Issue 09 (Jan- Mar 2014) For Internal Circulation Only Lead by Inspiration advisor’s letter Be Inspired in 2014 s we enter a new year, we find ourselves reflecting on the memorable moments that define who we are and what we have accomplished in the past year. Moving forward, we too, aspire to conquer new heights, pick up something new, or better ourselves in one way or another. This aspiration comes from theA influences of and inspiration from other students, staff, role models and past experiences, that help us come up with new ideas and challenges. Much potential and possibilities lie ahead of us to explore, to make ourselves better. As Williams Shakespeare aptly puts it… “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” While 2014 signifies a return for existing and progressing students, it also marks a new beginning for freshmen at Taylor’s. Hence, it is important for new students to start off their study experience on the right footing, especially new international students who are making Taylor’s and Malaysia their new home away from home for the next few years. With this in mind, Student Experience have enlisted the help of numerous student ambassadors and leaders for the purpose of engaging freshmen throughout the Orientation Programme. The Orientation Programme is vital in boosting new students’ confidence and know-how, in inspiring and leading them to finding their way through their first year at Taylor’s. I encourage you to read on to find out how our student ambassadors and leaders have been inspirational in enhancing the first year experience for new students. In this issue you will discover a variety of programmes that range from social integration activities to purposeful projects benefitting charities; those focusing on networking and student development; and also on cultural exchange and learning. On the sports front, I would like to acknowledge the achievements by our sportsmen and women who have made great strides in championing Taylor’s at major sports tournaments. At the end of the day, it is “for” and “because of” the students who make our work at Student Experience meaningful and inspiring. It is rewarding in itself to see flowers bloom from little buds, or to witness eagles take flight. The SE department merely provides the support and avenues for student development, while it is the students themselves who make the accomplishments and exciting experiences possible. Be inspired as you read on, and explore your opportunities for greater personal and professional development through Student Experience. Go forth and fulfil your potential! Sincerely, Angela Pok Vice-President, Student Experience Taylor’s University 1 contents highlights - orientation pg 3 - 6 • Commence with Taylor's! • International Students’ Warm Welcome • Day Tripper to KL support university mission pg 7 - 8 • Five Taylor’s Teams Brewing a Storm for L’Oréal • Driving Gen-Y Employability • Counselling and Psychological Services Centre Open Day • Professional Networking and Exchange at the Asia-Pacific Level learning experience & student development pg 9 • Student Council Visitations and Networking Events • New Board for Postgraduate Student Council engagement with community pg 10 • AIESEC Community Efforts - Tech4All and RAWR global mobility pg 11 - 14 • Hansung University - Learning English with a Dose of Culture at Taylor’s • Newfound Friends from Lidköping University Came A-Calling! • A Cultural Experience for our German Friends • Manchester Metropolitan University on Malaysia’s Tourism Branding • Japanese Interns’ Experience at Taylor’s University student feedback pg 14 • Notes of Praise active lifestyle pg 15 - 16 • Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Fiesta • SUKIPT Games - Top 8 Overall Achievement • MAPCU Netball at Taylor’s - Four-peat! • MMU Tennis Event Breakthrough staff profile / development / engagement pg 17 - 18 • Student Experience Welcomes the Year of the Horse! • New Addition to SE Family • New Creative Director EDITORIAL ADVISOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE PROJECT COORDINATOR Angela Pok ([email protected]) Adrian Chong ([email protected]) Ong Quang Lin ([email protected]) Lisa Lim ([email protected]) 2 Highlights - Orientation Commence with Taylor's! Student Council members with the new cohort of students during the Orientation Day n ushering the year 2014, a new cohort of Taylor’s University To best prepare the Orientation Leaders in engaging the students were welcomed during the Integrated Orientation freshmen, Student Development Hub held an Orientation programme. In anticipation of the new students’ arrival, and to Leaders Camp with the theme “Lead, Love & Serve.” The Iprovide them with an Awesome Customer Experience (ACE), 55 participants of the camp truly appreciated the sessions, which Orientation Leaders were enlisted to provide support to and ease guided the discovery of their personality types; explored the new students’ transition into university life. deeper meaning of serving one another and the importance of teamwork. One can imagine the