ADVOCACY
More Than Birdwatching
HUB 3 - Tourism for Environmental Protection (SDG#13)
Project Leader: Dr. Kalpana Das A/P Sawdesh Ranjan Das
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​An introductory overview of birdwatching as a hobby career in conservation, the importance of birds as a biodiversity index, and the importance of ecosystem and bird conservation. The main aim of this talk was advocacy to improve the education of learning outcomes of modules and to increase awareness with the improvement of student knowledge, attitude, and practices for environmental conservation among Taylor’s College and Taylor’s University student participation in various eco-tourism sites and events. Advocacy is pivotal to instilling connectedness to the intrinsic value of our natural heritage, which would lead to a change in human values, attitudes, and behavior to reduce activities that accelerate climate change and increase participation in activities that advocates mindfulness with nature in society.
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Impact and Outcome of this activity:
65 students, mainly from Taylor’s College and 7 students from Taylor’s University, attended the talk by Mr. Mark Ng, President of Wild Bird Club, Malaysia, at LT14 on the 21st of February between 10 am to 12 pm. Participants learned about some methods of identification of birds such as patterns, colors or plumage, the shape of the beak, colors on the throat, beak shape, and wingspan. Careers as a bird-watching guide to tourists posed as an attractive alternative career to some participants, with a fee of USD 1000 a day fetched or quoted by bird watching nature guides. Participants learned about the various native bird species as well as some exotic or introduced birds due to human activities, and climate change may
Part 1
More Than Birdwatching
HUB 3 - Tourism for Environmental Protection (SDG#13)
Project Leader: Dr. Kalpana Das A/P Sawdesh Ranjan Das
Date: 21st February 2023
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​An introductory overview of birdwatching as a hobby career in conservation, the importance of birds as a biodiversity index, and the importance of ecosystem and bird conservation. The main aim of this talk was advocacy to improve the education of learning outcomes of modules and to increase awareness with the improvement of student knowledge, attitude, and practices for environmental conservation among Taylor’s College and Taylor’s University student participation in various eco-tourism sites and events. Advocacy is pivotal to instilling connectedness to the intrinsic value of our natural heritage, which would lead to a change in human values, attitudes, and behavior to reduce activities that accelerate climate change and increase participation in activities that advocates mindfulness with nature in society.
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Impact and Outcome of this activity:
65 students, mainly from Taylor’s College and 7 students from Taylor’s University, attended the talk by Mr. Mark Ng, President of Wild Bird Club, Malaysia, at LT14 on the 21st of February between 10 am to 12 pm. Participants learned about some methods of identification of birds such as patterns, colors or plumage, the shape of the beak, colors on the throat, beak shape, and wingspan. Careers as a bird-watching guide to tourists posed as an attractive alternative career to some participants, with a fee of USD 1000 a day fetched or quoted by bird watching nature guides. Participants learned about the various native bird species as well as some exotic or introduced birds due to human activities, and climate change may
Part 2
Raptor Watch 2023
HUB 3 - Tourism for Environmental Protection (SDG#13)
Project Leader: Dr. Kalpana Das A/P Sawdesh Ranjan Das
Date: 11th March 2023
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The main aim of Raptor Watch was to raise public awareness about the conservation of raptors and their habitats. The event was a tremendous success, featuring a variety of activities such as guided tours, arts and crafts, and games for attendees to enjoy. Raptor Watch, now Malaysia's biggest and best eco-tourism event, serves as a signature event for the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS). The primary attraction was the magnificent raptors soaring around the iconic Cape Rachado lighthouse atop the hill. Raptor Watch allowed both students and the general public a unique opportunity to witness one of nature's most awe-inspiring spectacles. What began as a gathering of passionate individuals has now evolved into Malaysia's largest environmental event. Additional activities, including a beach cleanup and a mangrove tree planting initiative at Pantai Cermin, further contributed to the event's positive impact.
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Impact and Outcome of this activity:
Taylor’s College (TC) A-levels and SACEi students are able to demonstrate environmental citizenship and add the values of volunteerism to character building and their personal statements for university application. Taylor’s College students can have more impactful learning outcomes in understanding the abiotic and biotic components of three different ecosystems, namely forest, mangrove, and coastal, at Tanjong Tuan, Melaka.
ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Training & Education (APTTTEN) Forum 23
Panel Discussion I
Upscaling World Class Research & Social Services for Learning Experiences
Invited Speaker: Prof. Dr. S. Mostafa Rasoolimanesh
Date: 9th May 2023
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On 9th May 2023, the ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Training & Education (APTTTEN) Forum 23 took place in a hybrid format, combining in-person attendance in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, and virtual participation via the Zoom platform. The event, which ran from 8:30am to 3:30pm (GMT+7), was organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia and NHI Bandung Tourism Polytechnic.
One of the highlights of the forum was Panel Discussion 1 (9.00am - 9.45am), titled "Upscaling World Class Research & Social Services for Learning Experiences." moderated by HILDIKTIPARI (Himpunan Lembaga Pendidikan Tinggi Pariwisata Indonesia). Esteemed panelists included Prof. Dr. Alexandra J. Kenyon from University Vitez, Bosnia, Prof. Dr. Seyyed Mostafa Rasoolimanesh from Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Taylor's University Malaysia, and Hera Oktadiana, Ph.D., from James Cook University Australia.
