Voices for Hope: Taylor’s Students Lead Rare Disease Awareness Through Action and Empathy

18 Jun 2025

3 Min Read

Taylor's Team (Editor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

How do you give a voice to those often unseen and unheard? For students in the Diploma in Communication (DICM) programme at Taylor’s College, the answer lies in purposeful action.

On 11 June 2025, at Taylor’s Lakeside Campus, they hosted Voices for Hope — a meaningful campaign dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Organised in collaboration with Persatuan Sindrom Prader-Willi Malaysia, the event was part of DICM’s 25th anniversary celebration, reflecting how communication can inspire empathy and spark real-world impact.

Where Empathy Took Centre Stage

The event featured a blend of interactive experiences designed to build understanding and connection between the public and the PWS community.

Perry Kuan joins PWS kids for a friendly pickleball game

Celebrity Pickleball: Sports as a Bridge for Empathy

In a light-hearted match filled with meaning, local influencer Perry Kuan joined individuals with PWS and students for an inclusive game of pickleball. For organiser Ho Zhi Yang, it was more than a game — it was a symbol of inclusion.

“It’s not just a game. It’s about showing that everyone deserves to be seen, included, and supported.”

Ms Jenny Heng, DICM PD, presenting token of appreciation to Lantz Yap and his son, Ken

Human Library: Stories That Build Bridges

At the Human Library booth, participants had the chance to engage directly with individuals living with PWS and their caregivers. These conversations challenged assumptions and brought lived experiences to the forefront.

“Raising awareness isn’t only about sharing facts — it’s about humanising an often-overlooked condition and creating real emotional connections,” said organiser Isaiah Aidil Ibrahim.

Parent and her PWS child took a picture together at Snap for Hope booth

Immersive Awareness Booths

The event also featured a sensory simulation experience, myth-busting games, and Snap for Hope — a photo booth where every snapshot became a pledge for awareness. Each booth was designed to shift perspectives and spark curiosity through engagement.

A Taylor's student participates in one of the sensory simulation experiences booth

Giving Back: Fundraising for Impact

All proceeds from the event were donated to Persatuan Sindrom Prader-Willi Malaysia, helping to provide resources and support for individuals and families affected by the condition. While the total raised is still being finalised, the event’s impact extended well beyond numbers, building empathy, awareness, and community.

What is Prader-Willi Syndrome?

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare and complex genetic disorder that affects approximately 1 in 15,000 births. Individuals with PWS face challenges such as low muscle tone, developmental delays, behavioural issues, and an insatiable appetite that can lead to obesity. While medical knowledge is growing, public understanding remains limited, making events like Voices for Hope vital in bridging that awareness gap.

Shaping Communicators, Shaping Communities

More than just an event, Voices for Hope reflected Taylor’s College’s philosophy of purposeful learning — where students are encouraged to put their communication skills into practice beyond the classroom.

While the campaign was led by current DICM students, past graduates continue to credit the programme for shaping their growth and confidence — both personally and professionally.

“DICM helped me to improve on my people skills and helped me to be more extroverted and more responsible for the job,” shared Raja Rajeswhaary A/P Gunasegaran, a DICM alumna now pursuing her degree in PR and Marketing at Taylor’s University.

Azelynna Lim, 2024 valedictorian and now a full-time PR Marketing Executive, reflected on one of her earliest breakthroughs, “Miss Siow encouraged me to go beyond interviewing friends and speak to NGOs. It was the first time I approached strangers in authority. That changed how I view communication — and myself.”

The event was part of DICM’s 25th anniversary campaign and joins a growing list of community-driven projects — from Wheels of Change to B40 Ibu Niaga and outreach workshops with the Dignity for Children Foundation — all aimed at equipping students with practical experience, empathy, and leadership.

Nurturing Leaders Who Care

As Voices for Hope came to a close, it wasn’t just a successful fundraiser — it was a reminder of the power of youth-led impact. Students didn’t just organise an event; they created a platform for advocacy, understanding, and social change.

“The people I met in DICM shaped the way I communicate and connect — and many of them are still in my life today,” reflected Lee Kah Hang Henry, who now blends business with the communication skills he honed at Taylor’s.

Taylor’s College continues to nurture communicators who not only master their craft — but use it to serve others. To follow more initiatives like this, visit @mcsphere.taylors on Instagram and be part of a community where every voice matters.

Looking to build skills that matter and put them into action? Explore how the Taylor’s College Diploma in Communication equips you for real-world experiences and purposeful learning.

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