DISTED and the 50-Year George Town – Adelaide Sister City Celebration
Remarks from the President
The George Town—Adelaide Sister City relationship is immensely important for a college like DISTED, fostering a rich exchange of cultural, educational, and economic benefits. This partnership provides our students with unparalleled opportunities for international exposure through programs like the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) International. It enhances the academic experience by facilitating student and faculty exchanges, joint academic programs, and collaborative research, broadening our educational horizons and standards.
Additionally, this relationship strengthens our global network, enabling DISTED to collaborate with esteemed institutions like the University of Adelaide. Such alliances not only raise the college’s academic profile but also ensure our students receive a world-class education, making them more competitive in the global job market and a source of pride for our institution. With the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia to form Adelaide University, the opportunities for DISTED students to continue their higher education journey are greatly enhanced.
Overall, the George Town – Adelaide partnership embodies the spirit of international cooperation and cultural exchange, promoting a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient academic community that can benefit DISTED College.
On August 10, 2024, the 50th Anniversary of the George Town—Adelaide Sister City Relationship was celebrated at the Penang Institute, organiSed by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP). The event was graced by Adelaide Lord Mayor, Honourable Jane Lomax Smith, and Penang Mayor, Dato’ Ir. Rajendra P. Anthony. It concluded with a grand dinner featuring cultural performances showcasing Penang and Malaysia’s rich heritage.
The sister-city relationship between George Town and Adelaide, established on December 8, 1973, has deep historical roots dating back to British colonial origins. This connection originates from the bond between George Town’s founder, Francis Light, and Martina Rozells, and their son, Colonel William Light, who founded Adelaide. The relationship was formalised through the efforts of South Australia’s Premier Don Dunstan and Penang Chief Minister Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu, with significant contributions from Dunstan’s fiancée, Penang-born Adele Koh.
Over the years, this relationship has facilitated numerous cultural exchanges, economic cooperation, and mutual understanding. Key initiatives have included cultural programmes such as art exhibitions, music and dance performances, and culinary events highlighting each city’s unique heritage. Educational institutions in both cities have developed partnerships that include student and faculty exchanges, joint academic programs, and collaborative research, enriching educational experiences in both George Town and Adelaide.
DISTED College has been a key player in nurturing this relationship. As a pioneer in offering the South Australian Matriculation program since 1987, later renamed the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) International, DISTED has enabled students to articulate into various universities in Australia and beyond. This collaboration ensures students from Penang receive a high-quality education that meets international standards.
DISTED’s advanced standing arrangement with the University of Adelaide for the Foundation, Diploma in Computer Science, and Psychology programs further strengthens the relationship with South Australia. Under the StudyAdelaide programme, Dr. Tan Sze Hooi of DISTED travelled to Adelaide to experience the education and lifestyle opportunities it offers.
Through its active involvement, DISTED College has solidified the bond between the two cities, exemplifying the enduring value of international cooperation and cultural exchange. This partnership serves as a model for global partnerships, promoting sustainable development, shared prosperity, and collaboration in building inclusive, innovative, and resilient communities.
Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair
President
Enhancing Web Design Skills: A Workshop on Creating Websites with Wix
In today’s digital era, proficiency in web design is an invaluable skill for students across various disciplines. It enhances technical abilities, fosters creativity, and improves problem-solving and critical thinking. Recognising the importance of these skills, an engaging workshop titled “Website Designing with Wix” was hosted on June 25th, 2024, for a selected batch of e-Commerce course participants from both DISTED’s Foundation and Diploma programmes. Designed to be both informative and interactive, the hour-long workshop aimed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge for creating professional websites.
The workshop began with the introduction of website design fundamentals, emphasising its importance in today’s digital landscape. Students learned how a user-friendly platform like Wix can simplify the web development process, making it accessible even for beginners. Key design principles were discussed, focusing on layout, colour schemes, and user experience.
A live demonstration of the Wix interface followed guiding students through selecting and customising website templates. This hands-on segment allowed participants to see the practical applications of the design principles discussed. Additionally, various external resources were shared to supplement their learning and offer ongoing support for their projects.
The workshop encouraged students to share their thoughts and experiences with website designing and the Wix platform, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Given that many attendees were already working on website projects for their courses, the workshop proved particularly beneficial, enhancing their understanding of web design and introducing new tools and techniques. Overall, the event successfully blended theory and practice, leaving students better equipped to tackle their web design challenges with confidence and creativity.
Kaushalya A/P Tinakaran, Lecturer, School of Computing & Engineering
Career Pathways in Auditing: Understanding the Roles and Demands of Internal and External Auditors
In Malaysia, the demand for both internal and external auditors remain robust. However, external audit demand often tends to be higher due to the broader range of companies and organisations requiring these services for regulatory compliance, stakeholder confidence, and transparency purposes.
