From Classroom to Production Line: Hands-On Learning Experience for Students

On October 1, 2024, students from the Diplomas in Accounting, Business Studies, and the SACEi programs, along with their lecturers, took part in an educational field trip to ZW Group. The trip aimed to give students practical exposure to an operational business environment and enhance their understanding of real-world production processes within the packaging and logistics industry. 

ZW Group, a company specialising in comprehensive packaging and logistics services, provided the students with an in-depth look at its operations. From the initial design phase through printing and final assembly, students observed the entire packaging process. They gained an appreciation for how each stage is meticulously tailored to meet unique client needs, from creating customized designs to ensuring quality control and finishing. This hands-on experience highlighted the precision, planning, and adaptability required in production. 

The students also explored ZW Group’s subsidiaries, ZW Woodzone & Mover Sdn Bhd and ZW Transcargo Sdn Bhd, which deliver specialized solutions in packing, crating, heavy lifting, and logistics. These divisions serve a range of industries, handling intricate logistics and providing secure, tailored transportation and storage services. This broadened students’ perspectives on the vital roles that these specialized services play within larger logistics networks, deepening their appreciation of how each function supports overall business success. 

The trip offered students invaluable real-world learning that directly complemented their classroom studies. Beyond observing packaging and logistics operations, they gained insights into the challenges and opportunities businesses face in this sector, including the demand for customization, efficiency, and resilience in a competitive industry. This experience not only enriched their theoretical knowledge but also provided them with a realistic view of business dynamics, bridging the gap between academic concepts and industry practices. 

Adznida Md Daud ,Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality 

Remarks from the President 

Learning beyond the classroom is essential for truly understanding the complexities of today’s industries. While classroom learning builds foundational knowledge, stepping into real-world environments allows students to see concepts in action, making their education more relevant and impactful. Engaging directly with business operations and observing the intricacies of production and logistics enriches students’ perspectives, showing them how theories and principles play out in real-time. 

Such experiences offer valuable lessons beyond textbooks, challenging students to think critically, adapt, and respond to dynamic situations they might encounter in their careers. Interactions with professionals in the field provide insights into the skills and resilience needed to navigate industry challenges. At the same time, hands-on exposure to operations demonstrates the importance of teamwork, innovation, and quality control in achieving business success. 

By immersing themselves in real-world settings, students gain a stronger sense of purpose and motivation as they connect their studies with practical applications. These opportunities to learn outside the classroom encourage a spirit of curiosity and lifelong learning, preparing students to become adaptable, insightful professionals who are ready to make meaningful contributions in their fields. 

Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair, President  

Shape Your Future with the HELP University Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) at DISTED College

Since its inception in 2010, the HELP University Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) programme at DISTED College has upheld a legacy of nearly 15 years, establishing a reputation for excellence in psychology education. The programme has produced outstanding graduates who have made meaningful contributions as therapists, counsellors, clinical psychologists, and leaders in various corporate sectors, driving positive change in the fields they serve. 

The Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) programme offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in critical areas of psychology. Students benefit from practical exposure to psychological testing, behavioural research, and both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Through small-group seminars, engaging lectures, and lab sessions, they acquire the skills and techniques needed to conduct assessments, analyse behaviour, and apply evidence-based practices in real-world settings. 

DISTED’s dedicated faculty, composed of lecturers with expertise across specialised psychology domains, guides students throughout their academic journey. Faculty members bring diverse insights from clinical, developmental, and organisational psychology, ensuring students understand psychological science well. The on-campus environment at DISTED College fosters a supportive and engaging community where students receive one-on-one mentorship and personalised academic support, empowering them to excel academically and personally. 

Students also benefit from the extensive resources and networks of HELP University, one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most established psychology programmes. By joining this programme, students become part of a vibrant community dedicated to advancing psychological knowledge and practice. The HELP University Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) at DISTED College is more than a degree – it’s a pathway to a rewarding career in psychology, providing graduates with the skills, confidence, and qualifications to succeed in an ever-evolving field. Embark on your journey with us today, and start building a future of meaningful impact and personal fulfilment with the HELP University’s Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at DISTED College! 

Science as a Human Endeavour

The South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE International) is a pre-university programme offered by DISTED College. With its emphasis on coursework assessment, the SACE programme provides students the opportunity to develop their skills in conducting investigative reports. 

