Tazette : Issue Five

Feature:

Behind The Scenes @ The Student Development Hub

The Student Development Hub is a small but effective sub-organisation in Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus with the purpose of helping students develop outside classroom skills with exciting initiatives relating to leadership, community services and character development. Tazette writer Samantha Chow delves deep into what empowers the motivated men and women in this department to see the success of students at Taylor’s University.

Ms Jayvien Lau, Manager of Student Development and International Student Services

What does your job in the Student Development department entail?

Our focus area is to develop leadership, community and character in all students. The leadership qualities we want to develop in students are communication, management and motivation while under the community service we look into the youth factor and also social responsibility and voluntarism. Character development is into the emotional challenges, self-esteem and also passion which is very important as it is where you learn to give your best in every area.

What is the most interesting aspect of your job?

The most interesting aspect is the youth engagement where we can come up with various ways to engage students. For example we came up with LEAD @ Taylor’s University which is very interesting. It’s a tailor-made 40-hour program outside the classroom. We bring in motivational speakers, team building and guide the students to do leadership projects. It’s a very out-of-the-box program to cater for the students of Taylor’s University.

What inspires you to come in to work?

I have a very good team. Every morning when I come to work, I don’t see it just as work but more like sharing my life with people that I enjoy going through the journey of achieving our common dreams. We have the same path and goals and are going through the same direction, which is very uplifting.

Do you have anything to say to the students of Taylor’s?

There may be certain issues that Taylor’s students are uncomfortable about such as the car park issue, but at the end of the day when you come to the university it’s more about the opportunities that are given to apply your knowledge and develop yourself to a better level. Because ten years down the road on you won’t remember the car park problems but the friends that you have made and the experience you have gone through together in the projects. Make the most of your journey and do not waste it.

**

Ms Faith Yeo, Executive of Student Development

What does your job in the Student Development department entail?

I handle clubs and societies. I also organize and co-ordinate orientation events, for example recently in July when we had a new intake.

What do you find most interesting about your job?

I get to see and understand the student lives, cultures and generation differences. I can discover new and different things about students’ creativity skills and the interesting way that they think.

One of the most interesting things that I’ve discovered working here is during the Hallyu festival by the K-Gen society where they have very excited fans shouting and screaming even though they are just showing a music video, which is something that I’ve never seen before. The Anime Society has also organized cosplay and crossplay events; their costumes are interesting but cost a lot.

Do you have a personal motto?

My personal motto is “To be the light and sword”. I want students to have a better life and to live life to their fullest. I want to help them achieve their full potential and hopefully to make use of their talents and achieve their dreams. And also to keep myself young (laughs).

Do you have anything to say to the students of Taylor’s?

Be consistent and wise in making decisions. I did some research about generational differences and according to one research by motivational speaker Tim Elmore, there are five out of seven life decisions you will make in college.

**

Mr Janaronson Nagarajah (Ronson), Executive of Student Development

What does your job in the Student Development department entail?

Basically I oversee certain clubs and societies. I also specialise in leadership programs and events such as LEAD and student council.

What do you find most interesting about your job?

I get to talk students like you, and work with them. I am also glad to be able to do events that are significant and impactful to students. For example at the LEAD program we had four inspiring speakers who came in to speak to the students. At the end of the day I get fulfilment hearing from students that these events have impacted them.

What inspires you to come to work every day?

To be able to see students change for the good.

Students have also come out to me to share their personal problems. It is the things that are beyond my job scope, such as regarding their personal choices. To be able to be there to listen to their problems and give my input, I guess that brings a lot of added value to my job here.

Do you have anything to say to the students of Taylor’s?

Don’t just come to college with the intention to have a degree. Studying and getting a HD does not necessarily equate to a successful life. I hope that they can be more involved in events and more interested to organise events. When you graduate you should not just graduate with a degree, but with interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. It is a wholesome experience to gain confidence and achieve your goal in life.

**

Mr Albert Ling, Executive of Student Development

What does your job in the Student Development department entail?

I oversee the community service, as well as activities done by Clubs and Societies. We also organize outings to visit NGOs and community services. My job is basically to instil the heart of community service and encourage people to be more generous.

Do you have any memorable stories to share working here at Taylor’s?

The most memorable would be my first community project which was the soft launch of Make A Wish Malaysia. We were to make a Grand Gala Dinner, which was so grand that we spent a lot of money for it. We ended up with a huge debt to pay as we had expected 500 people to attend but only 100 people did. So we had to tell Make A Wish, “Yeah we don’t have any money to pay you now…”

The debt amount was huge; it was about 3 – 4 months of my salary. I was just so devastated and scared, because it’s my first time doing such an event and it had ended up so bad. But somehow it worked out, and Ms Jayvien was kind enough to say that we have some budget to cover it, and we could take it as an expensive lesson. The funny thing was that after the debts were settled, people started to donate to the Make A Wish foundation. In the end we helped to raise RM4, 500, which was not too bad.

