Budget 2025: Timely Support for Developing Courses in Digital Technology, AI, Data Science, and Related Fields
The 2025 Budget’s introduction of special tax incentives for higher education institutions developing courses in digital technology, AI, data science, and related fields is timely for DISTED College, which plans to launch its Bachelor of Information Technology (Data Analytics) (Honours) in collaboration with HELP University in January 2025. This programme, pending final approval from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), aligns with the government’s focus on building a future-ready workforce to meet the demands of the global digital economy.
The budget encourages educational institutions to invest in programmes like data analytics, which is crucial for leveraging big data and driving informed business decisions in various sectors. With data analytics becoming increasingly essential in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing industries, this course prepares students for high-demand roles in a rapidly evolving job market. The programme also will contribute directly to Malaysia’s broader goals of becoming a leader in technology and innovation. Graduates equipped with data analytics skills will be critical in helping businesses navigate the digital transformation, thus bridging the gap between educational outcomes and industry needs.
In short, the budget’s incentives come at a pivotal time for DISTED College, reinforcing its role in producing skilled graduates who will contribute to the nation’s growing digital economy, while benefiting from government support aimed at driving innovation in higher education.
Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair, President
Exploring Career Opportunities: DISTED College Team Visits Jabil GBS for Future Collaborations
Recently, a team from DISTED College’s School of Business and Hospitality visited the Jabil Global Business Services (GBS) Centre, situated in the heart of the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone. The primary goal of this visit was to explore potential career and internship opportunities for DISTED’s fresh graduates and current students, particularly those enrolled in internship programmes.
The DISTED team was warmly received by two DISTED alumni, Kelvin Oo and Alex Lee, both of whom are now thriving in their roles at Jabil GBS. Kelvin and Alex, who had pursued Business programmes at DISTED, shared their personal experiences, reflecting on how their time at DISTED equipped them with the knowledge and skills essential for their success at Jabil. They also emphasised how the work environment at Jabil GBS has provided them with opportunities for growth and development in their careers.
The visit was enriched by an informative session with the Talent Acquisition team at Jabil GBS. The team gave an overview of the current staffing needs in key areas such as Information Technology (IT), Supply Chain Management, and Finance. This was followed by insightful presentations from department directors of the three sectors, who outlined the specific skills and qualifications that are increasingly in demand. These sessions provided the DISTED staff with an in-depth understanding of what prospective employers like Jabil GBS seek in candidates, offering a roadmap for how DISTED could better prepare its students for the evolving job market. Additionally, both parties engaged in discussions about possible future collaborations, which could include partnerships for internship programmes, career fairs, guest lectures, and specialised training sessions that align with Jabil’s operational requirements.
In summary, the visit to Jabil GBS was an enlightening experience for the DISTED staff. It not only highlighted valuable career pathways for their students but also strengthened ties between the institution and a leading global business centre. This collaboration holds the potential to enhance the career prospects of DISTED graduates, ensuring they are equipped with the industry-relevant, skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Sharizan Abdul Rashid, Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
Energising Learning: The Role of Gamification in Student Engagement
In the evolving landscape of education, gamification has become an invaluable approach, particularly in specialised fields like e-commerce. By incorporating interactive elements such as points, badges, and competitive challenges, educators help students visualise complex and abstract concepts within the e-commerce curriculum. This method transforms traditional learning into a dynamic experience, enabling students to engage deeply with topics like digital marketing, customer engagement, and online sales strategies.
One of the remarkable aspects of gamification is its ability to capture student attention with the smallest effort. Simple yet engaging activities can significantly enhance focus and motivation, turning routine lessons into exciting challenges. For instance, platforms like Gartic.io allow students to draw and guess key e-commerce terms in real-time, helping them visualize and comprehend abstract ideas that might otherwise be difficult to grasp. This engaging approach not only improves retention but also fosters collaborative learning, as students learn from one another in a fun and interactive environment.
Moreover, gamification encourages teamwork through group challenges that simulate real-world e-commerce scenarios. Students develop critical soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving, which are essential for success in today’s fast-paced digital marketplace.
In conclusion, the integration of gamification in e-commerce education enriches the learning experience by enhancing visualization skills and enabling students to apply their knowledge in practical contexts. At DISTED College, we are actively integrating innovative teaching methods to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving landscape of the digital economy.
Kaushalya Tinakaran, Lecturer, School of Computing & Engineering
Shining a Light on Mental Health in Education: Celebrating 10th October 2024
As a psychology lecturer, I recognise the critical importance of mental health, not only as a significant area of academic study but as an essential aspect of our daily lives. Mental health serves as the cornerstone of our well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and behave. It affects our ability to manage stress, navigate challenges, build relationships, and pursue our goals. Understanding this connection is especially vital during Mental Health Awareness Month in October, which offers a valuable platform to address mental health challenges and foster open conversations about well-being.
This month serves as an opportunity to reflect and engage in discussions that often go unspoken due to societal stigma. In my classrooms, I strive to create a supportive environment where students feel safe to share their thoughts and emotions. Such an atmosphere is crucial for breaking down the silence surrounding mental illness. As psychologists, we advocate for a holistic approach to health, where mental well-being is prioritized alongside physical health. Just as we seek help for physical ailments, we must also be proactive in addressing mental health concerns, emphasizing preventive care, self-awareness, and healthy daily habits.
As educators, we are uniquely positioned to guide our students in recognizing the importance of mental health for their personal development and as future advocates in their communities. By fostering awareness, understanding, and empathy, we can help build a society that values mental health, sees seeking help as a strength, and prioritizes compassion and support. This Mental Health Awareness Month, let us emphasise that mental health matters. By raising awareness, encouraging dialogue, and educating others, we can move towards a more compassionate and healthier world where mental health is recognized as a fundamental human right.
Thiresyinie A/P Tamil Chelvam, Lecturer, School of Psychology
Colourful Expressions: Pulled String Art Workshop
On October 4th, 2024, DISTED Art Club organised an exciting and interactive workshop on Pulled String Art, a technique that merges creativity and spontaneity. The event was open to students who wanted to explore this unique and easy-to-learn style of painting.
Pulled string art involves dipping a string into paint and pulling it across a surface, creating intricate, organic designs. Under the guidance of the club’s advisor, Ms. Khairu Nisa, participants experimented with various colour combinations and techniques. The simple act of dragging the paint-drenched strings across the surface resulted in mesmerising patterns, from abstract shapes to floral designs.
The session encouraged creativity and self-expression while allowing participants to relax and enjoy the artistic process. Students were amazed by how such simple tools and techniques could produce striking results. Abirhami, a new member of the DISTED Art Club, shared her thoughts on the recent pulled string art activity: “It was a fun and creative way to explore abstract designs with just simple materials. I really enjoyed it!”
This activity was not just about creating art but also about building a community. The collaborative atmosphere made it a memorable experience for everyone, and the Art Club looks forward to more workshops where creativity flows as freely as the paint.
Khairu Nisa Wazir, Lecturer, School of Computing and Engineering and Art Club Advisor
