Taylor’s University Breaks New Ground with Malaysia’s First Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Degree
Taylor’s University is once again setting the standard for forward-thinking education with the launch of Malaysia’s very first Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (Honours) programme — a bold move that cements its reputation as an institution built for tomorrow’s leaders.
This three-year degree is more than just an academic milestone; it’s a statement. At a time when the world demands thinkers who can connect the dots between ethics, governance, and economic realities, Taylor’s is creating a space for students to do exactly that — to learn across disciplines and emerge as innovators, policymakers, and changemakers who can tackle the most pressing issues of our time.
Bridging the Critical Skills Gap
According to the World Economic Forum (2023–2027), 50% of companies now prioritise critical thinking, analytical skills, and leadership. Yet, the irony? Many employers can’t find graduates who have them. Taylor’s PPE programme aims to bridge that gap by blending intellectual rigour with real-world application.
Students will dive into complex topics like governance, economic stability, sustainability, global policy, and social justice — not as isolated subjects, but as interconnected forces shaping the modern world. The idea is to graduate not just thinkers, but doers.
“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," said Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice-Chancellor for External Engagement at Taylor’s University.
Real-World Learning, Backed by Industry Giants
What makes this PPE programme stand out isn’t just its curriculum — it’s the people behind it. The Industry Advisory Panel (IAP), led by Professor Dr Ong himself, brings together some of Malaysia’s sharpest minds in politics, economics, and academia.
The line-up reads like a who’s who of policy and thought leadership: Khairy Jamaluddin, Tony Pua, Professor Farish Noor, Dr Tricia Yeoh, Dr Lee Hwok-Aun, and Shahril Hamdan, among others. This powerful mix of voices gives students access to a wealth of insights, mentorship opportunities, guest lectures, and research collaborations that few other programmes can match.
Dr Deboshree Ghosh, Programme Director for PPE, emphasises the importance of this industry network. “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.”
This isn’t education in a bubble — it’s a launchpad into the real world.
The Rising Demand for PPE Graduates
At the programme’s launch event, held at Taylor’s Lakeside Campus, an exclusive fireside chat brought together some of the biggest names in Malaysia’s political and academic landscape. Moderated by Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, the panel featured Khairy Jamaluddin, Shahril Hamdan, Dr Tricia Yeoh, and Dr Melati Nungsari — each offering a unique take on how PPE education fills the growing gap in public policy, governance, and business leadership.
Their discussion highlighted a global truth: the leaders of tomorrow won’t just be experts in one thing. They’ll need to connect the moral with the practical, and the political with the economic — exactly the kind of synthesis this programme champions.
Reflecting on this, Professor Farish Noor, an accomplished scholar and member of the Industry Advisory Panel, shared, “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.”
Investing in the Future
To mark the launch, Taylor’s is offering a 100% scholarship on tuition fees for both April and September 2025 intakes — or a 10% bursary for the first cohort in April. It’s an open invitation for students who want to lead, question, and redefine what progress looks like.
In an age of automation, political shifts, and ethical dilemmas, Taylor’s PPE graduates will be the ones standing at the crossroads of decision-making — ready to lead with intellect, empathy, and integrity.
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/TaylorsPhilosophyPoliticsEconomics.
