DISTED UPLIFT Programme: A Model for Inclusive Education
The DISTED UPLIFT Programme (Unified Place for Learning, Inclusion, Fun, and Transformation) is an initiative conceptualized by DISTED College’s Kelab Penyayang members, comprising scholarship students from the School of Pre-University Studies. It aims to create an inclusive learning environment for children with special needs and their neurotypical peers. Shortlisted for the second round of the Piala Sukarelawan Menteri Pendidikan Tinggi Malaysia 2025, the programme competes against public universities nationwide.
The initiative leverages DISTED College’s green campus and psychology expertise, incorporating sensory-friendly zones, activity areas, accessible pathways, and special features like a sensory garden and open amphitheatre. The curriculum fosters social interaction, emotional regulation, cooperative learning, and holistic development through art and music therapy, role-playing, and nature exploration.
Structured in phases—planning, infrastructure development, and rollout—the project collaborates with NASOM, Early Autism Project (EAP), and Penang Shine Like Stars Association. With volunteer engagement and a RM25,000 budget, it funds landscaping, equipment, training, workshops, and outreach.
DISTED students gain hands-on experience in inclusive education, leadership, and community engagement, particularly benefiting psychology students through practical exposure to neurodiverse learning. The programme develops empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, enhancing career readiness.
For the community, the initiative reduces stigma, strengthens social bonds, and supports families through structured activities, skill-building, and workshops. The programme aspires to be a model for inclusive education in Malaysia, bridging education and community engagement to foster a more compassionate society.
Caydence Lim, President, Kelab Penyayang DISTED College, Student of Cambridge A-Level
Discover Your Career Options
First and foremost, my heartfelt congratulations to our Pre-University Scholarship Holders for advancing to the shortlist at the Kelab Penyayang National Level Competition! Their project proposal, “DISTED UPLIFT (Unified Place for Learning, Inclusion, Fun, and Transformation) Programme for Children with Special Needs and Neurotypical Peers: Bridging Education and Community Engagement,” is a testament to their dedication and innovation.
During our Open Day on 15 and 16 March, we welcomed many anxious parents and students eager to find the right college and programs for their future. Our counsellors guided them through the various academic pathways, ensuring they discovered options tailored to different learning styles and career aspirations. At DISTED, we recognize that students have diverse educational needs.
- For those who thrive in project-based learning, we offer SACE International (SACEi), while students who prefer structured, exam-based assessments can opt for Cambridge A-Levels.
- For those seeking flexibility in their careers, our Diploma Programs, often bundled with HELP University Degrees, provide a strong balance of academic learning and industry-relevant internships. These opportunities allow students to explore real-world experiences while staying relevant to their chosen fields.
- Meanwhile, students who have already decided on a specific degree path can enroll in our Foundation Programs, which offer a smooth transition into HELP University Degrees or pathways to medical degrees with our partner universities.
We invite you to meet our counsellors and explore our new technology facilities at our upcoming Open Days on 22 and 23 March. This will be an excellent opportunity to gain firsthand insight into our academic offerings and student support services.
In conjunction with Earth Hour on 22 March, we will also be celebrating CCA Day, highlighting our commitment to sustainability and community engagement. We look forward to seeing you and welcoming our community to an exciting and informative weekend at DISTED.
Dato’ Lim Si Boon, Interim President
Cultivating a Growth Mindset for Success
On February 17th, DISTED College had the privilege of addressing Form 1 students at SMJK Union on their first day of secondary school. Transitioning to a new academic environment is both exciting and challenging, and this session aimed to equip students with a positive mindset to navigate this important phase. Conducted in Mandarin, the talk focused on Erikson’s psychosocial development theory and the significance of fostering a winning attitude.
Erikson’s theory highlights adolescence as a critical stage for identity formation, where students begin to explore their strengths, interests, and values. Uncertainty is natural, but confidence and a proactive approach to challenges can help them grow into independent and resilient individuals.
A key message from the session was that success begins with mindset. Students were encouraged to stay curious, embrace learning beyond academics, and view challenges as opportunities rather than setbacks. Taking initiative and stepping outside their comfort zones can open doors to new possibilities. Most importantly, self-belief forms the foundation of success. Through personal anecdotes, the speaker reinforced that perseverance and confidence pave the way for great achievements.
With the right mindset, Form 1 students can lay a strong foundation from day one, making their secondary school journey both meaningful and rewarding.
Teoh Ker Hsin, Programme Lead & Lecturer, School of Psychology
The Evolving Role of Accountants in the AI Era
In the modern AI era, accountants remain indispensable, but their roles and skillsets are evolving to align with the industry’s digital transformation. AI-driven automation is streamlining routine tasks such as bookkeeping, reconciliation, and tax preparation, reducing manual workload and increasing efficiency. However, rather than replacing accountants, AI is shifting their focus toward higher-value responsibilities such as risk assessment, strategic decision-making, and financial advisory services.
