Global Immersion Field Trip: Taylor’s Pioneering Gastronomy Students Embark on a Transformative Journey in France

The pioneer cohort of the Master of Food Studies and Gastronomy, Taylor's Culinary Institute embarked on a transformative Global Immersion Field Trip to France from February 2–15, 2025. Joined by peers from the Master of International Hospitality Management programme under the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events. Over the course of two weeks, students explored the cities and towns of Toulouse, Foix, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, and Cahors, immersing themselves in the region’s rich culinary and gastronomic heritage. A key highlight of the trip was their visit to Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès (UT2J), where they were warmly welcomed by faculty members and students from Institut Supérieur du Tourisme, de l'Hôtellerie et de l'Alimentation (ISTHIA)-UT2J, fostering academic exchange and cross-cultural learning.

The field trip seamlessly blended academic theory with hands-on experiences, allowing students to explore renowned food and wine sites. Their itinerary included a vineyard tour in Cahors, visits to a central kitchen and a local cheese shop, and an immersive experience at a Truffle Market, where they gained deeper insights into France’s celebrated culinary traditions. They also participated in an academic conference on gastronomy and wine, engaging with current research and industry trends.

Beyond sightseeing, this experiential learning opportunity provided a practical application of their studies, enabling students to observe and analyze local food systems firsthand. With a focus on iconic elements of French gastronomy—cheese, truffles, and wine, they examined the complex interplay of production, distribution, marketing, and consumption. The trip further underscored the adaptability of food systems in addressing global challenges such as food security and sustainability.

This inaugural Global Immersion Field Trip not only broadened students’ academic perspectives but also deepened their appreciation for food culture, heritage, and innovation on a global scale. Through direct engagement with industry professionals and traditional producers, they returned with a profound understanding of the evolving global food landscape, reinforcing their role as future leaders in food studies and gastronomy.

Taylor’s Advertising Students Redefine Branding with Industry-Backed Innovations for DASHING & Enchanteur

Final-year students from Taylor’s University School of Media and Communication’s Advertising and Brand Management programme recently brought classroom concepts to life, transforming them into market-ready products through an exciting collaboration with renowned brands DASHING and Enchanteur. This initiative was part of the Advertising and Brand Management Collaborative Project module, led by Dr. Fahizah Shamsuddin. Over 14 weeks, students engaged directly with live client briefs, operating as a mock advertising agency to develop innovative branding solutions. Their dedication and creativity culminated in a final showcase, where industry experts evaluated their work.

One standout project involved six students, Iris, Mei Jing, Avelyn, Grace, Mung Roo, and Pei Ni, who introduced the “blind box” concept to revamp DASHING and Enchanteur Pocket Perfumes for a younger audience. This fresh and innovative approach resonated strongly with the brands that it was incorporated into their Gifting Campaign from December 2024 to January 2025. Marketing Manager for DASHING and Enchanteur, Devarshi Dalmia praised the students, stating: "Their energy and fresh take on consumer trends have truly inspired us. They didn’t just meet the brief; they redefined it."

To commemorate their achievements, Wipro Unza (M) Sdn. Bhd., hosted a recognition ceremony at their Subang office, attended by Ms. Jessica Loretta, Senior General Manager – HR, Wipro Unza, Mr. Philip Gan Chee Keat, Programme Director, Bachelor of Mass Communication, and Dr. Fahizah Shamsuddin, Programme Director, Advertising and Brand Management. As part of the collaboration, students received mentorship, resources, and industry guidance from partnering brands, along with support from their lecturers. Their outstanding efforts were rewarded with invaluable industry insights and a collective cash prize of RM10,000.

Head of the School of Media and Communication, Ms. Prema Ponnudurai, emphasized the initiative’s significance: "This collaboration bridges the gap between education and industry. By working with leading brands like DASHING and Enchanteur, our students gain real-world experiences that prepare them for success in advertising and brand management." This partnership exemplifies how fresh perspectives drive innovation, setting a benchmark for future collaborations between academia and industry.

Innovators in Education: Taylor’s University Students and Alumni Earn Top Awards at MaGIEx 2024

Students and alumni from Taylor’s University School of Education achieved outstanding recognition at the Malaysia Grand Invention Expo (MaGIEx) 2024. Postgraduate student Sandra Ng Wai Kim, along with alumni Selyne Lee Suet Fun and Tan Jun Ting, secured a Top 5 Award (Tertiary Inventors) and a Gold Medal for Tertiary Inventors for their innovative project, "Revolutionizing Teacher Training: Towards a Sustainable Innovation with Virtual Simulated Classrooms."

Presented virtually, their project focused on advancing teacher training through innovative teaching practices and digital education, emphasizing the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology to enhance learning experiences. The Malaysia Grand Invention Expo (MaGIEx), organized by Digit 360, Universiti Teknologi MARA, and Nusantara Training and Research, Indonesia, served as a platform to highlight cutting-edge pedagogical innovations and technology-driven education solutions.

Guided by Senior Lecturers Dr. P. Thivilojana and Dr. Tan Shin Yen from the School of Education, with contributions from Dr. Charles Sharma Naidu, Senior Lecturer from The Design School and Mr. Faisal Athar Mohd Fadzil, XR Specialist from VORTEX XR Lab, the project aligns with Taylor’s University’s Impact Lab – Education for All, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to inclusive and technology-enhanced teacher training.

The awards ceremony took place online on November 15, 2024, marking a significant milestone for Taylor’s University in shaping the future of education through digital transformation.