Do you have a personal motto?

I believe that I should impart values to inspire the younger generation because I myself was much inspired during my student life.

Do you have anything to say to the students of Taylor’s?

Make decisions, have a second generational thinking. Whatever you choose to do right now, make sure you leave a legacy for the future generation.

**

Ms Chia Huey, Executive of Student Development

What does your job in the Student Development department entail?

I oversee certain clubs and societies and we also do have SDH-initiated events.

What do you find most interesting about your job?

I guess it will fall back to the interaction with the students. They are creative to come out with ideas to go on with events and certain aspirations that they want to achieve in university life. Seeing them put their ideas down from having the idea to execution to the realisation of the whole dream.

It’s very challenging from the sense that we have SDH factors, dealing with different departments, from getting approvals to other things, but I guess it’s the satisfaction to beat against all odds to achieve the final result.

What inspired you to work here? (She was originally from the IT line)

I believe in sowing back to the next generation. I’m happy to hear stories from alumni Taylor’s students who are doing so well in their respective career paths. I was in Taylor’s doing SAM, and that was when my life was tremendously changed. Students should not stay in their comfort zones but constantly take on challenges.

Do you have any advice to impart to the students of Taylor’s?

Everyone has dreams but not everyone will take action to realise it. Some people will be put off with the many restrictions, but it’s the extra passion that comes from you. This is basically a mini scenario of what everybody will face in their career paths. There will be limitations and people who discourage, but it is how you think out of the box to negotiate with people and sell your ideas.

Open publication - Free publishing - More college

Tazette: Issue 4

Feature: 

Musicians in Taylor's University

Frontman of Black Light Banquet Adrian Tan has been playing music ever since he was a kid. Adrian picked up the guitar without knowing how to read and play the notes. Now he is a first-year Communications student cum music writer slash performer in a band producing songs of their own distinctive style. Listen to their music at www.myspace.com/blacklightbanquet.

Tazette: Tell us about your band.

Adrian Tan: We started out when we were 16 in Form Four. The five of us are all best friends and one day we just decided to get together and start a band. We are the same five people that I go swimming and to the gym with. We were even in the Scouts together; that’s why we are so tight. However we have arguments too, such as when we talk about music. We take criticisms from inside the band not from outside. We are our own critics.

T: What are your influences?

AT: It’ll take you five pages to list them all. *laughs* When I first started it was Linkin Park, now it’s bands like All Time Low, We The Kinds and Fall Out Boy.

T: What is your band working on now?

AT: We are working on getting our music out further. Our band takes pride in producing our own original songs. We want to get exposed as far as we can. Then probably once it’s well known we want to get recorded, and after that we want to go out to play and at the end we want to get signed.

T: Tell us about your most memorable band performance.

AT: Every show we play at is memorable. Something different happens at every show. Every time the people know the words to your songs and when they sing to your songs, it gives you energy to perform.

T: How do you cope being in a band with your studies?

AT: Being in a band isn’t a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a daily routine to go home to check the band site. We’re always giving ideas to each other. Personally I don’t have any trouble balancing studies with being in a band.

T: How often does your band perform?

AT: If there is a demand, then we perform. Usually the LEO club in our old high school would ask us to go back and play. If we’re at a birthday party and there’s a guitar, there will definitely be a show.

T: Are there any major plans for the band?

AT: What we’re doing now is keep writing new songs to show people what we are as a band. No two songs of ours sound the same. A unique element which defines our band’s element is the keyboard. We are always trying to make each song different. The goal is to keep putting materials for people to listen.

T: How are you treated by your non-musician peers?

AT: It’s all pretty normal. The only difference is that we’re always mentioned when there’s a need for a band to perform. Sometimes friends come up to me to ask if we can cover any songs.

T: Any advice to give to young musicians out there?

AT: If you have the interest, go for it. Everyone is creative in their own way and we just need to find the proper spark. Don’t let anything hold you back if you believe in it.

 ***

Alia Ali is a final year Communications student and the keyboardist for Furniture, an independent rock band from Kuala Lumpur. Furniture just recently released their sophomore album They Made Me Out Of Dreams You’ve Forgotten (which is a line from Star Trek!) Check out Furniture at http://furniture.bandcamp.com

Tazette: Tell us about your band.

