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!