The School of Media and Communication at Taylor’s University proudly announces the renewal of its partnership with Qingdao Film Academy through the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 2020. This significant event was warmly welcomed by esteemed representatives from both institutions, including 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 and notable faculty members from Taylor's University.
Joining them were Ms. Su Wenjie, Executive Vice President, and Mr. Ren Xiao, Director of Joint Training Programmes, International Education Department, representing Qingdao Film Academy. During the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating “Through this collaboration with such an esteemed institution, School of Media & Communication (SOMAC) not only strengthens its position as a leader in film education and research but also opens up countless opportunities for our students and faculty.”
The renewed collaboration between SOMAC and Qingdao Film Academy would encompass a wide range of initiatives, including articulation, joint research initiatives, industry partnerships, academic exchange, and collaborative filmmaking frameworks in postgraduate research. Notably, academic staff from Qingdao Film Academy who pursued PhD in Media and Communication Studies since 2020 have successfully completed their PhD degrees, with some in progress towards completion.
The success of this partnership was attributed to the dedicated efforts of both institutions and their Programme Directors, Mr. Kok Jia Wern, Dr. Nur Haniz Mohd Nor from Taylor's University and Ms. Wu Tong from Qingdao Film Academy, whose commitment has ensured the seamless realization of this momentous partnership.
Through this collaborative efforts, both institutions aimed to foster a culture of creativity and experimentation, leveraging their combined expertise to explore new horizons in cinematic storytelling and technology. By sharing resources, knowledge, and best practices, SOMAC and Qingdao Film Academy aspired to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and researchers while contributing to the advancement of the global film industry. This collaborative approach will not only enhance educational experiences for students but also facilitate groundbreaking discoveries and transformative developments in the field of media and communication studies.