Alia Ali: The band started as Rush in the Chinese indie scene, and somewhere along the lines the name changed, the sound change and finally we’re now called Furniture. Furniture released their first album in 2005 – Twilight Chases The Sun. I joined in playing the keyboardist in 2006

T: What are your personal and your band’s influences?

AA: Stuff I listen to is stuff I listen to; I don’t have any particular influence. I think that when we get together, we bump off each other and sometimes we say ‘I think I heard this somewhere’ then we just replicate that.

T: How long have you been playing the keyboard?

AA: I’ve been playing the piano since I was 6. I took piano lessons, and now I teach.

T: How is it being the only girl in your band?

AA: Yeah I get that a lot. *laughs* It doesn’t feel much different, being the only girl. I have three older brothers, so being in the band is the same like being at home. Only difference is that they are not as mean to me as my brothers are. *laughs*

They try to be nice to me, in couple of big shows we each have to carry our own equipment. My drummer got pissed and said Can you be a girl and let me help you? And I’m like no, I carry my own stuff. They always want to help me but they know I’m going to say no.

T: What is Furniture working on now?

AA: We just released our second album in January. So now we’re just doing shows to promote the album.

T: Tell me about your most memorable band performance.

AA: It was the very first time I performed. Because I wasn’t in from the start, when I came in I didn’t know they were as big as they were. I had no idea that I was in a big show; there were so many people. I thought: ‘Oh, they’re THIS big?’ It was so kelam-kabut. Three people had to help me set up because I didn’t know what I was doing. It got better after that.

T: What other instruments do you play?

AA: I do play the piano and cello. I can play the guitar, sort of. I think that once you’ve got the basics you can play most of the instruments. At the end of the day, the theory is the same, just the techniques are different.

T: How did you produce the album, being an independent band?

AA: Ron set up Stickylight Records which is basically a studio in his house. We self-released the album: we sourced the printers, we got the art work. It’s selling pretty good. Yesterday I got back from Bangkok for a show and we saw the same people who came for our last Bangkok show 4 years ago. We thought that people had forgotten about us!

T: How often does your band perform? And how do you cope with the schedule and your studies?

AA: It depends on how often we can get shows. For example one weekend in Singapore we did three shows in two days. Sometimes we can go several months without performing.

We have set aside Tuesdays as jamming nights. So we set our work schedule around it. It’s not the one priority but it’s in the list. At any point in your life, whether you’re at work or school you have to balance. If you don’t know how to balance it now, who’s to say you’ll be able to balance your work and family later. You’ll really have to get up and just learn how to balance now.

T: Tell us about your fans.

AA: They’re a different kind of crowd from bands like Pop Shuvit. Whenever we have shows, 90% of the crowd are the people who are always there. Those people are our friends, and they are also in the art scene so whenever they have an art show, an exhibition, a performance, we’ll all go for it too.

T: Any major plans for the band?

AA: I don’t know, it took 6 years to come out with our album. I have no idea when we’re coming out with the next album! I’ll get back to you on that. *laughs*

T: How are you treated by your non-musician peers?

AA: I don’t have any friends who aren’t in the art scene. One of my best friend is a poet writer person, another of my friend is a film maker and a lot of my friends are in a band, so we all have our thing. We don’t treat anyone different because we are the same.

T: Any advice for people who want to get into the music scene?

AA: Make friends, go to gigs, go to shows. If you go to a gig, go up to the band, introduce yourself and talk to them. Make friends with the audience. Just put yourself out there. It’s very difficult unless if you’re very able, to just stay in your room and write music then put it up on Youtube. There is a lot of talented people on Youtube, but there’s also a lot of ‘less talented’ people on Youtube. So just put yourself out there.

 ***

Jeffery Wong is a Diploma in Communications student and a guitarist of the young and upcoming indie band Rosevelt. Rosevelt has played in various shows and events such as the Fly FM Campur Chart, Youth ‘10, and Urbanscapes 2010. Find out more about their music at www.roseveltband.com

Tazette: Tell us about your band.

Jeffery: Rosevelt started around end of 2009 as The Randoms. I joined the band last year in 2010. They were looking for a second guitarist and I auditioned. The band’s name is influenced by the American President Franklin Roosevelt. Rosevelt’s logo is inspired by Hoobastank.

T: Tell us more about you and music.

JW: What I love to do is music. Previously my life revolved around basketball. I met a few friends which introduced me to rock music. I picked up the guitar and fell in love with it. I wanted to be a musician since I was 15.

I am inspired by modern rock bands such as The Deftones and Incubus. My favourite guitarist is Tomo from 30 Seconds to Mars.

