On the evening of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th May 2025, the Experimental Theater dimmed its lights for Lovestruck, a first-ever interactive stage production by the Society of Performing Arts @ Taylor’s (SPART). With a compelling premise, immersive atmosphere, and real-time audience decision-making, Lovestruck invited us not just to watch a story unfold—but to shape it ourselves.

Set against a backdrop of emotional detachment, obsession, and manipulation, the play follows Audrey—a girl who cannot feel emotions—until she meets Jasper, who seems to change everything. But every person, every choice, and every secret threatens to unravel this connection. Through polls accessed via QR code, the audience became the hand guiding Audrey’s path, from subtle decisions like whether to eavesdrop, to larger ones like whether to tell the truth—or not.

Pre-show context
On 3rd May, I walked into Lovestruck blind—no expectations, just that the posters and promotional materials screamed “dark academia with a kiss of chaos.” What I got instead was a gripping psychological romance doused in moral dilemmas, audience gasps, and the dangerous power of choice. It wasn’t just a play—it was a social experiment in heartbreak.

The moment you enter, you're not just a spectator. A QR code is your passport to power. Every few scenes, the story paused and a question popped up through the speakers: “Should Audrey tell the truth?” “Should she listen in?” The stakes? Real. Each vote tilted the plot in a new direction—and by the end of the night, we had blood on our hands.

The Girl Who Couldn’t Feel... Until She Felt Too Much
Audrey, played with spellbinding dexterity by Minori Grace Vincent, was a theatrical tour de force. Her performance felt razor-sharp—from a scared, emotionally numb girl to a manipulative puppeteer pulling strings like a marionettist of madness. Her smile, every time a scheme succeeded, was WICKEDLY delightful—especially when she’d glance cheekily at the audience, giggle behind someone’s back, or give a little curtsey after ruining someone’s life. She was not just playing a character—she invited us into Audrey’s fractured mind.

Gasps, Giggles, and Gut-Punches
Audrey’s emotional awakening came through her connection with Jasper, played by Eddie Lim Ming Wing, whose intensity matched the play’s darker turns. The collective gasp when Jasper muttered, “I wish you were never born” to his sister Amelia? Chilling. Yet, Eddie’s quick-witted improvisation (shoutout to the perfectly timed “oh f*ck”) kept the audience laughing even as the story twisted darker and darker.

Leong Xenyi, as the effervescent Alice, brought bursts of humour and warmth to the show. Her iconic line—“There's a reason they call me The Tequila Demon!” will live rent-free in our heads. But beneath the glitter, Alice hid a secret—and in classic SPART fashion, we, the audience, had to decide what Audrey would do with it. Once again, choices laid out: should we help her or expose her?

A Moment of Silence for Those We Lost… In The Play
*Spoiler warning*
Amelia, played by Ong Xiao Wen was the little sister with a big mouth—and the audience chose violence. Literally. When the audience voted to push instead of comfort, jaws dropped as she actually fell. Her physical fall onstage was executed with remarkable realism, underscoring just how high the emotional stakes were. Whether we expected it or not, we had made that happen. We all love a dedicated cast (and we’re sorry, Amelia).

Raasheda’s Mia delivered a harsh life lesson: maybe don’t tell your best friend everything. Because when secrets spill, they burn. And Elizabeth (played by Rose Tan Qi Qian), Audrey's picture-perfect mother, showed us where Audrey got her twisted ideas about love and control. Audrey’s lines—“Just like my mother always taught me,”—dripped with performative affection and gave the play a deeper commentary on generational trauma and performative love.

Photo by Society of Performing Arts @ Taylor’s (SPART)

The Vision Behind the Chaos
Directed by Hong Min Thong and co-directed by Bianca Theseira, Lovestruck was born from a simple conversation—and, some say, inspired loosely by the game Yandere Simulator. But make no mistake: this was a carefully built universe. With over two months of scriptwriting and a rigorous production timeline, the team created a multilayered narrative map of decisions and consequences, meticulously plotted and rehearsed. Bringing interactivity to a live performance is no easy feat. Yet SPART’s debut effort felt seamless, fluid, and purposeful.

Besides, the magic couldn’t have happened without the silent stars of the night: the light and sound directors, stagehands, props and set crew, costume and makeup teams. From atmospheric lighting that shifted with the emotional tone to props and costume choices that subtly evolved with the narrative (Audrey’s outfit changed, but her heart-patterned stockings remained—a charming symbol of identity), the attention to detail was sharp. Major kudos to the costume team. (And yes, if you're wondering—we’d all love a link to those stockings.)

