Leadership Camp 2024: A Day of Connection, Creativity, and Fun at DISTED College
On September 12, 2024, DISTED College hosted its annual Leadership Camp at Heritage Hall, with around 25 new and returning students participating. This year, the inclusion of new intake students made the event particularly special.
The day began with an ice-breaking session where students were divided into groups to introduce themselves. Faces reflected a mix of eagerness and nervousness as everyone got acquainted, providing a great opportunity for students to start building connections within the college community.
Next was the Straw Tower competition, where groups had 30 minutes to construct the tallest tower using only straws, tape, and recyclable materials. Each team displayed excellent teamwork, collaborating effectively to meet the challenge. Prizes were awarded to both winners and runner-ups for their efforts.
The Art Therapy session followed, where students were given a creative outlet. Each received a kit with a plain paper box, paints, markers, and stickers. Guided by self-reflective questions, students decorated their boxes to express their identities, allowing for personal and artistic expression.
The final activity, a series of water games, took place outside. Students enjoyed water balloon fights and playful pranks, laughing and splashing one another. Though everyone ended up soaked, the carefree fun made it a memorable experience for all.
Sea Yun Xuan,Student Editor, DISTED Discourse, Student of Cambridge A-Level
Welcome Remarks from the President
Leadership camps play a crucial role in enhancing students’ personal and professional development. These programs offer a unique opportunity for participants to cultivate essential skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making—skills that are not always fully developed in a traditional classroom setting.
Through carefully designed activities and challenges, students learn to work collaboratively with their peers, often stepping out of their comfort zones to take on leadership roles. These camps provide a supportive environment where students can build confidence, discover their strengths, and develop resilience in facing challenges.
Moreover, leadership camps encourage students to form lasting connections, fostering a sense of community and belonging. By participating in team-building exercises, students not only build relationships with one another but also develop a greater appreciation for the diversity of perspectives and ideas. These camps also offer a platform for self-reflection and creativity. Through various activities, students are encouraged to express themselves, explore their identities, and gain a deeper understanding of their leadership potential.
Overall, leadership camps are vital to a well-rounded education, equipping students with the skills and experiences needed to become influential leaders in their academic and future professional lives.
Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair, President
AI in Art, Design and Multimedia Education: Reflections from RTM’s Documentary Feature
Last week, I had the exciting opportunity to be approached by an advertising company from Shah Alam to contribute to an episode of a documentary for Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM). The documentary explores the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence (AI), a topic that is increasingly shaping various industries.
My segment specifically focuses on my teaching approach in the fields of art, graphic design, and multimedia, and how AI has started to influence these areas. I shared insights on how I incorporate AI tools to enhance creativity in the classroom, such as using AI-powered software for design and multimedia projects. I also emphasised the importance of maintaining a balance. While AI can offer personalised feedback and new ways to engage with digital art, it’s crucial to teach students not to rely solely on technology.
Overall, this documentary episode will provide a unique opportunity to reflect on how AI is influencing the future of art and design education and how educators like me are adapting to these technological advancements. I can’t wait for the episode to come out and will let everyone know once it airs!
Khairu Nisa Wazir, Lecturer, Creative Multimedia Production, School of Computing and Engineering
Overcoming Numerophobia: The Importance of Numerical Skills in Everyday Life
The term numerophobia may be unfamiliar to some, but after more than 15 years in the teaching profession, I’ve witnessed numerous students and adults grappling with this fear of numbers. Many opt for fields in the arts, such as business, law, or communication, hoping to sidestep the complexities of number crunching and intricate formulas, only to realise their mistake later. As a wise individual once said, to conquer fear or a phobia, one must confront it head-on, and I wholeheartedly agree.
