Preparing for the Future of Work
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 outlines key priorities for future workforce readiness, which DISTED College addresses through industry-aligned programmes, digital upskilling, and sustainability education. Its inclusive, flexible approach equips graduates to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum presents a clear call to action for higher education. Drawing on insights from over 1,000 global employers across 55 economies, the report identifies six strategic areas for preparing a workforce ready to meet the demands of 2025–2030. These include embedding future-ready skills, promoting sustainability education, supporting lifelong learning, enabling human-machine collaboration, ensuring inclusive workforce transitions, and strengthening partnerships with industry.
Higher education institutions must focus on analytical thinking, adaptability, resilience, and leadership—skills highly valued by employers. Technological proficiency, particularly in AI, big data, cybersecurity, and digital literacy, must be embedded in all disciplines. As environmental concerns rise, students must also be prepared for green jobs through integrated sustainability content. Lifelong learning will be critical; modular and stackable credentials must cater to working adults seeking to reskill. Programmes must also equip students to collaborate with machines and AI, while roles in social work, caregiving, and teaching will expand due to demographic shifts. Institutions should also prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion to align with evolving workplace expectations. Finally, higher education must work closely with the industry to ensure that graduates are job-ready through co-developed curricula, internships, and real-world problem-solving.
DISTED College is actively responding to these priorities. Its programmes in data analytics, IT/computer science, creative multimedia, business, communications, and psychology develop critical and adaptive thinking. Partnerships with HELP University and Pearson VUE ensure that content is globally relevant and industry-aligned. The college also offers short courses in digital transformation and AI to support professional upskilling. Sustainability is reflected in campus activities and curriculum design. Student support systems and inclusive education practices ensure no learner is left behind. Through these initiatives, DISTED is well-positioned to produce graduates who are prepared, agile, and future-focused.
Remarks from the President
Celebrations and New Beginnings
Our Muslim colleagues celebrated Aidilfitri on 31 March 2025, spending cherished time with their families over the week. We welcomed them back after a well-earned break—refreshed and ready to move forward. On 7 April 2025, we also welcomed new and returning students to the Yeap Chor Ee (YCE) Campus. To the new students who participated in the Orientation, thank you for your involvement and feedback. Some of your suggestions will be incorporated into future programmes.
Congratulations to Dr Tan Fu Yi from the School of Pre-University Studies, on being selected to lead the Malaysian contingent to the International Physics Olympiad in Paris this summer. While our A Level and SACE students narrowly missed out in the national trials, we are proud of their efforts and look forward to their future participation.
The campaign and online voting for the 2025 Student Representative Council (SRC) have concluded. The new SRC office bearers will be announced on Friday, 11 April 2025. We will feature the new student leaders in the next issue of DISTED Discourse.
The Cambridge A Level and South Australian Certificate of Education examinations are approaching. Our students have completed their studies and are now fully engaged in revision and preparation. The upcoming Pre-University Completion Ceremony will celebrate their dedication and the completion of their academic journey at DISTED College.
On behalf of DISTED College, we extend our appreciation to all staff for their guidance, and to our students, we wish you success in your examinations and chosen paths.
To close, a reminder from Winston Churchill:
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Preparing Students for Lifelong Learning and Resilience
The growth mindset, developed by Carol Dweck, emphasises that intelligence can be cultivated through effort, persistence, and learning from mistakes. Students who adopt this mindset tend to be more resilient, motivated, and open to challenges, leading to improved academic engagement and critical thinking. In contrast, a fixed mindset can limit learning, reduce motivation, and foster a fear of failure. Educational institutions play a key role in shaping student mindsets by providing constructive feedback, recognizing effort, and promoting reflective practices. Strategies such as goal-setting, adaptive learning, and normalizing challenges further reinforce this approach. At DISTED College, fostering a growth mindset is embedded in teaching practices. Through interactive methods like debates, role-playing, and experiments, students apply theoretical concepts in practical contexts, enhancing collaboration, problem-solving, and engagement. This approach encourages students to embrace challenges, take intellectual risks, and view learning as a continuous journey, ultimately preparing them for success beyond the classroom.
Thiresyinie A/P Tamil Chelvam
Lecturer, School of Psychology
Empowering the Next Generation: Youth Entrepreneurship in Malaysia’s Evolving Ecosystem
The entrepreneurial landscape in Malaysia is dynamic and steadily evolving, with a noticeable increase in young adults under 30 launching their own businesses. This growing trend reflects shifting career aspirations among Malaysian youth, who are increasingly drawn to the autonomy, creativity, and impact that entrepreneurship offers. The shift is further supported by targeted government policies, private sector initiatives, and the presence of a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem that reduces entry barriers and nurtures innovation.