Photo by Lim Zhen Ping

After the curtains closed, the audience stuck around, buzzing. Photos were taken, actors were hugged, and fans gushed over favorite moments with the directors.  There was an air of “Let’s do this again,” because we all knew—we’d only seen one version of the story. That, perhaps, was the true brilliance of Lovestruck: no two nights were the same. The story lives on in alternate timelines, each branching from a single audience decision. 

Takeaway Message
Lovestruck wasn't just a play—it was a reminder that every decision carries weight.  In giving the audience control, SPART forces us to confront the consequences of those decisions. Whether we pushed, lied, or watched in silence, we had to live with the outcome. One vote can lead to forgiveness… or a fatal fall.

Missed it? Don’t worry. If this is what SPART can do with their first interactive play, the future is only brighter—and darker, if that’s what the next storyline demands. Follow @sparttulc on Instagram to catch the next whirlwind production. 

If they ever bring back Lovestruck, I’m buying a ticket—again. And this time, maybe vote to comfort Amelia.

The Agents of Tech (AOT) club of Taylor's University Lakeside Campus (TULC) were thrilled to announce the return of ImagineHack for 2025. This 48-hour coding marathon brought together tech enthusiasts in teams of three to five members to collaborate and create innovative solutions to real-world challenges. The event occurred from 20th June to the 22nd of June, 2025, at TULC. This year's theme for ImagineHack was "Reimagine Malaysia." Project manager Phoon Chun On emphasised that the aim was to make the event more specific and relatable to Malaysians. The event featured a series of mentorships from top-tier industry professionals, peer-to-peer networking opportunities, and industry exposure to notable software and technology enterprises in Malaysia, along with three full days of hackathon buzz. Additionally, hackathon participants would also have opportunities to win various cash prizes. 

With excitement filling the air, ImagineHack 2025 commenced. It featured a welcoming speech by President Wallace Tan Yi Jie and opening remarks from representatives of Hilti and Paynet. The event proceeded with anticipation when the emcees revealed the problem statements, including Digital Heritage and Tourism, Digital Integrity in the Age of Misinformation and Green Technology and Sustainable Environment. The participants needed to work on tasks to develop innovative solutions using technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), immersive technologies, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) analytics to address these problem statements. Day 1 concluded with the first Hack Session of ImagineHack 2025. Different teams decided on which one of the problem statements they wanted to work on and brainstormed their ideas.  

Day 2 commenced with a briefing from the committee members, outlining the event itinerary. Following this, eager participants looked forward to the second Hack Session. After recharging with a delicious lunch prepared by the AOT committee, an impressive lineup of mentors, including lecturers from Taylor's University and seasoned industry leaders, stepped forward to offer guidance to the participants throughout the hackathon. Their invaluable advice played a crucial role in helping various teams enhance their projects to the next level. The day continued with two additional Hack Sessions, during which participants refined their projects under the heavy pressure of a tight timeframe in preparation for the preliminary round pitching session.

The room buzzed with a mix of anxiety and excitement as participants prepared to present their ideas to the judges during the preliminary round. Each team showcased distinct approaches to the problem statements, utilising various media such as websites and applications.

Fourteen teams successfully advanced to the next stage of the competition. They had fifteen minutes to prepare for the final pitching session, where they would present their concepts to the judges again, who would ultimately determine the winner of ImagineHack 2025. While anxiously waiting for the final results, the committee organised a networking session for the participants. This opportunity allowed them to connect with tech leaders and peers, fostering discussions about coding and innovation.

As the moment for announcing the final results drew near, the atmosphere in the lecture theatre overflowed with both suspense and enthusiasm. The session commenced with the presentation of special awards for ImagineHack 2025, which included the following categories: 'Best Social Impact' awarded to BlockDee, 'Best Innovation' awarded to Quadrabyte, 'Best Technical Implementation' designated to 5MDB, and the 'Crowd Favourite', also awarded to Quadrabyte. After what had already proven to be an exceptional session, the emcees formally announced the winners of ImagineHack 2025. The designation of second runner-up was awarded to Taste of Fate, while the first runner-up was GOAT. Ultimately, the team, TT, became the champion of ImagineHack 2025.

