In its dynamic quest to elevate Purpose Learning, Taylor’s University is making waves with its ground-breaking Learning 2030 initiative. The indomitable spirit of the university is leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of positive change, propelled by impactful initiatives within its esteemed Impact Lab projects. Fuelled by the vision to be not only the best university in the world but also the best for the world, Taylor’s Impact Labs have intricately woven together education, research and advocacy.
Professor Dr Pradeep Nair, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and Chief Academic Officer at Taylor’s University shared “In 2022, we set out to become a purpose-driven university – where our education and research will focus on crafting solutions to real world problems. In addition to acquiring the essential qualifications for entering the workforce, students today seek meaning in their education. The new generation of learners is increasingly purpose-driven and socially aware; they desire education that is not only relevant but also personalised, aligning with their unique identities, passions and goals. In light of this, Taylor’s took proactive measures by establishing Impact Labs. These labs aim to engage our students in social and environmental initiatives where they can actively participate and contribute positively to their communities.”
Professor Dr Pradeep Nair, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and Chief Academic Officer at Taylor’s University
In just one year, this visionary approach has witnessed the seamless integration of 106 Impact Projects into its curriculum with over 4,000 students actively engaging with and impacting the lives of beneficiaries – reaching an impressive number of 3,194 individuals, 43 organisations and 13 diverse communities. Spanning urban and rural landscapes, these communities encompass SMEs, teachers, children, farmers, refugees, single mothers, victims of domestic violence, cancer patients, senior citizens, tourists and more.
This collaborative effort, embracing academics, practitioners, partners, beneficiaries, and students, has yielded tangible and practical solutions that make significant contributions to People, the Planet, and Prosperity (3Ps) on a global scale. It intricately aligns with specific UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embodying a holistic integration of education, research and advocacy.
“Taylor’s consciously decided that every student must experience at least one major multidisciplinary project during their studies, and we have done this across all undergraduate programmes. This underscores our commitment to help graduates easily navigate the complex landscape of our interconnected world, foster innovation and drive meaningful change in their future workplace. Mastery of a single discipline can no longer adequately address many real-world problems. MLE allows students to approach these problems from multiple angles, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of complex phenomena. In MLE projects, students develop a deeper understanding of other disciplines, see its interconnectedness, appreciate its idiosyncrasies, learn to adapt, and collaborate to solve complex problems,” he elaborated.
As a result, the transformative approach has led to a positive outcome for Taylor’s University in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024. In a global context where universities undergo rigorous evaluation based on their influence on the environment, society, and governance, Taylor’s has attained a commendable position within the ranking, solidifying its standing as a frontrunner in sustainable education.
Taylor’s achieved an overall score of 73.6% in the social impact category, following closely behind University Malaya and University Sains Malaysia. This underscored Taylor’s dedication to purposeful education and highlighted its role as a contributor to societal betterment.
As Taylor’s University achieves Top 10 recognition in Malaysia in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2024, the institution remains steadfast in its mission to drive positive change, foster innovation, and prepare future leaders who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible. For more information on Taylor’s Impact Labs, please visit here.
