Issue 08 (Oct - Dec 2013) For Internal Circulation Only @ Taylor’s University SCHOLARS WITH A GREATER PURPOSE Carpe Diem – Seize the Day! Most of us who are reading this are fortunate to have the opportunity to attend university at least once in our lifetime. During these nal yet formative years before we enter the workforce is the time we build our self-condence through various goal-setting achievements and preparations for the world out there. In this context, the phrase “Carpe Diem” should be taken to mean acting now for the future and not merely relying on everything to fall into place in its time. Similarly one should not live life with reckless abandon and neglect one’s preparations for the future, as aptly put by Andy McIntyre, “if you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” In this issue I would like to bring to your attention a number of opportunities which were made available to scholars, active participants of clubs and societies and nal year students undergoing internship preparations and seeking employment opportunities. The highlight this time round is our Scholars@Work initiative whereby scholarship students are placed in various functional departments and project teams within Taylor’s University to gain work experience as well as take initiatives in making a positive impact towards the university and the community. Another conscientious effort which supports our university mission is the career support that is provided to students in their nal year and those preparing for internship. Networking and work opportunities abound in this quarter with the Sector Focused Career Fair and training workshops courtesy of many well-known industry-partner companies. Such avenues to equip oneself with the necessary tools and exposure are something not to be missed by students who aspire to be work-ready when they graduate. Also worth noting in this issue is the growing cultural diversity of students, through events such as the annual Global Youth Conference, the Clubs and Societies Recognition Night and the activities of Exchange Students. The campus life at Taylor’s truly reects a melting pot of excitement from many different countries. Given the social engagement of international students on campus, greater cultural integration takes place as students from all walks continue to nd common identities with one another. I hope these articles will inspire you to go further beyond your comfort zone, to better one’s self and the world around you. Take this opportunity to make it happen now and prepare yourself for the future. As I sign off this letter I would like to encourage you to do your best in whatever you do, push the limits of your abilities and give of yourself to the world around you, and who knows the good you may receive in return. Sincerely, Angela Pok Vice-President, Student Experience Taylor’s University 1 Highlights – Scholars@Work pg 3-6 • Scholars with a Greater Purpose • Scholars Assist in Campus Activities • Scholars Leadership Team • External Events Engagement • Scholars T-Shirt Design Competition • Scholars Party Hard Support University Mission pg 7-8 • Sector Focused Career Fair – A Collaboration with TalentCorp • Career Talks, Internship Preparations and Work Placements Learning Experience & Student Development pg 9-11 • Clubs and Societies Recognition Night • Global Youth Conference 2013 • Exchange Students Country Showcase Engagement with Community pg 12-13 • Taylor’s World Food Day 2.0 • Typhoon Haiyan Fundraiser • Christmas Cheer • Postgraduate Dinner Student Feedback pg 14 • Notes of Praise • Student Barometer Autumn Wave 2013 – Lucky Draw Prize Winner Active Lifestyle pg 15-17 • Embracing Diversity through Exchange Programmes • Mines Dodgeball Championship • MAPCU Dodgeball Tournament • MAPCU Squash Tournament • IPT – Universiti Malaysia Pahang 3-on-3 Basketball Staff Prole / Development / Engagement pg 18 • The Sweet Christmas • New Additions to SE Family EDITORIAL ADVISOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE PROJECT COORDINATOR 2 Angela Pok ([email protected]) Adrian Chong ([email protected]) Eddy Lim ([email protected]) Lisa Lim ([email protected]) Highlights - Scholars@Work Scholars with a Greater Purpose Taylor’s University is proud to lay claim that its scholars Those wondering just how many scholars there are are high-achievers, not just in the literal academic sense, inwork placements will be surprised to know that over but even so in terms of developing their all-roundedness 500 scholars are placed within 25 departments and through other accomplishments. As part of their special project/event teams in 2013. Within Student scholarship requirements, these students are not only Experience alone there are over 100 scholars placed expected to maintain their high grade point averages, within seven units such as Student Central, Student they are also requested to work under the Taylor’s Development Hub, International Student Services and the University brand as ambassadors in numerous roles International Ofce. within the university. Apart from gaining exposure to the workings of various Hence Scholars@Work is part of a development functional departments within Taylor’s, the scholars are programme where scholars are placed in departments of given ample opportunities in character development and their choice to work on or assist in activities and events. critical skills. Having self-initiative, creativity, charity and In turn the scholars are given the responsibility to go civic-consciousness, as well as team working and about performing tasks that are assigned to them. Their leadership skills would serve them well now and in their work ranges from administrative work, to events future endeavours. It is through these opportunities and organization and coordination, in departments such as experiences which these scholars often nd or rene their nance, library, national marketing, hostel management, calling and purpose in life. school academic services, enrolment and admission services, and merchandise shop – according to their strengths and potential. 3 Highlights - Scholars@Work Scholars Assist in Campus Activities Our scholars are truly brand ambassadors of Taylor’s through their voluntary work assisting in, and in some occasions, leading in numerous campus events and projects. With the guidance and direction of Student Experience advisors, they have successfully carried themselves well in enhancing the image of the university through extra-curricular participation. Among the work they have carried out include assisting as Orientation Leaders, supporting the Career and Employment Fairs, helping out in Taylor’s Convocations and Open Days, and facilitating in the School Mag Boot Camp event and the Mental Awareness Campaign. Orientation Party Scholars in full force Orientation Leaders Facilitating at the School Mag Boot Camp Serving the Alumni Booth at the Convocation Assisting at the Career and Employment Fair Scholars Leadership Team The Scholar Development Programme aims not only to enhance work exposure and develop brand ambassadors among the scholars, but to also involve them in active leadership roles in the programme. After its inception two year ago, a group of self-motivated scholars were engaged in October to help assist in coordinating and running this development programme, for the greater benet of their fellow and future scholars. The purpose statement of this leadership team is “building bridges through systematic engagement, instilling high-level motivation and greater sense of responsibility in every scholar”. Their roles as leaders are: • To monitor the development and involvement of fellow team members in the development programme • To provide support and guidance to team members • To foster healthy bonding among scholars • To provide a means of coordination and co-operation between scholars and with the university • To assist new scholars to integrate into this development programme The leadership team members were self-nominated and went through an interview process before being selected. The rst batch of the leadership 4 team was formed with 24 members, where they were assigned 50 to 70 members from the scholars’ community to work with. Highlights - Scholars@Work External Events Engagement Apart from on-campus events, our scholars have also made Taylor’s proud through their representation at external events and community service initiatives (CSI). These engagements range from attending ministry events to participating in charity drives to benet greater causes. Examples of their participation are in the One Million Women Purple Walk 2013, the “Green Movement” Gotong Royong by Taylor’s College Subang Jaya , the Malaysian Care Toy Library Stock Check and the Permata Seni Concert ). Such exposure to public events has undoubtedly provided scholars with a more wholesome experience of societal appreciation and giving. Permata Seni Concert Gotong Royong @ TCSJ Malaysian Care voluntary work. Scholars T-Shirt Design Competition The idea to give Scholars@Work their very own t-shirts was conceived in order to help them become easily identiable when they are at work on campus. For the past year the scholars have been seen wearing their white or black collared tees all over the campus. As the time came for a refresh from the old design, a new T-Shirt Design Competition was held in October where scholars chose a new look during the Scholars@Work Party. Their newly voted favourite this time reected a more serious look and task force