Here is what some of the participants had to say about their projects for ImagineHack 2025:

"We planned to join ImagineHack 2025 two months ago, as we all knew that AOT was going to organise it, and we thought it would be a chance to expose ourselves to a bigger hackathon. We discovered that there had been a decline in museum visits because of a lack of innovation. Therefore, we developed a mobile web app that allows users to interact with and communicate with an augmented-reality (AR) avatar of a historical figure." - Quadrabyte (Ong Jun Hong, Loo Tan Yu Xian, Lim Yu Xuen, Tee Jun Fong)

"We noticed people in Malaysia would read biased content without realising. It may mislead people into believing things that might not be true. Therefore, we designed a news website that can detect biases and analyse comments on news reports. The website can summarise all comments, whether positive or negative, to provide an unbiased report. Initially, we were unsure about where to begin. Then, we realised that we did not think from another point of view for the problem statement. We have learnt that we should think of things from different perspectives, and that gave us the idea of our website." - TT (Cedric Chung Theng Fung, Phen Jing Xuan, Liew Qi Jian, Marcus Tan Chi Yau).

The event concluded with closing remarks from representatives of Hilti and Paynet, followed by a closing speech from Vice President Lam Yun Han. "ImagineHack 2025 revolves around a single concept: Reimagine Malaysia. This theme is not just a title; it is a challenge for everyone to envision what our country could become through innovation and creativity," stated Yun Han. Special recognition had to be given to the committee members who dedicated several months to preparing for ImagineHack 2025, enduring countless meetings and late nights, as well as navigating unexpected changes. The dedication and hard work of the AOT members made ImagineHack 2025 possible.

On May 14, 2025, around 135 student leaders, excluding 16 student councils as manpower, from clubs and societies came together at Taylor’s Student Leaders Townhall 2025 - where students had the floor, and university departments came to listen. Organised by the Taylor’s College Student Council (TCSC), Taylor’s University Student Council (TUSC), and Post-Graduate Student Council (PGSC), the event brought together representatives from Student Development, SEAL, SRC, Events, ICT, and Timetabling; with familiar names like Ms. Saw Bee Lian, Mr. Ronson, Ms. Angie, Mr. Dorian, and more. The goal? Cut through the email chains and speak directly about what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change.

Opening the event, Mr. Ronson - a former student leader himself - delivered a heartfelt speech, reminding attendees that clubs and societies are the heart of university life. The message was clear: student organisations matter, and the university is listening. After all, what’s university life without its clubs and societies? 

If you've ever planned a club event and wondered why your venue takes ages to book or why setting up over the weekend felt like pulling teeth, you're not alone. Multiple leaders raised concerns about arriving at a booked space only to find nothing prepared as requested. After much back-and-forth, a key misunderstanding was finally addressed: Event Management Department (EMD) handles all space setups, not Timetabling (TT). Addressing the issue raised by student leaders, EMD expresses the challenges and limitations upon the lack of support for space setup requests, including the limited inventory of equipment due to a high number of events occurring simultaneously and the lack of manpower, particularly for events during after-hours and weekends. Submit setup requests as early as possible, follow up consistently, and work with your advisors to escalate when necessary. With "Venue Booking" being a hot topic among the many challenges student leaders faced, some clubs even expressed their disappointment in the impact of not being able or allowed to host their activities on campus, forcing them to relocate their activities elsewhere… and it hurts their member participation. “We lost members because we had to move off-campus”. To put it simply, Taylor’s does not have the space to accommodate certain sports activities, and safety issues are also a major concern to take into account as an institution with responsibility around the campus grounds. The university reassured that external venue rentals will be funded by the university when needed. The goal is to ensure no student misses out due to location constraints.

On the topic of club struggles, Taylor’s L.I.V.E Club, in representation of all music clubs, pushed for better soundproofing in the Symphony and Harmony studio, after there were multiple noise complaint reports from students. Without regular rehearsals, music clubs can’t operate, and that jeopardises their community. The issue was escalated to Facilities Management (FM) for future improvement, especially in terms of soundproofing solutions to ensure the comfort of both the students around the studios as well as the music clubs in rehearsal.

Storage issues were also brought up, student leaders were housing their club materials in their dorms, and in one instance, their car! While the idea is under discussion, no final decision has been made. The university is looking into possible solutions.

Perhaps the most widely shared frustration came from Taylor’s Debaters Club, which raised the issues surrounding CNS Fest that occurred earlier this year in April. While the event was a success, heavy rains caused unexpected flooding, forcing club booths to shut down early. Not only did this take away lots of time to gain exposure to new members, but outdoor venues tend to have particularly unnecessary risks on the first day. Their suggestion? Move CNS Fest back indoors. However, SEAL shared that earlier versions of CNS that took place in the Grand Hall caused severe congestion, with students lining up just to enter! To address this, SEAL and Student Development will host a focus group to rework the event for future editions and improve the experience.