T: What is Rosevelt working on now?

JW: We’re working on producing a 7-8 track album which might be out somewhere in July. Half the album is done. We are working with JD from Popshuvit, recording in his Studio 21:05.

T: Tell us about your most memorable band performance.

JW: It has to be the Kelantan performance. It was sometime in March called The Attack of the IndiKids. It was good because the crowd was banned from music shows for 3 years, so they were all pumped up and very excited. It was a really good crowd. And my parents were there too, so it was even better.

T: How does performing in a band go with your studies?

JW: The main reason I came to KL is to find a band to perform with. My dad made me stay and work with him for one year, but when he realized that my focus wasn’t there anymore, that’s when he let me live my dreams.

It is pretty hard to cope with my studies. Because at first when I joined it was as a sessionist, so it was still good. Now every night (except weekends) we work on the production stuff such as tracking guitars. Every night we start at 8.30PM, and go home around 3AM.

I think I actually exceeded the absenteeism limit for a subject, but my lecturer was very understanding and allowed me to sit in for the test.

T: How often do you perform?

JW: Previously we perform at least once a month, but now we’re focusing only on producing the album. But it’s really hard to find shows now because all the international bands coming in now are looking only for the big local bands to open for them. A lot of events right now are focusing on bigger local bands, and the smaller bands like us, who are not there yet are finding it hard to compete.

T: Have you been recognized in the streets?

JW: At the cinema once, and once in the toilet. *laughs*

T: How do you cope with your newfound ‘fame’?

JW: Honestly, it’s not much. I still think of myself as a normal human being. My friends always remind me of keeping to my roots. They remind me to stay humble.

But it does get uncomfortable and awkward when people recognize me.

T: What advice do you have for people who want to get into the music scene?

JW: Put your priorities right, there must be sacrifices. And it’s very hard to juggle. If your band is really doing well, it’s harder to keep up because all you think about is your band and how you will promote your band.

***

Philip Rom is a second-year Communications student from Kuching and a solo performer who is currently focusing on producing unique sounds for his project Error6ix. Check out his music at http://www.myspace.com/error6ix

Tazette: When did you start playing the guitar and performing?

Philip Rom: I started when I was 12. Somehow I picked it up and started writing songs.

That year I joined my first Battle of The Bands with my band Orange Stain Shirt. My band was the youngest band; in fact the drummer was only 10. We won the competition that year! The next year we came in second. Then the following year I played for Band Fest and opened for Disagree. The last gig with my band was in 2007 when we opened for Juwita Suwito and Jaclyn Victor.

When I came to KL I started as a solo artist. Now I’m focused on my side project error6ix which is more of electro, ambient, instrumental sound.

T: What are your musical influences?

PR: Incubus and Radiohead are some of the bands that inspire many of the things I do. Now that I’m into the indie and electro genre, it’s more to like artists like Baths, fourtet and James Blake.

T: What other instruments do you play?

PR: Drums, bass, keyboard. I used to play the horn in the brass band.

T: Are you working on anything in particular now?

PR: So far I’ve released 2 instrumental songs under error6ix. This time I’m trying to bring in vocals, so it’s a big shift.

I have a bad habit of not finishing songs. I just come out with new ones then when I get bored I get started on another one. So for me to complete a song takes a lot of time.

T: Tell me about your most memorable performance.

PR: It was the Jaclyn Victor performance. We did the opening and there was this song that I had trouble with the beginning rift. I thought I had it fully anchored, and on the day itself I sang off tune. The camera was on my face and I was like ‘Oh my gosh’. To make the matter worse, my guitarist played the wrong chord. It was such a bad introduction that in a way it was funny and memorable.

T: How does it go with your studies?

PR: As for now I’ve not been really performing, the last one was at the ADP event back in February 2011. Currently I’m more focused with the technical aspects of my error6ix project. Hopefully I’ll get to perform sometime this year.

T: Any upcoming major plans music-wise?

PR: Not really, I’m still trying to produce, maybe just fine tune myself in this new genre. Once I get more confident, I’ll probably perform in small gigs. If anything do happens it’s just me and the small crowd *laughs*

I do include vocals of other talents. Like Fight which is a bossa nova-ish song, which is very different. It features my friend’s sister who is only 18 and has great vocals. It was the first song I produced working with someone else.

T: Would performing still play a part in your life in 10 years?

PR: Yes because I’ve been doing this since I was 12, so if I’m going on now I’ll probably still do it when I’m 30. I’m anticipating what I’ll do next. It’s a hobby that I enjoy. Music is an integral part in what I do.

T: Any advice to budding young musicians out there?