This shift necessitates a blend of technical expertise and human-centric skills. Accountants must now interpret AI-generated data, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide insights that drive business growth. Ethical considerations and cybersecurity awareness are also becoming crucial as financial data management becomes increasingly digitised.
At DISTED College, accounting programmes are designed to prepare students for this evolution by integrating emerging technologies into the curriculum. Courses emphasise AI applications in finance, data analytics, fintech, and cloud-based accounting systems. Additionally, soft skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and effective communication are prioritized, ensuring that graduates can navigate dynamic business environments and engage with clients and stakeholders effectively.
By equipping students with both technical proficiency and strategic acumen, DISTED College ensures that its graduates are ready to thrive in a profession that is continuously being reshaped by technological advancements.
Sharizan Abd Rashid, Lecturer, School of Business & Hospitality
Unlocking Creativity in Mathematics: The Role of GeoGebra in Education
Mathematics and geometry are fundamental disciplines that have shaped human civilisation for millennia. The tools of mathematics and geometry have evolved over time to aid in measurement, calculation, and visualization. These tools not only simplify complex problems but also enhance precision and creativity in solving them.
In the modern era, advanced tools like geometric software take this a step further, enabling dynamic visualisation of shapes, transformations, and equations. One such tool is GeoGebra, an open-source, interactive application designed to make mathematics engaging and accessible. Pre-University students are encouraged to implement the GeoGebra in their assignments to explore mathematical concepts in a hands-on, interactive way.
For example, a South Australian Certificate of Education International (SACEi) student used GeoGebra to draw the Apple logo for his assignment involving the concepts of Bézier curves. This demonstrates how technology can bridge the gap between abstract mathematical concepts and real-world applications, inspiring creativity and deeper understanding.
As technology continues to develop, DISTED students are constantly prepared to explore boundaries of their knowledge and creativity. Tools like GeoGebra not only enhance learning but also prepare students to tackle future challenges in mathematics and beyond.
Figure: The SACEi student used GeoGebra to draw the Apple logo
Lee Lei Yong, Programme Lead, School of Pre-University Studies
Enhancing HCI Education Through Interactive and Experiential Learning
In today’s digital age, traditional lectures alone are not enough to keep students engaged, especially in a dynamic field like Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Modern classrooms must be interactive, allowing students to explore, experiment, and collaborate. To truly understand and critique technology, students must experience it firsthand. This philosophy is especially vital in tech-centric courses like HCI, where hands-on exposure to real-world tools fosters deeper learning.
To achieve this, students engage with various digital platforms that enhance their understanding of UX design, prototyping, and AI-powered automation. Tools like Figma, Canva and MIT App Inventor help them build and test user-friendly interfaces, while AI-powered resources such as video generators, infographic makers, and color palette generators introduce them to the role of artificial intelligence in design and content creation. By experimenting with these technologies, students develop a critical perspective on their usability, effectiveness, and ethical implications. Additionally, practical exercises such as navigating UserInyerface, an intentionally frustrating UI website challenge, allows them to experience poor design firsthand while reinforcing key usability principles.
Beyond tools, fun activities make learning even more engaging. Emoji storytelling encourages creative expression using digital symbols, meme wars turn complex HCI theories into humorous and relatable content, and interactive team presentations promote collaboration using digital platforms. These activities ensure students actively participate rather than passively receive information.
At DISTED, these interactive approaches are actively practiced, making learning exciting and relevant. By blending technology with experiential learning, the HCI course becomes an engaging space where students transition from learners to critical thinkers—equipped to navigate and shape the ever-evolving digital world.
Kaushalya A/P Tinakaran, Lecturer, School of Computing & Engineering
Welcoming Fresh Talent to the Marketing and Communication Department
We are pleased to introduce two new joiners to the Marketing and Communication Department at DISTED College – Lim Zi Hao and Tan You Yi.
Lim Zi Hao
I recently completed my Diploma in Business Studies at DISTED College and am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. Joining the DISTED Marketing Department provides me with an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience while applying my academic knowledge to real-world marketing strategies. I am particularly passionate about consumer behaviour, branding, and digital marketing and strive to stay updated with industry trends. Through this journey, I hope to strengthen my skills in market research, strategic marketing, and innovative campaigns, while making meaningful contributions to the team.
Tan You Yi
I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Marketing with Wawasan Open University. My experience includes managing CRM software such as SalesEpoch, which automates bulk messaging via WhatsApp, and AutomaticSales AI, an AI-driven tool for copywriting and customer engagement. I have utilised these tools to enhance social media marketing efforts, including creating AI-powered auto-reply bots to improve customer interactions. Additionally, I have experience creating digital content for Top Maple Sdn Bhd, where I work part-time. My role involves producing engaging videos and social media posts that align with the company’s brand identity.
With their enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and diverse skill sets, we are excited to see how Lim Zi Hao and Tan You Yi will contribute to the growth and innovation of our marketing initiatives. Welcome to the team!
Raziah binti Ehia Mohd, Human Resources & Administration