Distinguishing between internal and external auditors is crucial for aspiring accounting professionals. Internal auditors primarily focus on evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls within an organisation. They assess risks, ensure compliance with regulations and policies, and provide recommendations for improvement. In contrast, external auditors examine financial statements and accounting records of various entities to provide an independent opinion on their accuracy and fairness. Their assessments are critical for stakeholders, including investors, creditors, and regulatory bodies.
The roles of internal and external auditors necessitate different skill sets and characteristics. Internal auditors require strong analytical skills, attention to detail, effective communication with stakeholders and a thorough understanding of internal controls and risk management. External auditors must have excellent critical thinking, keen judgment, deep knowledge of accounting principles and auditing standards, and demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and independence.
In conclusion, accounting students contemplating a career in auditing must carefully consider the differences between internal and external auditing roles. Understanding the demand, responsibilities, and requisite skills for each path is essential for making informed career decisions in the dynamic field of accounting. At DISTED, our accounting programmes (both diploma and degree) are designed to nurture students into proficient and knowledgeable future auditors and accountants
Tong Pei Sun, Senior Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
DISTED Welcomes Dr. Beatrice Loo of Xiamen University Malaysia
DISTED College recently welcomed Associate Professor Dr. Poh Theng (Beatrice) Loo from Xiamen University Malaysia. Dr. Beatrice, an alumna of Taylor’s University, was previously a student of Prof. Vikneswaran Nair. She holds a PhD in Hospitality and Tourism from Taylor’s University, Malaysia. Dr. Beatrice lectures in Marketing Management, Consumer Behaviour, Services Marketing, and Services and Relationship Marketing at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and has extensive teaching experience in hospitality-related courses.
In addition to her academic role, Dr. Beatrice has worked as a consultant for food and beverage companies, including chain restaurants. She conducts online consultations, training, and workshops quarterly for entrepreneurs, focusing on planning and managing food and beverage business start-ups, running and managing business and service operations efficiently, and planning, managing, and evaluating marketing and sales aspects.
Empowering Global Education: A Recap of the 'GO! Overseas Education Fair' at DISTED College
On August 5, 2024, DISTED College, in collaboration with AUG Student Services, hosted the ‘GO! Overseas Education Fair’ at the Heritage Hall, attracting significant interest from students eager to explore tertiary education opportunities abroad. The event featured a strong lineup of prestigious Australian universities, including The University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, The University of Queensland, The University of Melbourne, RMIT University, The University of Adelaide, The University of Western Australia, and Monash University. Additionally, local private institutions such as Taylor’s University, Monash University Malaysia, and the University of Nottingham Malaysia also participated.
This fair provided students with the unique opportunity to engage directly with university representatives, allowing them to clarify doubts about education and career pathways for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Students gained firsthand information on admission requirements, tuition fees, and available student grants. Moreover, the event exposed them to a wider range of educational opportunities, including programs and institutions they might not have previously considered.
I was particularly impressed by the concise and informative prospectuses provided at each booth, which contained detailed information on courses, facilities, admission criteria, tuition fees, and campus life. The representatives effectively used these materials to communicate key details, making the information easy for students to absorb. The interactive nature of the event, with representatives actively engaging in conversations and addressing specific queries, further enhanced the experience.
Overall, the fair was a resounding success, offering students at DISTED College a clearer understanding of their potential education pathways abroad. It served as a significant motivational force, inspiring students to pursue their ambitions of studying overseas with the newfound knowledge and clarity gained from the event.
Sea Yun Xuan, DISTED Discourse Student Editor, Student of Cambridge-A-Level
Engaging and Inclusive Sports Games for Children with Special Needs
On August 17th, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., DISTED Psychology students and members of the Boys’ Brigade volunteered at a special needs children’s sports day organised by the Penang Shine Like Stars Association at the DISTED Heritage Hall. This event offered an enriching opportunity for volunteers to connect with the children while fostering a fun and inclusive environment.
The sports day was filled with activities tailored to accommodate various abilities, ensuring that every child could participate and have fun. Volunteers played a crucial role by guiding and encouraging the children throughout the event, ensuring they felt supported and included. The focus was on promoting teamwork, social interaction, and boosting self-confidence in a joyful and positive setting. By adapting activities to suit each child’s needs, the event created a space where everyone could enjoy themselves and celebrate their achievements together. The volunteers’ supportive presence was instrumental in making the day memorable for all involved.
For the psychology students, this event provided a valuable opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world context, deepening their understanding of inclusivity and compassion. The combined efforts of the volunteers, organisers, and participants made the sports day a memorable success, highlighting the importance of community support and offering a joyful experience for everyone involved.
Teoh Ker Hsin, Programme Lead, School of Psychology
