Rising Stars In Communication

Recognising Rising Stars Among Taylor’s School of Communications Students at the STAR Awards 2016
“If you communicate, you can get by. But if you communicate skilfully, you can work miracles.” - Jim Rohn, an American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker.

In today’s media-driven world, the field of communication or mass communication is one of the most exciting, rapidly-evolving industries. Professionals in the communication industry are in a unique position to shape a company or brand’s image and perception, ultimately influencing its visibility, productivity and performance. Broadly defined, the communication industry is the business of conveying information.

In line with the increasing demand for strategic-level thinkers and skillful communicators in the industry, Taylor’s School of Communication (SOC) aims to revolutionise the existing communication landscape and develop communication leaders with innovative and strategic-thinking attributes to shape the industry’s future. The School creates a conducive environment for knowledge-exchange where best practices are shared and ideas are explored, to uncover the full potential of both its students and staff in the field of communication.

Josephine Tan, Taylor’s School of Communication (SOC) Dean, said “The proof of the high industry standard works produced by our students can be seen by the projects submitted for the School of Communication Students’ Talent Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Award which are judged by industry experts in the areas of advertising, broadcasting, public relations, multimedia, journalism, and marketing.”

“The STAR Awards is an annual event held at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus with the aim to promote high standards and best practices in the media and communication industries by cultivating passion, interest, commitment and integrity in creative work among the students,” she added.

The recent STAR Awards ceremony was attended by industry partners, Taylor’s University staff and students for an evening of camaraderie and a celebration of creative excellence. The nominated students’ works were exhibited during the event. There were 25 categories such as Communicator of the Year award, Best News Release, Best Illustration, Best Advertising Campaign (Degree), Best Brand Strategy (Degree), Best News Writing (Degree), Best Feature Writing (Foundation), Best Stop Motion Animation (Degree), and Best Documentary (Degree).

The awards recognised individual works as well as group efforts. Each categories showcased at least three nominated students’ works and the awards were also recognised, judged and sponsored by industry partners such as STAR Media Group Berhad, PHD Media Advertising Agency, PrimeWorks Studios Sdn. Bhd., Edelman Public Relations Worldwide Sdn. Bhd., and Creative Juice Advertising Agency and SONY.

The Star of the day, Bernard Ow Ji Jing, who was awarded Communicator of the Year was grateful and elated for this recognition. He graduated with Bachelor of Mass Communication, majoring in Broadcasting from Taylor’s University last year and is currently the associate producer and video editor in a production house.

Bernard Ow & Ms Josephine Tan, Dean, School of Communication, Taylor's University.

Bernard shared that Taylor’s University have prepared him well for his current job with the necessary communication skills and the right attitude, making it easier for him to accomplish his given tasks.

He also shared, “My time at SOC has helped me grow as a student, not only excelling in my studies but securing me an internship with Red Communications, a production house which specialises in local television series and movies. Being able to learn under this company for 3 months has really prepared me for the industry.”

For Mohd. Azhar Ashraf Bin Jamel, currently studying Bachelor of Mass Communication, majoring in Broadcasting, being a student at SOC has allowed him to experiment and strive for excellence within his creative field. “The grades I got is a good nod that I'm going in the right direction and the awards granted are an additional validation that this is what I should be doing,” Ashraf added. He won two awards, Best Illustration (individual category) and Best Stop Motion Animation (Degree) titled Shapes with his group.

Mohd. Ashraf & Mr Andrew Perera, Creative Group Head, Creative Juice.

Winner of the Best News Writing (Degree) category, titled Lake to undergo remediation for poor water quality, Kelly Chang Chaili shared, “I’m ecstatic to win this award because I have put in a lot of effort in writing the article. It was my baby and I felt affirmed of my news writing skills. I've always wanted to try environmental journalism and this was my first break.”

Kelly Cheng Chaili & Ms Karen Chapman, Editor, Star Educate.

“I would like to thank my lecturer Miss Siow Yuen Ching for pushing me to realise my full potential. I wouldn't dream of winning the award without her guidance. I found an interesting angle, found the right people, asked the right questions and had the best support system of lecturers and editors,” added Kelly who is currently working as a client service executive at Nielsen.

“My education in SOC has shaped me to become more adaptable in different environment. Journalism is still my passion but I want to explore other fields. Who knows one day I may go back to journalism. We shall see!” ended Kelly. Best News Writing (Degree) category was sponsored by The STAR Media Group Berhad.