Empowering DISTED College Through Sustainable Innovation and Leadership

DISTED President, Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair, attended the three-day Green Legacy Summit at Persada Johor International Convention Centre from 8 to 10 October 2024. The event focuses on positioning Johor as a leader in environmental sustainability. With the theme “Global Unity for Climate Action,” the event brings together global leaders and experts to strategise on tackling environmental challenges.

The summit included keynote speeches, workshops, exhibitions, and interactive activities aimed at promoting sustainable practices and covering a range of important topics that focus on sustainability, climate action, and green innovation. Key discussions include: 

  • AI-Driven Strategies for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Exploring how artificial intelligence can accelerate achieving sustainability goals. 
  • Net-Zero Commitments and Corporate Growth – CEOs will discuss aligning business growth with global net-zero targets and sustainability goals. 
  • Renewable Energy Reliability – Addressing challenges like intermittency and grid integration in renewable energy. 
  • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – Promoting sustainable consumption and effective waste management strategies. 
  • Youth Empowerment for Climate Action – Focusing on youth-led environmental initiatives, education, and financial support for young green entrepreneurs. 
  • Global Partnerships – The importance of international collaboration between governments, corporations, and environmental organisations to drive sustainability and green policy implementation.

These discussions aim to foster innovation, collaboration, and corporate responsibility in Johor’s green transition while highlighting the importance of empowering the next generation and leveraging global expertise to combat climate change. 

From the learnings of this summit, DISTED College can adopt cutting-edge sustainability practices, enhance corporate responsibility, and integrate renewable energy solutions into its operations. This can open doors for collaborations, student leadership opportunities, and stronger ties with industry leaders and environmental organisations. Such efforts will position the institution as a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious organisation that aligns with global trends in education and sustainability. 

Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair, President 

DISTED Students Support Penang Fo Yi Hemodialysis Society through Charity

On September 24th, 19 students from the School of Pre-University at DISTED College paid a meaningful visit to the Penang Fo Yi Hemodialysis Society. This visit was part of a larger charitable initiative aimed at supporting the society which has been providing crucial assistance to kidney patients since its establishment in 1997. As part of the initiative, the students presented a donation of RM2,000, funds they had successfully raised through a special Mooncake Festival 2024 fundraising project.  

The funds are intended to help the centre continue its mission of offering affordable hemodialysis treatments to those in need. The Mooncake Festival fundraising event, organized by the students themselves, involved various activities that encouraged participation from the college community and local supporters, reinforcing the spirit of giving and collaboration. 

During their visit, the students were given a comprehensive tour of the facility, where they gained valuable insights into the intricate process of hemodialysis. Through direct interaction with the center’s staff and patients, they were able to witness firsthand the importance of this life-saving treatment. The experience was not only educational but also eye-opening, as it emphasized the critical role non-profit organisations play in providing healthcare services to the underserved. 

In addition to learning about medical procedures, the students were encouraged to reflect on the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle practices to prevent kidney-related diseases. This reinforced DISTED College’s broader educational objectives of promoting both academic learning and personal well-being. 

More than just an academic outing, this project fostered a sense of community, compassion, and shared responsibility among the students. The experience helped to solidify their bond with one another, highlighting the core values of teamwork and cooperation, which are central to DISTED College’s ethos. The visit also allowed the students to see the real-world impact of their fundraising efforts, deepening their understanding of community engagement and its power to bring positive change to those in need. 

The students left the Penang Fo Yi Hemodialysis Society not only with greater knowledge of healthcare challenges but also with a renewed sense of purpose, understanding that even small contributions can make a significant difference in the lives of others. Through this initiative, the students demonstrated their commitment to social responsibility and the importance of giving back to the community. 

Geong Chooi Peng, Head, School of Pre-University Studies 

From Classroom to Career: Upskilling for the Marketplace

College life is more than just earning a certificate; it is a time to invest in personal growth and skill development. In today’s competitive job market, where many graduates hold diplomas and degrees, possessing a strong and diverse skill set is crucial for securing your desired position. By refining existing abilities and acquiring new ones, you not only enhance your employability but also set yourself up for long-term success. 