PR: There’s no harm in trying. If someone tells you you’re good, there’s a reason why they tell you you’re good. So you have to just go for it.

Open publication - Free publishing - More college

Tazette June 2011 issue

Campus Buzz

Ready…Aim…Hired! by Samantha Chow Jia Ern
The Taylor’s Career Services Department organized Ready...Aim...Hired! Career Fair Preparation Workshop on the 8th of April with two sessions at 10AM – 11AM and 3PM - 4PM. The hour-long sessions led by Career Services Centre Assistant Manager Izwal Mazlan enlightened the attendees on useful job-searching related information and interview tips such as creating good first impressions and presenting the positive body language. This Workshop is in preparation for the coming Career Fair on the 14th of April in campus.

Izwal shared some useful tips to follow before attending a career fair such as checking out the companies who will be there, deciding which company you want to apply for and then do research. He also suggested polishing up your resume and to decide what appropriate clothes to wear as first impressions are very important. Izwal also suggested a good night sleep beforehand to be ready and energized.

Taylor’s students can get updates on career activities, job vacancies and other career resources through logging in to Taylor’s Student Portal > Career Services. You can also log in to www.taylors.edu.my/careerservices/job to search and apply for jobs that include full-time, part-time and internship positions.

You can also directly contact the Career Services Counter at Student Central, Level 2, Block A or Call 03-5629 5030 or Email: careerservices@taylors.edu.my

***

Taylor’s Career and Employment Fair 2011 by Samantha Chow Jia Ern
Taylor’s Career and Employment Fair 2011 was held on the 14th April at 10AM-3PM at the Multi-Purpose Hall in Taylor’s Lakeside campus. It was held in benefit of Taylor’s students in hope that events like these would help them to improve their employability and marketability.

In the Career and Employment Fair this year, there were 60 over global and local companies such as Deloitte, Maybank and The Star where students could find more information for their internship and job seeking.

Students could also interact directly with key HR personnel and recruiters from the companies.
The Career and Employment Fair 2011 was a success, with an estimated number of over 1,500 Taylor’s students attending the exciting event. Taylor’s University also organized a Taylor’s Alumni Mentoring Program where Taylorians had an opportunity to speak to Taylor’s graduates whom have made it in the industry. This writer met up with Michelle from Towers Watson who is from the Talent and Rewards sector. Free gifts such as Graduan issues were also given out to students.

The annual Taylor’s Career and Employment Fair is organized by the Career Services Centre and usually takes place every April.

***

Feature:


The Glam Three: Getting To Know The Winners of The Taylor's Glam Hunt

The three winners of the Glam Hunt are an interesting mix. First up we have 2nd Runner- Up TANG CHING HUEI who did not expect to get so far in the competition, and then we have free-spirited LEE JIAN QUIN who graced 1st Runner-Up. Last but not least, the winner VICTOR KUAN is a huge fan of Lady Gaga who inspires him to be himself. Read on to learn more about our Glam Hunt model winners! by Samantha Chow and Haikal Idris.

The Gaga-inspired: VICTOR KUAN
VICTOR KUAN claimed victory for the Glam Hunt quite easily as there was a clear majority of supporting fans. Although he does not have any experience in modelling, it was not his first time entering a competition.

The main reason he joined the contest was to voice out the message that people should be who they are, and that “you are most beautiful when you are being yourself”.

Victor cites Lady Gaga as his icon and inspiration, saying that she represents our era in fashion and music. He was quite frustrated with the Malaysian radios censorship of the song ‘Born This Way’ and says that Lady Gaga inspires him to be himself.

When Tazette asked if he would consider joining any more modelling competitions, Victor says that it would not be his last. He admits that he would use any platforms to get the message of acceptance across.

In preparation for the final night, Victor did his hair and make-up at a salon. Victor thanks his friends especially Silkina who urged him to join the competition. He is humbled by the support from everybody. “I am like this because my friends instilled bravery in my heart.” he says.

Victor advises people to not judge, to not label and not to take sides. “Be yourself, be original”, he quotes. He also says that it is okay to fight for your rights.

Something you might not know about Victor: He had his birthday tattooed on his right hand in Roman numericals as an inspiration from Angelina Jolie.

The adventurous petite: LEE JIAN QUIN
LEE JIAN QUIN is a 21-year old Communications student who has the most experience in modelling among the three. Jian Quin, also known as JQ joined the Ambassador Search in 2010 and got to the Top 10. She cites her passion as modelling and doing runway shows.

When asked how she prepared for this competition, JQ admitted that she did not have very much time to prepare her speech and tagline as she was very busy.

“It was all very impromptu!” she said, citing her busy schedule.