Basic numerical skills and an understanding of statistics are indispensable, particularly for graduates. These proficiencies not only broaden job prospects but also enhance decision-making in personal life. Choices like selecting a college, determining a career path, or buying a smartphone all necessitate some degree of data analysis and number crunching to make well-informed decisions that yield long-term benefits. The ability to collect, organize, present, and interpret data is a valuable skill that anyone can cultivate with the right guidance and foundation. Even students who struggled with mathematics in high school can excel in statistics with clear explanations and supportive instruction.
One doesn’t need a degree in Mathematics to appreciate the value derived from mastering quantitative skills. So, the next time numerophobia strikes, remember that you have the capacity to overcome it and develop the skills necessary to handle numbers effectively through practice and guidance. When faced with numerical challenges in subjects or jobs, push past your personal fears and boundaries, take the leap to conquer your phobia, and empower yourself to take control of numerophobia. At DISTED College, regardless of the programme students are enrolled in, they are exposed to statistics and mathematics.
Elaine Chan, Senior Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
Mastering Cinematic Techniques: Enhancing Psychological Storytelling in Film
On 10th September 2024, a mini workshop was organised for the psychology students enrolled in the Psychology of Film course. As the subject lecturer, Ms. Thiresyinie A/P Tamil Chelvam aimed to equip students with essential insights and practical skills for their upcoming assignment on creating a short film. To enhance the learning experience, Mr. Zaki Bin Zakaria from the School of Computing and Engineering was invited as the guest speaker, bringing with him extensive expertise in cinematography and film-making tools.
During the workshop, students were introduced to key concepts such as camera angles, lighting techniques, and effective editing software usage. Mr. Zaki provided a comprehensive overview, demonstrating how these technical elements can powerfully convey psychological themes within film narratives. Through engaging hands-on activities, students practiced the techniques discussed in real-time, which encouraged them to think critically about how various technical choices impact storytelling and audience perception.
The collaborative atmosphere fostered open discussions, enabling students to ask questions and share insights, significantly enhancing their engagement and understanding. Students expressed excitement about applying what they learned to their upcoming projects, noting that the workshop provided them with practical tools to elevate their film-making skills. Feedback indicated that many felt more confident in integrating these technical skills into their short films, allowing them to express psychological themes more effectively.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Mr. Zaki for generously sharing his time and knowledge, making this workshop both informative and enjoyable for all participants.
Thiresyinie A/P Tamil Chelvam, Lecturer, School of Psychology
3v3 Basketball Tournament: Overcoming Challenges to Promote Health and Team Spirit
The 3v3 Basketball Tournament, held on September 3rd and 5th, brought together a diverse group of talented students from various educational institutions, showcasing outstanding skill and teamwork. The Basketball Club and DISTED Student Council Representatives collaborated to organize the tournament. Through this close partnership, the students gained valuable experience in planning, coordination, execution, communication, leadership, problem-solving, time management, and teamwork, ensuring the tournament ran smoothly during the event.
The competition was fierce, with all teams participating in a round-robin format. Ultimately, the team comprising Jonas Ng, Kang Jia Yang, and Tan Jun Hong emerged victorious as the champions. Nicholas Tan, Brandon Lye, and Someshwar Rao secured second place, while Wayne Peh, Hoe Ding Ying, Samuel Boyle, and Anric Chin rounded out the podium with a third-place finish. The tournament faced significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions. The threat of rain almost led to its cancellation, introducing an element of uncertainty. Despite these obstacles, the event was successfully completed. However, it underscored a critical issue: the vulnerability of the outdoor court to weather conditions.
We are grateful for the successful organization of the tournament, which aimed to promote physical health and well-being among participants. Regular physical activity, such as basketball, can significantly improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and enhance overall physical fitness. To continue fostering these benefits, we have established regular basketball sessions every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 PM. These sessions provide a consistent opportunity for participants to enjoy the sport, build camaraderie, and maintain an active lifestyle. We encourage all players and enthusiasts to join us and experience the numerous benefits of regular basketball play.
Dr Tan Fuyi, Basketball Club Advisor