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As the second panelist, Prof. Dr. Seyyed Mostafa Rasoolimanesh presented his insights on this topic which highlighted the vital role of interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships between various stakeholders, including tourists, local communities, businesses, and governments. He also proposed the use of innovative and creative approaches to research project design and implementation, experimental research methodologies for behavioral studies, and the utilization of big data analytics. he stressed the necessity for impactful research that takes into account the effects on society, communities, and industries.
ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Training & Education (APTTTEN) Forum 23
Panel Discussion II
New Learning Experiences Capabilities: Transformation of Digital Maturity, Greenovation, Generation Lifestyle
Invited Speaker: Dr. Rupam Konar
Date: 9th May 2023
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Panel Discussion II (10.00am - 10.45am), at the ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Training & Education (APTTTEN) Forum 23, titled "New Learning Experiences Capabilities: Transformation of Digital Maturity, Greenovation, Generation Lifestyle," was moderated by NHI Bandung Polytechnic of Tourism. Esteemed panelists included Prof. Dr. Diena Mutiara Lemy from Tourism Universitas Pelita Haripan and HILDIKTIPARI, Dr. A.H. Galih Kusumah, MM.,CHE, and Dr. Rupam Konar from Taylor's University Malaysia.
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Dr. Rupam Konar, the third panelist, presented on "Digital Maturity, Greenovation, and Generation Lifestyle on the Future of Education: Perspectives from Taylor’s University, Malaysia." He discussed the transformative effects of these three critical areas on learning and skill development. Emphasizing the increasing demand for lifelong learning and the continuous upskilling and reskilling needed to keep pace with rapid changes in technology, society, and the economy, He also highlighted the expansion of learning beyond classroom walls.
Global Trends and Issues in Academic Research: Hospitality and Tourism
Globalizing Research: Opportunities and Challenges in Adapting New Trends
Invited Speaker: Dr. Jeetesh Kumar
Date: 25th May 2023
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The College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Philippines, conducted the third Tourism and Hospitality Research Colloquium on May 25, 2023, in a hybrid setup with the theme "Globalizing Research: Opportunities and Challenges in Adapting New Trends". Dr. Jeetesh Kumar from the School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Taylor's University, Malaysia, was invited as a resource speaker. Where Dr. Jeetesh presented his insights on the topic "Global Trends and Issues in Academic Research: Hospitality and Tourism". He highlighted from sustainability to technological advancements, and the presentation explored vital topics shaping the industry's future.
Driven by a growing focus on sustainable practices, researchers are working to minimize environmental impact and preserve cultural heritage. Technological advancements are revolutionizing customer experiences, with AI, VR, and blockchain leading the way. Understanding consumer behaviour and enhancing destination marketing are also vital areas of research. Crisis management, cultural heritage, and the economic impact of tourism were other significant topics discussed. As researchers strive to shape the industry's sustainable and resilient future, exciting times lie ahead.
Collaboration with WWF to launch Climate Communication Challenge (CCC)
HUB 3 - Tourism for Environmental Protection (SDG#13)
Team Members: Ms. Azreena Binti Azman, Ms. Salina Mohd Farid, Dr. Kalpana Das, Dr. Thanam Subramaniam
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The collaboration aims to partner with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to launch the Climate Communication Challenge (CCC). This initiative is designed to enhance tertiary students' knowledge, awareness, and competency regarding possible Net Zero Pathways for Malaysia, as part of efforts to mitigate climate change. The aim of this competition is to encourage students to utilize their knowledge, expertise, creativities, and capabilities as well as leverage their skills to actively promote climate action through digital content creation communication amongst youth and urban consumers to help achieve ‘Securing Our Future: Net Zero Pathways for Malaysia' by 2050 according to 12th Malaysia Plan.
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Aishah Sabrina Binti Abdul Jalal, Senior Programme Officer at WWF, will launch the CCC during 15-minute presentations given to Taylor’s College students in their English as An Additional Language (EAL) class.
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Additionally, a WWF booth will be set up, where copies of WWF publications will be displayed. The booth will also serve to introduce the CCC to the Taylor's University (TU) community.
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Impact and Outcome of this activity:
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122 students of the SACE International students of the EAL module were encouraged to register for the CCC challenge to showcase their talent in music or video for Tik Tok on other platforms on the 31st May and 8th June 2023. Participants would receive training to prepare accurate content and effective communication methods to attract their target audience on social media. The students were enticed by the cash prizes and the e-certificate for all participants.
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The webinars and content creation workshops would prepare the participants for content creation as well as technical writing to communicate to a specific target audience as well as hone their writing skills for the module.
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The WWF booth which was set up at the walkaway near the Student Life Center on the 8th June from 10 to 4pm drew large crowds as students responded to questions on nature’s trivia to win WWF merchandise.
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WWF also received some early registrations for the CCC of their target of 1000 submissions
How Can You Cultivate a Healthy and Productive Supervisor-Student Relationship?
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How Can You Cultivate a Healthy and Productive Supervisor-Student Relationship?
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Invited Speaker: Dr. Jeetesh Kumar
Date: 13th September 2023
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On 13th September 2023, Dr. Jeetesh Kumar was invited as a guest speaker to the session entitled: How can you cultivate a healthy and productive supervisor-student relationship? Organized by Centre for academic learning writing & support services (CALWASS), Bahria University, Pakistan. The 70-minute session, hosted by Dr. Haider Shah, featured a Q&A segment with Dr. Jeetesh, focusing on efficient supervisor-supervisee relationships that promote well-being and maximize productivity. The questions cover various topics related to supervisor-student relationships in an academic context. The session concluded with tips and advice from Dr. Jeetesh, aimed at early-career researchers, Ph.D. students, and academicians who have begun supervising postgraduate students.