JQ is a very passionate young lady, and does not mind embarrassment, as long as you get to gain experience and also most importantly, to network. She is grateful for the support from her friends for this competition. It was their votes which enabled her to get to top 3 in the public voting.

When Tazette asked if she had any advice for fresh models, JQ simply said, “Just do it!” The petite girl standing at 154cm says that one should not care much about height but to just “try it out”. JQ also advises potential modelling contests participants to be prepared for rejection and disappointment.

JQ is adventurous with her dressing, and says that she has no particular fashion style. Instead she wears any kind of dresses. However she says that there are certain days when she does not feel like dressing up to college. “Some days I just put on a pair of shorts and flip flops.” she admits.

Something you might not know about JQ: A must have in her daily routine is putting on make-up blusher.

The shoe lover: TANG CHING HUEI
TANG CHING HUEI is a happy-go-lucky 20-year old first year Finance student. It was her first time joining a modelling contest and it was only when her friend persuaded her to join that she reluctantly put her name in. Her friend’s persistence turned out to be a blessing in disguise as Ching Huei won 2nd Runner-Up for the Glam Hunt.

Ching Huei attributes her winning to the support from her friends. She managed to get the highest amount of Facebook likes (208 on the last count) on the Yuberactive page popularity contest.

When asked about her fashion style, she says that she prefers simple and comfortable wear. Ching Huei also likes Korean fashion and shoes are her favourite fashion wear. She owns many pairs of high heels and does not mind wearing heels every day to college, but admits with JQ that there are days when she does not want to dress up.


Something you might not know about Ching Huei: She attributes her smooth skin to the cool air of Cameron Highlands, where she is from.

Tazette April 2011 issue

Campus Buzz

Media Prima invites you to LOL!by Samantha Chow Jia Ern

This year, media conglomerate Media Prima Radio Networks (MPRN) is targeting students like you through a campaign called L.O.L. (Live Out Loud)!

At a press conference recently, MPRN launched three micro-sites under each radio station (Fly FM, One FM and Hot FM) namely: lol.flyfm.com.my / lol.onefm.com.my and lol.hotfm.com.my. These useful sites are dedicated to students to provide helpful information about MPRN and the radio industry.

Basically what you’ll get to experience as a high-school, college or university student is enjoy internship and career opportunities with their radio companies as well as be able to see how your favourite radio announcers work! Any Malaysian or foreign students are able to apply for the internship.

There is an interactive bulletin board where students can share any upcoming events happening in your campus and stand a chance to win exclusive merchandise in contests.

What’s exciting is that MPRN will hold University Talks at selected universities to get an exclusive scoop on the trades of the radio-entertainment industry. So if you’re interested in the broadcasting or radio sector, send in a request and you might just be able to get a visit from your favourite radio announcer in your own campus!
CEO Mr. Seelan Paul said that part of MPRN’s target market has always been the young and vibrant youths of the country.

This CSR project is on-going for an indefinite period.

***

Taylor’s Book Club holds New Members Meet & Greet by Samantha Chow

Taylor’s Book Club recently held their first meeting for the year: New Members Meet & Greet and the screening of the movie 127 Hours on March 21st. The movie screening was in conjunction with the March theme of ‘Oscar Nite’. 127 Hours is a 2011-Oscar nominee under ‘Best Screenplay’, and is based on the book titled Between a Rock and a Hard Place. Many Book Club members who attended found the movie inspiring (although a little bit gory at parts!)

The Book Club holds monthly book discussions and movie screening, based on the month’s themes. They also hold other students-benefiting events such as invited guest speakers; in fact, Marina Mahathir will be presenting on the topic of ‘Inspiring Young Writers in This Age of Democracy’ on May 4th 2011. Other events include a Short Story Competition and donation of books to Orphanage. Students who are interested to find out more can visit ‘Book Club at Taylor’s University’ on Facebook.

Feature:

One day in college: How to be a budget spender in campus. by Samantha Chow Jia Ern
Yes, we study in one of the largest campus nationwide with a four-storey library and carpeted lecture halls. There’s a huge commercial block with numerous choices of eateries and cafes, a colourful student lounge, computer labs with the latest Macs…we even have a lake for goodness sake! But what do you know about utilizing all these which are actually provided for YOUR use? Tazette writer SAMANTHA CHOW spends an entire day in campus to find out what students can do to last the entire day just by spending a maximum of RM10.

7.00AM “I make my own breakfast. Nutella sandwich, yums!” [Free]

7.30AM – “I’m taking the shuttle bus to campus.” [Free]

8.00AM - “Morning class…yawn!”

