The Risers initiative by Taylor’s College is making significant strides with its approach to student engagement and community involvement. Conceptualised to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world challenges, The Risers empowers students with essential skills and knowledge, preparing them to become well-rounded individuals ready for the future.
At the core of The Risers are its dedicated ambassadors, a diverse group of students from various courses at Taylor’s. These ambassadors actively participate in community-driven programmes, gaining invaluable experience and skills crucial for their future careers.
These ambassadors embody The Risers' spirit, demonstrating how students from diverse disciplines unite to positively impact society. The initiatives, centred around ‘ENGAGE, EQUIP, and EMPOWER,’ foster a supportive environment for academic and personal development, promoting school culture and community identity through diverse engagements emphasising positive values and essential skills.
Taylor’s Cruiser by The Risers
One such initiative is Taylor’s Cruiser by The Risers, which aims to enhance engagement by digitalising student experiences through mobile track activities featuring Vortex. Yap Han Ze, a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) student, noted, “Taylor's Cruiser by The Risers has provided students an opportunity to explore potential academic paths, discover various courses offered across the college and university, and experience the latest Virtual Reality technology that will shape their future studies.”
He added, “Most of us were unsure about our future studies when we were in high school. Engaging with high school students during these visits allows me to guide them on choosing future careers and academic paths.”
CAREbinet by The Risers
Ludwina Anela Effiana Rumuat, a final-year Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) student, has been deeply involved in activities such as building cabinets for CAREbinet by The Risers. She shared her experience and inspiration during her involvement in building cabinets for CAREbinet by The Risers project. Despite having no prior project-building experience, she bravely joined and found the process not only enjoyable but also satisfying.
“Despite the challenges, with guidance from Me.reka experts and close collaboration with my peers from Taylor’s College, the learning and cabinet-building process using sustainable materials became manageable,” she said.
Through this programme, Ludwina gained practical skills in cabinet construction and installation, as well as understanding the importance of community collaboration and support for underserved communities.
Han Ze shared his high spirits during the donation handover for the CAREbinet by The Risers project. He said they shared with him various items purchased with the funds collected, including household necessities, stationery, and scientific calculators.
“When I see our students taking the initiative to meet the basic needs of students from less fortunate communities, it is truly amazing,” he said.
Han Ze also believes that the contribution to the CAREbinet by The Risers initiative will have a significant impact on the recipients, especially in their academic journey.
He said, "With essential writing tools such as pencils, erasers, rulers, and scientific calculators, students can complete homework and take notes more effectively.
"In addition, they don't have to worry about basic needs such as food at school, allowing them to focus entirely on class," he said.
The CAREbinet by The Risers programme, which provides basic necessities such as food, has helped alleviate financial burdens for low-income families, ensuring students can focus on their studies without financial worries.
Through comprehensive and future-focused approaches, Taylor’s College continues to lead in preparing the next generation to face real-world challenges.
RISE Educator Award
Meanwhile, through her involvement with The Risers, Ludwina also had the opportunity to co-host with another ambassador, Aidil, in the RISE Educator Award 2024 ceremony, which honours outstanding educators and celebrates their commitment to ensuring equitable learning for their students.
In fact, Ludwina and other Risers ambassadors also had the opportunity to interact and network with prominent figures such as the Deputy Minister of Education, Wong Kah Woh, Interim Fellowship Teach for Malaysia, Sawittri Charun, Vice Chancellor and President of Taylor’s University, Professor Barry Winn, Campus Director of Taylor’s College, Josephine Tan as well as finalists of RISE Educator Award 2024.
"I am deeply inspired by the story of Mr. Shawn Stanly, the recipient of the RISE Educator Award 2024, who transformed his science class into a flight simulator and a beach-themed class to educate students about marine conservation.
"For me, the RISE Educator Award serves as a recognition and inspiration platform, promoting excellence in teaching practices.
"These experiences have enriched my time at Taylor's, providing opportunities to represent the institution on a professional scale and interact with various groups from prospective students to educators from across Malaysia," she said.
Words of Wisdoms
Ludwina and Han Ze share a common piece of advice for students interested in a similar college experience: the right support system, passion, and enthusiasm are essential.
Ludwina explained that having the right campus culture and a supportive ecosystem encouraged her and motivated her to explore her interests, broaden her horizons, interact with students, contribute to the community, and represent Taylor's at public events. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “Being one of The Risers ambassadors has boosted my confidence, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and helped me become the best version of myself. It’s not just about giving back; it’s about growing together and making a genuine impact in our community.” She added, “We need to always be passionate and engaged when delivering something at an event. By interacting with diverse individuals and hearing their stories, I've not only shared my own experiences but also broadened my worldview and learned immensely from these encounters.”
Han Ze emphasised that in a nurturing environment where students can explore their interests and passions, enthusiasm and commitment naturally emerge, enabling them to thrive and make a significant impact on the community. “The Risers showcase our diversity in backgrounds, education, and interests, yet we come together to serve those in need. Through this experience, I've discovered a passion for helping others and using my skills to make a difference. I love my role as an ambassador because it allows personal growth while contributing to our community. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of this initiative and hope that more students will participate in the future,” he said.
For more information on this initiative, you can click on The Risers link.
This article is provided by Taylor's College
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