In this digital age, where artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important across all industries, proficiency in digital skills is essential regardless of your career path. Skills such as computer programming, data analysis, graphic design, and social media management are highly valuable. Even having basic competency in these areas can significantly benefit fresh graduates who may lack work experience, providing them with a competitive edge in the job market. 

Beyond technical skills, soft skills are equally critical for success. These interpersonal abilities enable you to work effectively with others and build strong professional relationships. Effective communication, both verbal and written, is a key skill that employers value. Additionally, critical thinking and creative problem-solving are highly sought-after abilities. Collaboration and teamwork are increasingly important in today’s interconnected world, while leadership skills can help you stand out and take on more responsibilities. Time management is another essential skill, particularly for balancing academic work with extracurricular activities. Leadership skills are not just for those aspiring to management roles. Taking on leadership positions in student organisations or clubs provides opportunities to develop decision-making, motivation, delegation, and conflict-resolution skills. Involvement in these activities allows you to gain hands-on experience, such as organising events, managing marketing campaigns, optimising time, adhering to organisational protocols, and communicating effectively with external partners, including companies and government bodies, for sponsorships or collaborations. 

By cultivating both technical and soft skills, you are not only gaining knowledge but also building a strong personal brand that will distinguish you from other candidates and attract potential employers. At DISTED College, we ensure that all our students are exposed to a wide range of life skills, in addition to technical competencies, to help them succeed in both their studies and future careers. 

Nur Aisya Najwa, Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality 

Mastering 3D Design: A Transformative Journey at SMK Bandar Baru Perda 

SMK Bandar Baru Perda recently embarked on an exciting journey into 3D design through an eight-week course facilitated by DISTED lecturer Mr. Zaki Zakaria. The course aimed to introduce students to the fundamentals of 3D design using SketchUp, a powerful and user-friendly software widely used in the design industry. 

The course was meticulously structured to guide students through the intricacies of SketchUp, ensuring they developed a strong foundation in 3D modelling. Emphasis was placed on practical applications, allowing students to bring their creative visions to life as they explored the software. 

The hands-on approach fostered a collaborative and innovative learning environment. Students were encouraged to experiment with various design techniques, pushing the boundaries of their imagination and skills. As the course progressed, their proficiency in SketchUp grew, enabling them to create increasingly complex and impressive 3D models. 

The journey culminated in selecting two groups to advance to the grand finale, adding a competitive element that motivated students to excel in their projects. This selection process highlighted the participants’ hard work and dedication, demonstrating the effectiveness of the course’s teaching methods. 

This 3D design class at SMK Bandar Baru Perda has equipped students with valuable skills in 3D modelling but also ignited a passion for design that will undoubtedly shape their future endeavours. The knowledge and experience gained in this class have laid a solid foundation for these young designers, opening doors to a wide range of opportunities in the creative field and empowering them to contribute to the ever-evolving design world.  

Zaki bin Zakaria, Lecturer, Creative Multimedia Production , School of Computing and Engineering  

Internships Inspire Psychology Students' Growth and Learning

In the last week of August, psychology students returning from their internships gathered for a special colloquium to share their experiences as part of their welcome back to the semester. This event served as a platform for students to reflect on the skills they gained and the personal growth they experienced during their placements, particularly in areas such as special needs education and mental health care. 

For many students working with special needs children, the experience reignited their passion for psychology. Through hands-on engagement, they developed patience, empathy, and creative communication techniques, recognising the profound impact they could have on children’s development. Similarly, students interning at mental health organisations shared how working with individuals facing mental illness expanded their understanding of mental health care and advocacy. These experiences helped to dismantle misconceptions about mental illness and strengthened the students’ commitment to promoting mental health awareness. 

In addition to emotional growth, the internships allowed students to sharpen essential professional skills, such as problem-solving and applying psychological theories to real-world situations. The colloquium was a celebration of their hard work and a valuable opportunity to reconnect with their peers as they transitioned back to academic life, eager to apply the insights gained from their internships in the new semester. 

Syahirah Farwin Binti Sarkuna Mohamed Azhari, Counsellor and Lecturer, School of Psychology