12.00PM “Done with morning classes, it’s now lunch time!” A set meal at Recezz is only RM6 to RM7, not including a RM2 drink. [RM9-RM10]

1.00PM “What a great lunch hour, gossiping with my girl friends. Now to spend some time catching up on the news with the free newspapers provided in the library.” [Free]

1.30PM “I think I shall borrow the PR textbook for the assignment that’s coming up… Meanwhile I can also check out the novels in the fiction section!” [Free]

*Do you know that you can borrow up to 10 books at one time, and that you can extend your 14-days time limit via the Library Portal?

2.00PM “Classes in the giant lecture hall…hope it’s not too cold!”

3.30PM “Class ended early, so I think I shall go check Taylor’s portal for any announcement.” [Free]

4.00PM “Hmm I think I’ll go join my Ping Pong club members for a game in the student lounge!” [Free]

*You can also book the basketball/tennis court for free via the e-Portal

5.00PM “Lounging by the lakeside to end a long day. It’s so windy!” [Free]

6.00PM “Going home by carpool with friends. Group karaoke in the car!” [Free]

BUDGET TIPS:
As a college student in a busy city, you might find it difficult to resist the everyday temptation of RM15 coffees or the latest pair of shoes that you must have at the nearby mall. Here are some tips on how you can spend happily and wisely as well as also having a little extra to save up:

1. Prepare a simple budget at the beginning of the month, and stick to it! Allocate a reasonable amount for extra spending, which you will need.

2. Reuse materials or clothes. I make long pants into shorts or tight tees into sleeveless tops! Check out http://diyfashion.about.com/

3. Carpool with your friends. Saves fuel as well as time looking for parking.

4. Minimize going out to the mall during breaks. Most of the time I end up buying something I don’t need just because I’ve seen it and thought at that moment that it was ‘just the thing I need’.

5. Get a part time job! If you do not want to travel, you can always apply for a student assistant job in our very own campus. Trust me; the extra cash does come in very handy.

Paper and print: A tale of a Malaysian girl’s personal pursuit of distant dreams (Part Two)

By: Samantha Chow (M/6366)

In the first part of this short musing, I wrote about what led me to love books as much as I do now. A little disclaimer before I continue: I guess it would be wrong to say that I ‘love reading’ as I am choosy with my selections; I almost only read fiction novels and the occasional travel or goggle at little colourful gastronomically-delighting cookbooks. I never claimed to love reading thick serious historical texts, preferring to a ‘live reading’ (storytelling) by history enthusiasts like my dad. However I found out that one can always read fiction novels with historic themes such as Judith Kerr’s Jewish childhood narration ‘When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit’ or Reina James’ ‘The Time of Dying’ about the horrific influenza epidemic in 1918 London. Books that have won awards or were nominated are usually quickly recognised and automatically picked up to flip through.

But I digress. As promised, I will now share with you several methods of getting good reads for cheaper or even free!

Tazette Sept & Oct 2010

Campus Buzz:

OSK Investment Challenge Workshop at Lakeside Campus by Samantha Chow Jia Ern

When: Monday, 16 August 2010

OSK Investment Challenge (OSKIC) is a nation-wide stock trading challenge open to all college or university students aged 18 to 30. Once registered with your student ID you are given RM100, 000 of virtual money to invest in virtual stocks over a period of 7 weeks.

A workshop was recently held at the campus for interested students. One of the three student ambassadors for the OSKIC Maggie Tan shares that there are about 130 Taylorians who have currently registered for the Challenge. Also don’t worry if you do not know anything about stock trading; OSKIC shares a lot of tutorial and how-to’s on their Facebook page (http://facebook.com/osk.fb) where they post tutorial videos and you can also engage on their active discussion board, she says.

The prizes are drool-worthy, ranging from Netbooks to the grand prize of RM25, 000! The winning campus receives RM100, 000 worth of computer lab and equipment, OSK Investment Challenge (Campus Edition) trophy and Internship opportunities. Those who have completed the Challenge will receive a Certificate of Participation, if not, gain more understanding regarding stock trading. Maggie says: “They (the students) want to join because they are attracted to the prizes!”

Student Voon Pui San (Bachelor of Marketing) is one such enthusiast: “I took part in this Challenge because you get to improve your knowledge about the share market!” She spends about 30 minutes a day playing the game with her friends and classmates, most of which have also registered for the Challenge.

What are you waiting for? Go to http://www.oskic.com/ to start trading and win!

