Cover L to R: Members of the programme’s Industry Advisory Panel (IAP) comprising Chen Li-Kai, Former Senior and Managing Partner with McKinsey & Company Malaysia; Farhana Roslan, Think-tank Researcher; Dr Melati Nungsari, Associate Professor of Economics and the Deputy Dean of Research, Asia School of Business; Shahril Hamdan, Founder & Managing Director of Watchtower Advisory and Co-Host of Keluar Sekejap; Dr Tricia Yeoh, Associate Professor of Practice at Nottingham University, Malaysia and Former Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS); Khairy Jamaluddin, Former Minister of Health and Co-Host of Keluar Sekejap, alongside Dato Loy Teik Ngan, Chairman, Taylor's Education Group; Professor Barry Winn, Vice-Chancellor and President, Taylor’s University; Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming; Professor Eddy Chong, Executive Dean, Taylor’s Faculty of Business & Law; Dr Harmahinder, Head of School of Law & Governance; and Dr Deboshree Ghosh, at the PPE programme launch, marking a milestone in higher education
L to R: Members of the programme’s Industry Advisory Panel (IAP) comprising Chen Li-Kai, Former Senior and Managing Partner with McKinsey & Company Malaysia; Farhana Roslan, Think-tank Researcher; Dr Melati Nungsari, Associate Professor of Economics and the Deputy Dean of Research, Asia School of Business; Shahril Hamdan, Founder & Managing Director of Watchtower Advisory and Co-Host of Keluar Sekejap; Dr Tricia Yeoh, Associate Professor of Practice at Nottingham University, Malaysia and Former Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS); Khairy Jamaluddin, Former Minister of Health and Co-Host of Keluar Sekejap, alongside Dato Loy Teik Ngan, Chairman, Taylor's Education Group; Professor Barry Winn, Vice-Chancellor and President, Taylor’s University; Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming; Professor Eddy Chong, Executive Dean, Taylor’s Faculty of Business & Law; Dr Harmahinder, Head of School of Law & Governance; and Dr Deboshree Ghosh, at the PPE programme launch, marking a milestone in higher education
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Taylor’s University’s new Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) (Honours) programme combines academic rigour, real-world relevance and interdisciplinary insights to shape critical thinkers and future leaders equipped to tackle global challenges
At a time where specialised knowledge often takes centre stage, Taylor’s University is breaking new ground with its Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) (Honours) programme—the first of its kind in Malaysia. This trailblazing three-year interdisciplinary degree aims to produce the “renaissance thinkers” of tomorrow, equipping graduates to navigate the increasingly complex intersection of geopolitics, economics, and ethics, preparing them to address pressing issues such as climate change policies, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-related challenges, artificial intelligence ethics, and other public policy concerns.
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“We often hear from industry partners that many graduates are not ‘job-ready’ when they first enter the workforce,” says Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice-Chancellor for External Engagement and Lead of the PPE Industry Advisory Panel (IAP) at Taylor’s University. “A common gap identified is the lack of critical thinking skills.” It’s this gap that the PPE programme aims to bridge, offering students not just theoretical knowledge, but the practical tools to become proactive thinkers, problem-solvers and future leaders.
Above Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice-Chancellor for External Engagement at Taylor’s University, presenting the vision and significance of the newly launched Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (Honours) at Taylor’s University
Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice-Chancellor for External Engagement at Taylor’s University, presenting the vision and significance of the newly launched Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (Honours) at Taylor’s University
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Ong, a former Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), collaborated with Associate Professor Dr Harmahinder Singh, Head of the School of Law and Governance, and Dr Deboshree Ghosh, the PPE Programme Director, to conceptualise this interdisciplinary programme. Accredited by the Malaysia Qualifications Agency (MQA), Taylor’s University’s PPE programme will have recognition of local and international employers, streamlining pathways to multi-industry career opportunities or advanced studies.
What distinguishes Taylor’s PPE programme is its seamless blend of academic knowledge and real-world relevance through a customised learning experience. “The first two years will focus on building a robust theoretical foundation across Philosophy, Politics and Economics, fostering a comprehensive understanding of these interconnected disciplines,” explains Ghosh, emphasising the programme’s meticulously structured approach.