inspired Orientation Leaders as they rolled out from the camp, ready to receive the new students! The Orientation Leaders hosted 366 Foundation and Diploma students during the February intake and 1,509 new Diploma and Degree students for the March intakes. Other engaging activities for Orientation include Campus Hunt, Safety Workshop, Clubs and Societies Day and Orientation Parties themed “Childhood Fantasy” for February intake and “Bohemian Nights” for the combined March intakes. Freshmen were also introduced to an array of student-driven activities during their first months at Taylor’s. For the February intake, 26 Student Organisations participated in the Clubs and Societies Day to recruit members for their organisations whereas the March intakes’ instalment drew the involvement of 43 Student Organisations and recorded the patronage of 1,340 new and existing students. To top it off, the Student Council representatives also made it a point to organise meet and greet sessions with new students from the two intakes. The “Get 2 Know Student Council” sessions were definitely a proactive way to make known the council’s presence as the voice of students on campus. Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Dato’ Dr Hassan Said giving a welcome address 3 Highlights - Orientation Freshmen participating in the Safety Workshop Students participating in the Campus Hunt The Dodgeball Team with their game face on at the Clubs and Societies Day We're all set for Orientation The Buddhist Society mascot The Anime Society all geared up during the photographed with a student Clubs and Societies Day during the Clubs and Societies Day Identifying personalities Ready to serve These are our findings... 4 Freshmen ready to rock the Orientation Party Highlights - Orientation International Students’ Warm Welcome elcome Receptions are specially During the larger intakes, a Welcome Party organised by the International was also hosted by the BBC to provide new Student Services (ISS) during international students the opportunity to Wthe start of intakes to welcome new mingle and network with other international international students to Taylor’s University. students. Some light-hearted ice breaking These informative sessions are held every games were organised to help make the Friday to give new international students newcomers more comfortable around the opportunity to meet support staff and one another. This time, as the Welcome student leaders who help ensure the well- Party coincided with Chinese New Year being of the students. celebrations, students were also treated to Yee Sang (raw fish), mandarin oranges and Among the vital presentations that students traditional Chinese cookies. take away from the sessions are an overview of Malaysian culture and living, Overall, representatives from ISS, IO, HSC, important visa endorsement and renewal BBC and TUISC have been reaching out matters by International Office (IO), and to new international students to reassure health insurance information by Health them that a support system is ever-present Services Centre (HSC) to better prepare to assist international students in times of new students for their stay here in Malaysia. needs, be it social, security, medical or visa The international students who attend the support. briefings also get to converse with senior students from the Best Buddies Connect Note: International students, who wish to (BBC) and Taylor’s University International know more about the Welcome Receptions, Student Council (TUISC). Chatting with or to attend it, should contact ISS at iss@ experienced senior students has helped taylors.edu.my. them learn first-hand what it is like settling into a new campus, city and country. Mixing the Yee Sang The international students trying Yee Sang for the first time BBC and new international students mingling during the party 5 Highlights - Orientation Students attempting to purchase LRT tickets Day Tripper to KL BC, with the support of ISS and TUISC, brought new international students for a day out to Kuala Lumpur in the “KL Fun Trip.” Held in the month of March, these trips which usually occur four times a year Bare organised at the start of major intakes throughout the year. This time around, participants were brought to KL Sentral to learn about the different modes of public transportation available to them. Under the guidance of the Best Buddies Leaders and representative from TUISC, it was also the first attempt by most of them in purchasing tickets and commuting by LRT to Central Market. Once there, the students browsed through local handicrafts and artworks as well as sampled local food and titbits. The next LRT stop was KLCC where the students took in the sights (and Mixing the Yee Sang photo opportunities) around the KLCC Park and with the Petronas Twin Towers. The trip concluded with shopping till their hearts’ content and a bus ride back to the Lakeside Campus. To look out for similar trips which coincide with the University Orientation activities for international students, LIKE our BBC Facebook Page: www.