Communication at Taylor’s University, highlighted that the event served as a platform for collective contributions and insights. These not only enriched participants' knowledge but also fostered global dialogue to address contemporary challenges.

The discussions were further enhanced by a keynote address from renowned scholar Professor Dr. Stephen M. Croucher, President of the World Communication Association. Over 70 scholarly papers were presented by 106 researchers, covering a wide array of topics in media and communication. Meanwhile, Industry Borak sessions elevated the dialogue, featuring leaders from global media organizations who shared insights on topics such as AI’s impact on journalism and the evolving role of media in society, governance, and global culture. Notable panelists included Deborah Steele, Director of News at the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union; Kiron Kesav, Chief Strategy Officer at Omnicom Media Group; and Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri Syed Izman, Head of Audio Visual at BERNAMA News Agency.

Now in its 8th edition, the International SEARCH Conference has established itself as one of the premier platforms for media and communication scholars and industry experts. It facilitates the exchange of ideas, the presentation of research findings, and discussions on emerging industry trends. The conference also offered ample networking opportunities, enabling participants to forge meaningful collaborations that extend beyond the event.

The success of the conference further underscores Taylor’s University’s commitment to advancing the media and communication sector. The ideas and discussions generated during the event are expected to inspire innovation and shape the future of the industry for years to come.

A Dynamic Trio: Celebrating the Appointment of Our Programme Directors Driving Excellence in Hospitality, Tourism & Events

The School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Events at Taylor’s University continues to elevate its academic and industry standing through the exceptional leadership of its Programme Directors. Their unwavering dedication, profound expertise, and innovative approaches drive our programmes to new heights of excellence and global distinction. Together, these visionary leaders are shaping the future of education and research in hospitality, tourism, and events. By fostering innovation, forging industry partnerships, and inspiring the next generation of professionals, they uphold Taylor’s University’s reputation as a leader in transformative education.

Dr. Anshul Garg, Programme Director – Master of International Hospitality Management (MIHM) & Master of Global Hospitality Management (MGHM) (ODL Mode)

He brings a distinguished career that bridges the worlds of academia and industry. Renowned for his extensive professional network and collaborative approach, Dr. Anshul has been instrumental in establishing successful transnational education partnerships in Nepal and the Maldives. A prolific researcher, he specializes in cutting-edge topics such as service technologies, robotics and AI, and service quality, with numerous publications in prestigious journals and books. He actively supervises doctoral students, fostering academic excellence and innovation. Beyond academia, Dr. Anshul is a prominent thought leader, conducting workshops and webinars worldwide, and serving as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal on Hospitality and Tourism Research (IJHTR). His active involvement in professional organizations further cements his influence in the hospitality field.

Dr. Khairiah Binti Ismail, Programme Director – Bachelor of International Events Management (Hons.)

She is a visionary academic leader dedicated to cultivating future leaders in the dynamic events industry. As an Internal Auditor and School Quality Assurance Officer, she ensures the highest academic standards across all programmes. Her pivotal role as Coordinator for Industry Immersion has strengthened industry partnerships, creating valuable opportunities for experiential learning. Dr. Khairiah’s expertise extends to coordinating internships and work-based learning initiatives, equipping students with the skills and experience necessary to excel in the field. Her leadership of the ELITE Programme reflects her commitment to holistic student development, ensuring that graduates are prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.

Dr. Thanam A/P Subramaniam, Programme Director – Bachelor of International Tourism Management (Hons.)

She is a trailblazer in tourism education and research, with a multifaceted role that enhances the School’s academic and community impact. As Hub Leader for the Sustainable Tourism Impact Lab, she leads initiatives that drive sustainable and ethical tourism practices. Her expertise as an APEL.C Assessor and Moderator ensures inclusive and flexible learning pathways for students, while her contributions to the Ethics Committee and external examiner roles uphold academic integrity and excellence. Dr. Thanam’s commitment to community engagement is exemplified by her work with PATA MTSC and other initiatives focused on social and community development. Her leadership exemplifies the integration of academic rigor and impactful community practices, positioning Taylor’s University at the forefront of sustainable tourism education.

These three Programme Directors epitomize the values of academic excellence, industry relevance, and innovation. Their collective expertise and unwavering passion not only uphold the School’s distinguished legacy but also forge a transformative path for the future. By exemplifying the perfect synergy between academic rigor and industry engagement, their leadership continues to drive progress, reinforcing Taylor’s University’s position as a global leader in hospitality, tourism, and events education.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Lisa Tung Pei Pei for her dedicated service as Programme Director for the Bachelor of International Events Management (Hons.) and Bachelor of International Tourism Management (Hons.). Her leadership was instrumental to their success. As she assumes her new role as Head of Learning & Teaching for the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management (FSLM), we wish her continued success and look forward to her ongoing contributions.

Join us in celebrating their remarkable achievements as they inspire excellence and redefine the future of education in these dynamic fields.