Driven by vision and values, Taylor’s University soars to new heights
Vice-chancellor and president, Professor Barry Winn, shares insights on the institution’s rise in global rankings and the need for universities to help students apply their knowledge meaningfully.
Professor Barry Winn aims to elevate the university's standards and position Taylor's as a world-class institution. Photos: Taylor's University
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When Professor Barry Winn first arrived at Taylor’s University in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, he was immediately struck by its close-knit community.
“From the campus security to the student services and academic staff, everyone here takes immense pride in Taylor’s and is committed to its success,” said the university’s vice-chancellor and president. Prof Winn joined Taylor’s University in January, bringing leadership experience from universities in Oman and the United Kingdom.
Over the years, the united efforts of Taylor’s staff and faculty have paid off. Ranked the top private university in Southeast Asia for five consecutive years (2020-2024), Taylor’s University has risen to no. 251 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, placing it among the top 1 per cent globally.
SUPPORTING A COMMUNITY OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Nearly half of Taylor’s student body consists of international students, drawn to the university’s strong reputation with employers and its vibrant campus life. The campus hosts a variety of artistic and sporting events, such as a recent anime soundtrack performance by the school’s symphony orchestra and an inter-school 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
Prof Winn believes that bringing together individuals from various backgrounds is essential for addressing global challenges. “The world is facing many complex challenges and uniting educated minds is crucial for tackling them,” he noted. “We aim to make Malaysia a hub for international students, integrating diverse perspectives to build a resilient and sustainable future.”
Recognising that students may feel homesick or miss their local foods, he emphasised Taylor’s dedication in supporting international students from the moment they arrive. Staff undergo professional development to better understand students’ backgrounds and help them adapt through comprehensive orientation programmes, tailored academic support and practical assistance with housing, visa and immigration processes.
On campus, students are encouraged to discover their passions and express their views through focus groups and advisory boards. “Student representation is integral to our university,” said Prof Winn. “We respect students’ views and strive to equip them with the skills to succeed and contribute to their communities.”
A REAL-WORLD CURRICULUM
Taylor’s University offers a broad range of academic disciplines, including engineering, medicine, biosciences and, soon, veterinary medicine. Said Prof Winn: “We’re not just creating employment opportunities for students, but also making social and cultural contributions. We’ve invested in sophisticated facilities that help create a university for Malaysia that we can be very proud of.”
Among these facilities are the 11 Taylor’s Impact Labs, where students collaborate with faculty, industry professionals and corporate partners to create solutions to real-world problems, guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Since 2023, over 100 Impact Projects have been undertaken in areas like digital health, clean technology and urban communities.
Additionally, the Taylor’s Curriculum Framework nurtures well-rounded graduates through a flexible educational structure focused on academic excellence, life skills and emotional well-being. It emphasises graduate capabilities, which are listed on a student’s transcript alongside their grades. These capabilities include communication skills, entrepreneurialism, problem-solving, creative thinking and global perspectives – all designed to enhance students’ life and career prospects in a fast-changing world.
LEADING THE FUTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Moving forward, Prof Winn plans to further develop the university’s research capabilities and strengthen its international academic networks. He explained: “Southeast Asia is an ideal location to collaborate with global institutions. There are regional issues with global implications such as climate change, infrastructure development and educational disparities, and we have much to teach the world from here.”
Taylor’s is also embracing new technologies like generative artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance learning. “The role of higher education has changed. Knowledge is freely accessible and universities must add value by helping students apply their knowledge meaningfully,” said Prof Winn.
To illustrate the potential of generative AI, he provided an example from the medical field. In medical school, students get real-world exposure to patients in clinical settings – but this is often limited by concerns such as patient safety, privacy and the types of cases available. Generative AI can create avatars with specific symptoms for students to practise their diagnostic skills, with peers joining remotely to observe and provide feedback. “This approach can lead to better care from our graduates when they work in clinics worldwide,” he added.
To facilitate the use of AI and other advanced technologies, Taylor’s has established the Virtual Online Future Technology and Extended Reality (VORTEX XR) Lab, which offers virtual, interactive and immersive learning experiences.
When students graduate from Taylor’s, Prof Winn hopes they will, in the paraphrased words commonly attributed to Winston Churchill, “make a living by what they get, and make a life by what they give”.
“I want our graduates to contribute their skills and expertise to their communities and use the advantages of their education to make an impact and lead fulfilling lives,” he said.
Learn more about the innovative offerings at Taylor’s University.