Starting a business is no longer confined to individuals with inherited wealth or well-established networks. Today’s young entrepreneurs can thrive by focusing on product-market fit, building strategic relationships, demonstrating resilience, and making full use of the diverse support structures available to them. Access to incubators, accelerators, funding platforms, and digital tools has democratised entrepreneurship, allowing more equitable participation across different socio-economic backgrounds.
One of the leading enablers in this space is the Malaysia Young Entrepreneurs Association (MAYA). As a platform specifically aimed at youth, MAYA plays a strategic role in advancing entrepreneurship by facilitating innovation, peer learning, and cross-border collaboration. It connects emerging entrepreneurs with industry veterans, investors, and government bodies, enabling them to access mentorship, resources, and growth opportunities. By helping young Malaysians explore the ASEAN market, MAYA is shaping a generation of business leaders who are regionally competitive and globally aware.
Equally important is the contribution of the Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank), which provides structured financial and developmental support. Through its financing schemes, advisory services, and mentoring programmes, SME Bank helps aspiring entrepreneurs overcome early-stage hurdles, manage risk, and build sustainable business models. Its targeted initiatives serve as critical scaffolding for long-term entrepreneurial success.
Education providers are also key actors in nurturing entrepreneurial ambition. At DISTED College, diploma and pre-university students are introduced to entrepreneurship through a practical, hands-on approach. Students are encouraged to identify problems, design viable solutions, and execute short-term business projects. These experiences build confidence, foster critical thinking, and prepare them for the unpredictability of entrepreneurial life. Increasingly, students are opting for self-employment or venture creation as viable career paths, driven by the desire to create social and economic value on their own terms.
Together, these factors form a cohesive and supportive environment that continues to empower Malaysia’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
Elaine Chan
Senior Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
Leveraging LinkedIn: Enhancing Career Prospects for DISTED Students
In today’s digital age, professional networking starts early. LinkedIn is essential for students to advance their careers, build connections, and showcase their skills. Regularly updating a LinkedIn profile is crucial for both professionals and students preparing for their future careers.
A well-maintained LinkedIn profile enables students to build a strong professional online presence. Unlike other social networking platforms, LinkedIn is intended for professional advancement. Students construct an online resume by updating their profile with academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and skills, which recruiters can review. This boosts their chances of landing internships, jobs, and vital professional connections. DISTED students are encouraged to leverage LinkedIn to highlight their academic and co-curricular achievements, making them more visible to potential employers.
Recruiters and hiring managers actively utilise LinkedIn to find applicants for internships and entry-level jobs. A well-updated profile that includes relevant coursework and certifications boosts a student’s chances of getting noticed by potential employers. Students can make themselves more appealing to recruiters even before they graduate by regularly updating their profiles. At DISTED, students are also exposed to LinkedIn’s professional development opportunities through career workshops and industry networking sessions.
Networking is essential for career success, and LinkedIn helps students connect with professionals, alumni, and industry leaders. By keeping their profiles updated, students can seek mentorship, gain industry insights, and explore job opportunities. Connecting with alumni can also provide career advice and valuable recommendations.
Updating a LinkedIn profile is essential for students getting ready for their jobs. It establishes a professional identity, broadens options, and improves networking. Staying involved boosts your chances of landing internships, jobs, and mentorships. In today’s digital environment, a strong LinkedIn presence has become essential to success.
Siti Nur Ayunie Binti Zawawi
Lecturer, School of Communication & General Studies
Speaking in Style: A Creative Approach to Public Speaking
Just as fashion makes a statement, the way we present ourselves while speaking plays a vital role in how messages are perceived and remembered. Presentation is not merely about words—it’s about presence, tone, confidence, and the ability to connect with an audience.
Recently, I co-led a public speaking session with Ms. Nadia Jefri, Head of the School of Communication and General Studies, attended by 35 students from Kelab Pembimbing Rakan Sebaya at Penang Chinese Girls’ High School. Titled The Fashion of Speaking, the workshop departed from conventional methods by using fashion as a metaphor for communication. This creative approach captured the students’ attention and made the session more relatable, particularly for young women beginning to explore their public voices.
One of the key activities involved designing outfits from recycled materials. In the first round, some students were blindfolded while receiving instructions—a simulation of communication barriers such as unclear messaging or environmental distractions. This highlighted the need for clarity, active listening, and teamwork. In the second round, the students applied core techniques of speech delivery, including body language, vocal projection, and structuring content. The transformation was notable. Students who had initially appeared shy or uncertain began to present with confidence and purpose.
The integration of artistic creativity with public speaking practice kept the session dynamic and impactful. It reinforced that public speaking is not just about overcoming stage fright—it is a process of self-expression, audience connection, and the courage to speak with authenticity. The workshop left a strong impression on both facilitators and participants.
Kesvhinee Ravinthran
Lecturer of Public Speaking
School of Pre-University Studies