Above Dr Deboshree Ghosh, Programme Director of the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (Honours), introducing the curriculum of the newly launched programme, emphasising its interdisciplinary approach
Dr Deboshree Ghosh, Programme Director of the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (Honours), introducing the curriculum of the newly launched programme, emphasising its interdisciplinary approach
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Collaborative learning activities such as group presentations and debates, under the guidance of expert faculty, allow students to deepen their competencies in critical thinking, ethical reasoning and strategic decision-making. Moreover, the programme integrates innovative teaching methods, including the use of AI tools like AI chatbot for discussions, quantitative analysis software, and opportunities for students to engage in policy podcasts and public forums.
Beyond the classroom, the programme is enriched by a strong Industry Advisory Panel (IAP) comprising respected policymakers, economists, corporate leaders and academics. Notable figures such as Khairy Jamaluddin, Shahril Hamdan, Tony Pua, Dr Tricia Yeoh, and others have helped shape the curriculum. Through guest lectures and interactive sessions, they will provide students with invaluable industry insights and real-world perspectives.
Above L to R: Distinguished panelists, Shahril Hamdan, Dr Melati Nungsari, Dr Tricia Yeoh, Khairy Jamaluddin and Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming engaging in an insightful fireside chat, discussing the real-world applications of a multidisciplinary PPE education in shaping policy, business and governance
L to R: Distinguished panelists, Shahril Hamdan, Dr Melati Nungsari, Dr Tricia Yeoh, Khairy Jamaluddin and Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming engaging in an insightful fireside chat, discussing the real-world applications of a multidisciplinary PPE education in shaping policy, business and governance
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“I previously engaged with each of them professionally during my time as an MP and as an academic before I joined frontline politics,” says Ong, who aimed to recruit those who would be strong advocates for the programme’s success. Each IAP member has experience in at least one of the PPE disciplines, either in an academic or professional capacity.
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“First-year PPE students will be exposed to low-stakes industry engagements, allowing them to learn without pressure,” Ong explains. By their second year, students may engage in more participatory industry engagements and assignments, including responsibilities in co-organising conferences, co-authoring papers and providing research assistance to academics. The journey culminates in their final year with curated industry internships that allow them to apply their accumulated knowledge in real-world settings, through public and private events organised by government and non-government institutions.
Above Shahril Hamdan, founder and managing director of Watchtower Advisory. He is also the co-host of Keluar Sekejap
Above Khairy Jamaluddin, former Minister of Health and co-host of Keluar Sekejap
Shahril Hamdan, founder and managing director of Watchtower Advisory. He is also the co-host of Keluar Sekejap
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“We are in the process of curating the right industry partners to ensure that PPE students have access to diverse industry options in their third year, based on their interests,” Ong says. He is confident that by their second year, PPE students will have more apparent interests, allowing the institution to leverage its extensive network of industry partners to match students with tailored opportunities that provide impactful experiences.
“With a strong foundation comes the possibility of introducing more engaging projects and initiatives to the PPE experience at Taylor’s, offering exposure not only within Malaysia but internationally,” adds Ong.
“It is a common misconception that a PPE degree primarily leads to a career in politics, likely stemming from the fact that several prominent national and international political figures are PPE graduates. Instead, PPE graduates have demonstrated remarkable success across various fields, including business and government consulting, journalism, law, project management, academia, entrepreneurship, accounting and policy analysis,” Ghosh points out.
Above Dr Melati Nungsari, Associate Professor of Economics and the Deputy Dean of Research, Asia School of Business
Above Dr Tricia Yeoh, Associate Professor of Practice at Nottingham University, Malaysia. She is also the former CEO of the Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS)
Dr Melati Nungsari, Associate Professor of Economics and the Deputy Dean of Research, Asia School of Business
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As global challenges become increasingly interconnected, the value of professionals who can think analytically, challenge assumptions, adapt and develop multi-dimensional solutions becomes more apparent.
The PPE programme’s rigorous selection process evaluates academic credentials and passion for understanding societal systems, moral decision-making, and multicultural collaboration. With a 100 per cent scholarship on tuition fees available for both the April and September 2025 intakes, or a 10 per cent bursary exclusively for the April 2025 cohort, prospective students are encouraged to explore this transformative degree. For more information, visit here.
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Photography: Fady Younis
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