Taylor’s University Launches Malaysia’s First Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) Programme to Nurture Changemakers
The programme tackles pressing global issues through interdisciplinary learning and industry-driven insights.
Published 14 Mar 2025
Taylor’s University is redefining Malaysian higher education with the launch of the country’s first Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) (Honours). Designed as an interdisciplinary programme, it provides students with the critical thinking and analytical and leadership skills needed to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
The launch event of Taylor’s PPE programme held on 6 March 2025 highlighted the rising demand for graduates with interdisciplinary expertise. A key feature of the event was an exclusive fireside chat moderated by Professor Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice-Chancellor for External Engagement at Taylor’s University and a former Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry. Panellists Khairy Jamaluddin, Shahril Hamdan, Dr Tricia Yeoh and Dr Melati Nungsari discussed how PPE education shapes critical thinkers and policy leaders capable of addressing complex challenges in governance, economics and society.
“In today’s dynamic world, specialising in multiple fields offers a competitive edge. One of the biggest challenges we hear from industry leaders is that many graduates are not ‘job-ready’ as they lack the critical thinking and multi-perspective approach needed to tackle various complex global issues, including public policy concerns in the workplace. Knowing this, we have designed our PPE programme to combine academic excellence with industry engagement, equipping students with analytical skills, strategic foresight, and ethical reasoning necessary to drive progress in an evolving world,” Professor Dr Ong shared.
What sets this programme apart is its strong industry connections through the Industry Advisory Panel (IAP). Led by Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, the panel brings together prominent policymakers, economists, corporate leaders and academics, including Khairy Jamaluddin, Tony Pua and Professor Farish Noor. By connecting students with these leaders, the programme offers mentorship, guest lectures and research collaborations, ensuring that graduates leave with a holistic understanding of policy, business and academia.
Furthermore, Dr Deboshree Ghosh, Programme Director for PPE, highlighted the programme’s access to industry leaders, stating, “A key differentiator of our PPE programme is its strong industry ties. The IAP plays a pivotal role in ensuring our graduates gain insights from renowned thought leaders in politics, business, and governance. Their invaluable experience complements our programme’s structured learning journey, ensuring our graduates are equipped with strategic decision-making and problem-solving skills, preparing them to excel in multi-industry career paths.”
Additionally, Professor Farish Noor, a respected scholar and IAP member, also spoke on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, stating, “It is my hope that this programme will produce graduates who are not only familiar with the issues and concerns of today's world but also capable of viewing the present state of global politics through lenses that recognise the nuances and subtleties of the complex world we live in. The world has always been a complex place, but its complexity warrants and deserves a thorough analysis – an analysis which I believe is only possible when we adopt a multidisciplinary approach, combining tools of political science, economics, and philosophy.”
Through this pioneering programme, Taylor’s University is redefining the future of higher education in Malaysia, offering students the tools and knowledge needed to become changemakers in an ever-evolving world.
Be at the forefront of change with Taylor’s University. Register below to get started.
Mazlena Razali
Always looking for something new to hyperfixate on.