A club is only as strong as the leadership it passes on. But what happens when there are new incoming terms and no training provided for them? The Rotaract Club raised a pressing concern during Townhall 2025: incoming committees often receive little to no training, leaving them to figure things out from scratch. In response, the university acknowledged the issue and committed to supporting student leaders by introducing leadership training for everyone, from committee members to EXCOs and BODs. These courses will focus on building stronger foundations and ensuring that every baton passed is placed in the right hands to continue the club’s legacy.

Putting aside the concerns and issues raised throughout the night, the Student Development has brought upon thrilling news for student leaders on future workshops that benefits not only the roles each student leader carries but also in the success of their future. Apart from that, the Timetabling Department also disclosed an ongoing project among the department  to address the issues of venue bookings in the long term to further improve students’ experience whilst securing a venue for upcoming events. While way more went on, unfortunately, only so much could be covered in a night. The message was clear: student voices are being heard. And slowly but surely, change is on its way.

by @pxrvxnx

Imagine a world without your favourite coffee, your go-to dopamine booster (I meant chocolates), fruits, nuts, etc. No buzz in gardens, no colour in fields. Just silence. Most importantly, most of the shelves in supermarkets are…empty. It sounds like a tale from a distant future, but it's closer than we think.

Every year on May 20, we mark World Bee Day—a quiet reminder of how much we owe these tiny pollinators, who are more than just honey-makers that keep our ecosystem alive. But this World Bee Day, we are not just celebrating these sweet pollinators, we’re talking about survival. We are asking what happens if the bees are gone? Why is it happening? And how might we stop that silence from settling in?

If the bees disappeared tomorrow, the world wouldn’t end in a snap of fingers. First, the buzz of bees fades from the gardens. Then, the flowers stop blooming. The market looks a little emptier. Apples and strawberries, out of season. Coffee? Too expensive! Almonds? Now a luxury. Fields turn quiet. Harvest falls short. No bees mean no pollination. No pollination means no food!

More than 75% of the world’s crops rely on pollinators, and bees are their brightest workers. Without them, the ecosystem will collapse like a tall building in an earthquake, along with the economy. Farmers would lose crops, prices would skyrocket, and communities relying on agriculture would struggle to survive. While staple crops like wheat and rice may survive without them, a world without bees would be a world with far less food diversity, nutrition, and joy. And yes! I know what you’re thinking. The technology is developing rapidly. There’s artificial intelligence. Surely, there are robot bees—tiny drones that do artificial pollination. But here is the truth: they’re bee-yond expensive and far from being able to replace the natural pollinators in our current time. Bees don’t just land on flowers. They feel. They nurture. We can't program instinct, and we certainly can't replace the rhythm of nature.

Hive in crisis: Bee-ing under attack
Now, imagine you’re a bee. Rising, the sunlight peeking into your hive, wings still sticky with sleep. You step out, expecting the familiar warmth, colour, and petals. But something’s off, something’s wrong… The flowers you used to know, they’re now gone. Once, you danced flower to flower, drunk on nectar. What remains are only endless fields of a single crop—corn, wheat, soy—blooming all at once, and then vanishing. You fly further. When you do land on a pretty, kind flower, it tastes strange. Sharp. What you don't know is that it’s been sprayed with neonicotinoid, a pesticide that scrambles your memory and weakens your body. You try to return home, but you can’t remember the way.

As the days go by, you feel your hive beginning to shrink. Not just from hunger, but from something far worse. Something tiny, clinging. A parasite—varroa mite, drinking on your strength, bringing disease into your hive. Then, one morning, when you manage to return home, no one was there except your queen. Not the guards, the young bees. Only a handful of the adult bees were present. The stored food was still there. The humans have a name for it: Colony Collapse Disorder. And the world keeps changing. The weather forgets its rhythm. Spring arrives too soon, storms steal the blossoms, and summer burns too long. Your kind lives by nature’s clock… and now the clock is broken. You were born to dance with flowers. Now, you fly alone, wondering what happened to the world that once bloomed for you.

That’s how bees feel —with pesticides, parasites, and climate chaos. They’re disappearing. And if we don’t act soon, we might lose them forever.

