One example of this mission in action is Taylor’s College Foundation in Design graduate Nicole Kiew Ting Yi, who – despite facing personal difficulties – received the Best Student award in the programme.
“After my mother passed away and having to drop out of my previous universities due to financial constraints, I worked for four years to save enough money to complete my studies. These life experiences ultimately helped me become a better student,” she says.
Kiew, who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Design in Creative Media at Taylor’s University, credits the supportive and inclusive environment at Taylor’s College for her overall growth during her studies.
“I am a scholarship recipient of Taylor's University Merit Scholarship 2024. Honestly, I have no idea where I would be if I didn't have scholarships to aid me. I am truly grateful for Taylor's scholarships that are available to students like me,” she says.
“I have fostered great relationships with my lecturers, which has made the crazy transition from school to university smoother and more manageable."
“My lecturers are very transparent when they share feedback, as they give constructive criticism to me to achieve better results."
“I was also very close to my programme director, who inspired and motivated me to be a better designer every day when completing my foundation.”
She adds that the facilities and resources available at Taylor’s also played a crucial role in her development.
Taylor’s University’s BizPod* entrepreneur startup incubator was particularly beneficial during her educational journey at the institution, as it broadened her perspective on what to do after completing her degree.
“I wouldn’t know where to begin to achieve some of my craziest dreams if it weren’t for BizPod. They have some of the most driven people to help aspiring entrepreneurs and incubates. The resources they provide are tools every student should have,” says Kiew.
“One of my dreams is to be a founder of my own business and BizPod has been a launchpad for me, allowing me to jump higher and higher as I go.”
After bagging an RM2,000 grant via the BizPod’s Mini Accelerator Programme: Travel Tech Edition earlier this year, Kiew’s business startup team secured another RM10,000 from BizPod Grant and has been paired with The Walt Disney Company’s head of games Jê Alipio for a six-month mentorship programme, furthering opportunities for growth and learning.
They are preparing to launch their company, which will enter the tourism industry.
BizPod empowers and guides students from the ideation stage to successful full-fledged startups via a dynamic ecosystem of venture capitalists, mentors, entrepreneur coaches, university members, and the institution’s multidisciplinary collaborative platform – Taylor’s Makerspace.
