Taylor's Camp Of Leaders Pairs Students With Top Industry Mentors To Grow Their Startups
This comes in the form of a six-month programme featuring established names from various fields.
By Dale John Wong — 24 Sep 2024, 11:47 AM
Running a business is a challenging endeavour, and it often requires more than academic knowledge to become successful
For most graduates, attempting to build a thriving startup will require other forms of knowledge, which can be obtained by learning under a seasoned industry professional.
Knowing this, Taylor's University introduced the Camp of Leaders mentorship programme that lets students learn directly under industry leaders to drive innovation and positively impact their communities
The Camp of Leaders programme is a dynamic six-month initiative that pairs tertiary students with business veterans so they can develop the essential soft skills and innovative thinking to become competent entrepreneurs in their own right.
One of the main objectives is to bridge the gap between theory and practical skills. This means that students gain hands-on experience, learn to network, and uncover techniques to deal with business challenges directly from those who have seen and done it all.
Active since 2022, the programme has since matched students to various high-profile mentors from across different fields
In its third year, AirAsia Move chief executive officer Nadia Omer is among the current mentors of the 'Camp of Leaders' cohort.
Image via Taylor's UniversityFor example, AirAsia Move CEO Nadia Omer is involved in this year's Camp of Leaders and oversees the 6reen Project, a gateway application focusing on sustainable travel by directing tourists away from over touristed locales towards lesser-known destinations.
"I am truly touched by the passion and creativity of these young mentees who want to make a difference.
"Their energy is contagious and gives hope for a better future. I see how eager they are to connect with professionals to learn more and learn faster," said Nadia.
“Throughout my journey, I have gained a lot from strong mentors—teachers, leaders, and those who helped me grow and achieve things I did not think I could. Now, it is my turn to pay it forward by mentoring these students while also learning from them.
“Additionally, this mentorship opportunity will help me understand today’s youth better. With a deeper understanding of their motivations and interests, I believe I can channel this knowledge to build AirAsia Move into a more youth-centric travel experience,” she added.Other mentors involved in this initiative include co-founder and CEO of Entomal Biotech Yanni Xinyan Ching, co-founder and CEO of B&B Labs Julius Lim, founder of Tanamera Tropicana Spa Sdn Bhd Mohamad Faisal Ahmad Fadzil, as well as director of Domaine Architects Sdn Bhd, Ar. Norashidah Wahab.
Returning mentors include the CEO of Etika Group of Companies Santharuban Thurai Sundaram, co-founder and CEO of Komuniti Tukang Jahit Yap Sue Yii, and director and head of business development (Games) at The Walt Disney Company, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa Jê Alipio.
The programme aligns with Malaysia's vision of transitioning from a production-based economy to a knowledge-focused one
During the recent iteration of the programme, Taylor's University students demonstrated the practical skills they gleaned from their mentors by introducing their own projects and startups.
- Durian-Tex, which upcycles durian husk waste into eco-friendly fabrics
- Bizzy B, which gamifies travel technology
- Chicgo, a vegan ice-cream brand
- Morshedcare, an organic oil for scalp health
- Bugkwa, a sustainable by-product of black soldier fly larvae protein
- Bioinspired 3DCP for structural integrity
- Aquaglow, which introduced microcapsule gel-beads for sustainability in skincare products
- Taskaway, an application connecting locals to trusted service exchange for skill-based earning
Emerging from the university’s Taylor’sphere ecosystem – which blends innovative pedagogy with real-world experiences, fostering intellect, creativity, and collaboration – the programme prepares future innovators and leaders to drive individual growth and national progress.
