While the university experience for our Western counterparts are mostly synonymous with alcohol – think American frat houses with their alcohol-fuelled frivolities or UK colleges centred around union bars – the assimilation of such a culture in Malaysia is a sure-fire way to raise eyebrows.
It’s no hush-hush that alcohol is now openly sold at several F&B outlets around the Boardwalk at the commercial block. Besides, it’s only a matter of time before Taylorians can boast of having Ecoba - an eco-themed bar– in close vicinity of campus.
As the rest of the world gradually clamps down on alcohol consumption around college campuses; it’s ironic to see us heading down the opposite route instead.
Credit where credit’s due, it’s applaudable to see Taylor’s University live up to its promise of a world-class campus through its liberal incorporation of such establishments.
Let’s get real. With the exception of some, the typical university student would jump at the prospect to indulge in a drink or two (to put it mildly).
But having alcohol at arm’s length during study hours may well serve as a double-edged sword. After all, an alcohol-friendly campus is a foreign concept in Malaysia.
A quick survey revealed that while students were excited by the novelty of the plan initially, most had qualms after giving the issue some thought.
Vietnamese student Ha My Ngoc, whose 17-year-old sister is bound to join her at the Lakeside Campus this June, expressed concern over the availability of alcohol for students who were not of legal age to drink.
“What about underage students studying on campus? These restaurants will sell alcoholic beverages to just about any student without asking for their I.D. first. I’m not sure I want my sister and her friends developing a taste for alcohol especially since it’s still illegal for them to drink,” she said.
Others questioned the mentality difference between Malaysian students and students abroad.
International Hospitality student Sherryna Nadia opined, “Since this is not part of our culture, students are not equipped with sufficient alcohol-awareness education unlike in Britain where students are taught to drink responsibly.”
She also felt that Malaysian parents generally advise their children to abstain from alcohol. Therefore, most students go overboard once they know they can buy alcohol during study hours without the knowledge of their parents.
Several other students protested point blank against the selling of alcohol at the commercial building saying that it was a complete no-no.
Samuel Phua, a final year Communications major felt even though the commercial block was legally classified as off-campus grounds, Taylors students make up the majority of the patrons at the Boardwalk.
He claimed it was unacceptable to sell alcohol at a place consisting of mostly students.
“The commercial block was built to provide eateries for us students. It’s ridiculous to claim it’s off-campus when our classes are a mere 100-meter walk away,” he said.
Considering alcohol consumption may lead to violence or disruption, some were more concerned with the image the university might project lest students got too rowdy after having a drink or two.
“If a fight broke out at the restaurants, surely that would give the university a bad reputation,” student Elaine Neo said.
Although she welcomed the selling of alcoholic drinks at the Boardwalk, Janice Valissa, a Tourism Management and Engineering student, was irked with how some students start drinking early in the day and in between classes.
She proposed that certain restrictions be implemented such as allowing restaurants to start selling alcoholic drinks in the evening only when most of the classes were done for the day.
“University students are old enough to discern between right or wrong. Since you’re given the privilege to consume alcohol as an adult, be responsible and act intelligently when you drink,” she advised.
(By Florence Song)
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