Bee the change: Small, sweet solutions
Not all is lost… not yet. The world that once blossomed can bloom again. But it starts with us. You don’t need a farm or a forest to help the bees. A pot of flowers on your balcony, petals in blue, purple or white since bees love them, a patch of wild still left in your yard, or even letting twigs and dead wood lie undisturbed—these little acts matter more than you think. Swap out harsh pesticides for natural options or companion planting. Buy local honey if you can, as each jar supports a beekeeper nurturing thousands of tiny lives.

If you’re a gardener or farmer, your choices shape the world bees live in. Reducing chemical use, keeping flower-rich hedgerows, and avoiding monoculture practices can give bees the safe havens they’re desperate for. And if you’re a student? Speak out. Plant a pollinator corner, create awareness —your voice, your window box, your curiosity, all carry power.

These actions may feel small. But so are bees, and they hold the world together. So this World Bee Day, let’s not just admire them. Let’s plant, protect, and promise them a world that blooms again. Because when the bees thrive, the Earth hums a little brighter!

Once upon a time, traditional pastimes like knitting, baking, gardening and embroidery were considered as hobbies meant for retirement homes and nostalgic movies. However, as the digital world speeds up, it seems the new generation is slowing down, with one handmade stitch at a time. Across campuses and social media feeds, young people are picking up crochet hooks, watering heirloom tomatoes, and proudly showcasing their latest sourdough loaves. This isn’t about birdwatching or sewing tote bags for clout. It is a cultural shift across an entire generation. Far from being outdated, these “grandma hobbies” are now symbols of mindfulness, sustainability, and personal expression. So, why are these hobbies back in style? And what does that say about us?

Despite the nickname, “grandma hobbies” aren’t limited to age. They are a growing collection of traditional, hands-on activities that have found a new life among younger generations. Think knitting, embroidery, crocheting, gardening, baking, quilting, and even letter-writing. While once associated with our older relatives or rural life, these hobbies are now wrapped up in aesthetic appeal and proudly shown off on TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram. The rise of trends like “grandma-core” or “cottagecore” with their cozy visuals, floral patterns and appreciation for slow living has only accelerated the return of these crafts. What was once seen as boring or old-fashioned is now being rebranded as charming, intentional, and refreshingly online. 

So, what’s behind the growing love for hobbies once tucked away in sewing baskets and backyard sheds? For many young people today, the intrigue lies in the contrast to modern life. In a world shaped by fast-paced content, endless notifications, and digital burnout, the slow hands-on activities offer a calming counterbalance. Knitting a scarf or nurturing a windowsill herb garden isn't just about productivity. It is also a form for mindfulness and a creative outlet. 

There is  also a deeper cultural shift at play. As conversations around sustainability and conscious living become more mainstream, people are turning to hobbies that feel more intentional. Activities once associated with nenek or kampung life like sewing baju, baking kuih from scratch, or growing pandan and serai in the backyard  are making a comeback, not just as hobbies but as meaningful parts of daily life.

These aren’t just quaint throwbacks; they’re hands-on, heart-first ways of slowing down and reconnecting with culture. For many, these traditional hobbies have grown into long-term habits and passions that go beyond just online trends. Things like learning to knit, bake, or making sambal the traditional way isn’t just a novelty anymore; it’s become a part of daily routines, and in some cases, a core part of how people express themselves. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating something with your own hands especially in an age where everything is digital, disposable, and instant. Whether it’s the meditative rhythm of stitching or the quiet joy of watching a plant grow, these hobbies offer a sense of purpose and pride that’s hard to find elsewhere. They’ve moved away from being a temporary online fascination to a way people choose to live in a slower, more mindful and more intentional way. It's also about building identity through heritage and handmade effort. Whether it’s young people learning to make their grandma’s pineapple tart recipe for Raya or proudly wearing their own hand-embroidered tote to class, these hobbies have become  quiet but powerful acts of cultural continuity and self-expression.

At first glance, the rise of traditional hobbies might look like another passing internet trend. But the growing interest suggests that something more meaningful is happening. While the aesthetic may have sparked attention, it’s the sense of fulfillment and calm that keeps people coming back. Once someone crochets their first coaster or harvests homegrown cili padi, they often find it hard to stop. Across Malaysia, workshops and markets are offering hands-on experiences in things like batik painting, sourdough baking, and even tempeh-making. These events often attract young people who are curious to learn something real and useful. Online spaces are just as lively, filled with people sharing their handmade crafts, home gardens, and baking wins. 

Maybe it did begin as a trend, but now it’s growing into something more lasting — a quiet shift toward creativity, culture, and slowing down on purpose.