***

Dress for Success: Make Your First Impression Count by Samantha Chow

A Dress for Success workshop, organised by the Career Services Department of Taylor’s University College was held on the 3rd of September at the Lakeside Campus to help students make a strong, lasting first impression, useful for when in the workplace. The workshop entitled “Make Your First Impression Count” was conducted by renowned professional image consultant Ana Cheong who runs her own image consultancy firm, “Ana Consultancy”. There were 20 attendees to the workshop which includes both staff and students. Invaluable topics shared by Ana include emphasising on the way a person dresses as well as techniques on making a good self-introduction.

***

Yes I Can by Samantha Chow

The Yes, I Can Edu-Talk was held at the Lakeside Campus on 17th September as part of a national campaign to empower women by educating them on sexual health and contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Miss Malaysia 2007 Deborah Henry was present as speaker for the talk and presented the students with informed decisions on sexual health, unplanned pregnancy and family planning.

The campaign also includes the Yes, I Can poster Challenge and the Spot-The-Car sticker contest. For more information log on to Yesican.com.my

***

Feature:

Lakeside Campus: The Good, The Bad & The Future? by Samantha Chow Jia Ern

What do you not know about your new campus?

Taylor’s Lakeside Campus took in its first batch of students in January this year. As a student here, are you aware of the facilities offered by Taylor’s? Do you face the same problems as highlighted below? Read on to find out more information that you might not know about your new campus:

The Good
Most people are wowed upon first entering the campus grounds. Did you know that this campus’ layout was specially designed for an academic institution? Facilities included in this aesthetically-pleasing campus are the 600-pax Auditorium, fully-equipped laboratories and a Moot Court. There are also upcoming shops and amnesties at the Hostel Commercial Block.

Students are happy with the stunning open design of the campus, especially of the impressive four-storey high glass edifice Library which provides a clear panoramic view of the lake. A student from the School of Communication simply stated that “It’s awesome!” when asked to comment.

The campus’ Clubs and Societies provide exciting Extra-Curricular activities which cover a wide range of interests so do check them out and enjoy the opportunity to meet more people as well as expand upon your interest!

The Bad
A popular issue is the parking spots which students claim are filled to the brim during peak hours, whereas those who park at Zone H or Zone J have to walk on stony roads which are especially difficult for ladies wearing high heels.

There has also been mention about the lack of food stores, overpriced vending machines, Drop-off Point and even on the smell of cow dung! Lecturer A would like the campus to be more “environmentally-friendly” and SL from the School of Communications would like for more benches to be installed.

Students also lament the lack of printers and having to line up in long queues to retrieve their prints. Mei Hsuan from the School of Communications hopes Taylor’s will “…increase the number of printers without us having to pay more.”

The Future
Ms Evelyn Lee from Institutional Marketing takes some time off to speak to Tazette.

Parking issues, traffic jam & Drop-off point:
Ms Evelyn shares that a multi-storey parking bay might be built to provide more parking spots. There will be no parking fees for an indefinite period of time; however she asserts that it will be imposed on both the students and staff, although the amount is not clear. The traffic jam faced when exiting the grounds at the end of the day will hopefully be rectified after the new exit is completed. The current drop-off point is at the area near Zone G parking, marked by white canopies.

Hostel Commercial Block:
The accommodation block has been ready for move-in since August. Meanwhile, the hotel which is built for the training of the Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary students is scheduled to be completed by this year end. Food stores which are coming in include Starbucks, Baskin Robbins and Famous Amos. Stationary shops, Carrefour Express and Ambank will also be brought in phase by phase.

New courses:
Taylor’s are proud to announce that they have just received the confirmation to launch post-grad programs for Medicine and Pharmacy! There will also be a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture, all which will be launched in 2011.

It has only been eight months and Taylor’s Lakeside Campus is just beginning to rear its head in providing excellent education in a comfortable and pleasing study site, so it would not hurt to sit back and watch as Taylor’s grow into the most perfect academic institution in town.

Have something to share regarding the Lakeside Campus that the writer missed out on? Send in your views and opinions to editorialboard.tuc@gmail.com

Paper and print: A tale of a Malaysian girl’s personal pursuit of distant dreams (Part One)

By: Samantha Chow (M/6366)

Books have always played a significant part in my life. They shape me into who I am today, one who constantly dreams of places I want to go, people I want to meet and things that I want to do one day.

Having being introduced to books at the tender age of seven when my mom first brought my siblings and I to the nearby Plaza Phoenix’s library, it wasn’t hard for me to quickly pick up on the one habit which I still practice up until today. Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys were my favourites, and I finished up the whole set in about a year. I remember that because not too soon after that the library closed down. Sadly I was too young to mourn the loss of the library membership as I didn’t know what I would miss in the coming years.