Cocoa Chronicles: Embark on a Sustainable Farm-to-Bar Chocolate Experience

The School of Food Studies and Gastronomy (SFSG) recently organized a field study trip to Lee’s Cocoa Farm in Kampung Batu Lapan, Tanjong Sepat, Selangor. The tour, themed "Embark on a Sustainable Farm-to-Bar Chocolate Experience," was designed for students in the Bachelor of Patisserie Arts and Bachelor of Culinary Management programmes, specifically focusing on the Chocolate & Confectionary and International Cuisine modules.

Lee’s Cocoa Farm, a notable example of sustainable farming, showcases the dedication of Mr. Lee to high-quality chocolate production. Starting in the 1970s, Lee worked on his family’s cocoa farm until economic challenges and the rise of oil palm cultivation forced a shift in crops. However, inspired by a visit to a cacao farm in Taiwan, Lee decided to revitalize the family’s old farm, converting 3.24 hectares of oil palm land back into cocoa cultivation. Despite setbacks like pest infestations, Lee successfully implemented organic farming methods and now grows a variety of crops, including vanilla and fruits, alongside his 2,000 cocoa trees.

The farm tour provided students with an enriching, hands-on learning experience. Activities included exploring the historical and cultural significance of cocoa, harvesting cocoa pods, and tasting fresh cocoa fruit. Students also gained insight into the crucial fermentation process, which is essential for flavor development, and learned how to differentiate between real and imitation chocolate. They toured the production line, witnessing firsthand how cocoa beans are transformed into chocolate bars, and sampled cocoa nibs to better understand their role and benefits in chocolate-making.

Overall, the Lee’s Cocoa Farm tour aligned perfectly with the educational objectives of the Bachelor of Patisserie Arts and Bachelor of Culinary Management programmes. It provided students with an immersive experience, deepening their understanding of the entire chocolate-making process while emphasizing the importance of sustainable farming practices. This field trip not only enhanced their technical knowledge but also sparked a deeper appreciation for the art and science behind chocolate production.

Behind the Luxury: An Insider’s Journey into Imperial Lexis Hotel Operations

Students from the Diploma in Hotel Management programme had valuable insights into the operations and structure of managing a luxury hotel. Mr. Kelvin Wong, the Operations Manager, Lexis Hotel Group and his team hosted the group. Following this, Mr. Khairul Mohamed, the Human Resources Manager, Imperial Lexis Kuala Lumpur presented the organizational structure of Lexis Hotel Group, including the prestigious Imperial Lexis Kuala Lumpur. He also provided a comprehensive overview of the hotel’s luxurious room types and suites, highlighting key features such as plush king-size beds and in-room pools. In addition, Mr. Khairul underscored Lexis Hotel's commitment to sustainability practices.

The visit commenced with a tour of the various guest rooms and suites, giving students a firsthand look at the luxurious accommodations the hotel offers. This included an in-depth exploration of the distinctive features that set Imperial Lexis apart, such as spacious layouts, plush king-size beds, and the private pools available in select rooms.

The tour continued through the hotel’s dining venues, with a special stop at the Satellite Restaurant & Bar, located on the 53rd floor, offering breathtaking views of the Petronas Twin Towers. Here, students enjoyed refreshing mocktails and participated in an interactive mixology session led by the restaurant’s skilled bartender.

The visit concluded with a group photo, marking the end of an educational and engaging experience for the students, leaving them with valuable insights into luxury hotel management.

Nurturing Cinematic Talent: Taylor’s University and Golden Screen Cinemas Forge Strategic Partnership to Inspire Future Filmmakers

Taylor’s University, School of Media & Communication, and leading cinema exhibitor Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) announced a collaborative partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony. GSC has consistently championed local films with its #GSCKeepingitREEL efforts, co-producing and advocating for local titles to elevate the film landscape. This partnership aimed to nurture future talent in the film industry, ensuring students acquired essential skills and had opportunities to showcase their creativity.

The event was warmly welcomed by esteemed representatives from both organizations. Leading the delegation from Golden Screen Cinemas were Ms. Koh Mei Lee, Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. Shirley Low, Chief Marketing Officer. Representing Taylor's University were Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management, Ms. Prema Ponnudurai, Head of the School of Media & Communication, along with other notable faculty members.

“This partnership with GSC marks a significant milestone for the School of Media and Communication, combining academic rigor with industry exposure. It equips students not only with creative filmmaking skills but also with a deep understanding of its financial and entrepreneurial aspects. Together, Taylor’s University and GSC aim to cultivate a new generation of innovative and financially savvy media professionals ready to lead the film industry,” said Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan.

Ms. Koh Mei Lee added, “GSC has consistently supported the growth of the local film industry by investing in and promoting local titles, which has led to improved content quality. Through our partnership with Taylor’s University, GSC remains committed to empowering the talents who will shape the future of our local film industry through the #GSCKeepingitREEL programme.”

The collaboration includes a range of initiatives benefiting students from the Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) (Digital Media Production) programme, such as in-depth mentorship sessions, interactive workshops led by GSC representatives, guest lectures by industry partners, film screenings at GSC locations, and internship opportunities. These mentorships and workshops align with the students’ syllabus, covering relevant topics like pitching and scriptwriting.

Launching the MoU initiatives, a panel session titled ‘Elevating Malaysian Cinema: Nurturing Talent, Quality, and Opportunity for the Next Gen’ featured industry leaders, including Mr. Tung Yow Kong, Chief Operating Officer of GSC Movies; Mr. Adrian Teh, Director, Producer, and Writer; Ms. Shamin Yusof, Film Producer of Skop Productions Sdn Bhd; and Mr. Kok Jia Wern, Programme Director at Taylor’s University. They provided invaluable insights into the industry.

As part of its ongoing initiatives, GSC supports the local film industry by providing opportunities and co-productions aimed at elevating homegrown talent. In June 2024, aspiring filmmakers showcased their short films at GSC Starling Mall during the Taylor’s University Film Festival, celebrating emerging talents. Additionally, during Taylor’s Professional Development Week, students gained valuable industry insights from the GSC team. GSC International Screens also launched the Malaysia Animation Film Festival (MAFF) in 2023, providing a platform for local animators. The festival will return for its second edition in October 2024, continuing GSC’s support for the animation industry.

Stay tuned to Taylor’s University’s and GSC’s social media channels to find out more about the upcoming workshops and mentoring sessions!