SACE students taking science subjects are expected to submit an investigation folio known as the Science as a Human Endeavour (SHE) component. SHE encourages students to explore the interaction between science and society. Students are tasked with investigating contemporary examples of scientific advancements, innovations, or issues and analyzing their impact on society. Based on their research, students are expected to explain the relevant science, examine its effects on society and vice versa, and draw conclusions. 

The SHE project involves several key components: 

  • Linking Science and Society: This entails examining the ways scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, or problems impact and shape society. Examples include how a new technology improves people’s lives, how public policy is influenced by scientific research, or how societal needs drive scientific inquiry. 
  • Contextual Understanding: Students are encouraged to consider how scientific advancements fit within broader social, political, economic, and ethical frameworks. One possible focus could be examining how the development of renewable energy technologies influences economic and environmental sustainability. 
  • Critical Analysis: In this assignment, students must assess and critically analyse how science affects society. They are encouraged to reflect on the ethical ramifications of scientific advancements and to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. 
  • Research and Reporting: Students conduct research on a contemporary scientific issue, invention, or advancement. Their findings are then presented with a clear understanding of the science involved and its societal implications. This can be in the form of essays, reports, presentations, or other formats. 

Real-world examples to be examined may include: 

  • Climate Change: Exploring the science behind climate change, its effects on local communities, and how society is adapting. 
  • Medical Development: Examining scientific discoveries in the medical field, their impact on healthcare, and ethical debates on issues like genetic engineering. 
  • Technological Innovation: Investigating the socioeconomic and ethical implications of emerging technologies, such as renewable energy or artificial intelligence. 

In conclusion, SHE motivates students to view science not as isolated facts and theories but as a dynamic, interactive process that continuously shapes—and is shaped by—the world in which we live. 

Khor Ee Keat,Lecturer, School of Pre-University Studies 

2024 Compliance Audit and International Student Management Inspection

The 2024 Compliance Audit and International Student Management Inspection at DISTED College, led by the Ministry of Higher Education’s Enforcement and Inspectorate Division (BPI), was successfully completed on November 5, 2024. The inspection, headed by Puan Norul Aina Amirah binti Ab Rahman (Senior Assistant Director), Encik Mohd Adib Bin Mohd Aripuddin (Assistant Director), and Cik Radin Nur Aina Binti Mohd Ali (Assistant Director), aimed to ensure that DISTED College adheres to the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 [Act 555] and its related regulations. 

The audit’s primary goal was to verify that DISTED complies with national standards, with a particular focus on the institution’s management of international students. This included thoroughly reviewing its operational procedures, administrative practices, and documentation protocols to confirm they align with regulatory requirements. DISTED College was tasked with preparing comprehensive documentation, both in physical and digital formats, to facilitate a smooth and accessible audit process. Staff and institutional representatives were also required to be on standby during the inspection to respond to queries, participate in interviews, and provide additional clarification. 

A key audit aspect was ensuring the campus environment and facilities met prescribed standards. BPI officials conducted a physical inspection to observe how well the institution’s infrastructure supports local and international students. This included verifying the accuracy and completeness of records, admission processes, and student support services. 

The successful completion of the audit underscores DISTED’s commitment to regulatory compliance and high standards in student management. By fulfilling these stringent requirements, DISTED College reaffirms its dedication to enhancing Malaysia’s reputation as a trusted destination for quality education. This compliance audit ensures that DISTED upholds the welfare and management of its international students and strengthens its standing within Malaysia’s higher education sector. The positive outcome reflects the institution’s proactive efforts in upholding educational standards and fostering an environment conducive to academic and personal growth for all students. 

Congratulations to the DISTED Team, led by the Quality Assurance Unit, for successfully achieving compliance in the 2024 audit, reflecting their commitment to excellence. 

Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair, President  

Celebrating Academic Excellence: DISTED College Convocation 2024

The DISTED College Convocation 2024, held on October 26, celebrated students’ achievements across various Bachelor’s and Diploma programmes. Each programme honoured its graduates, with distinctions awarded to those who achieved First Class honours in several of the Bachelor’s programs. 

In the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Accounting & Finance, five students earned First Class honours, marking their exceptional performance. In addition to the First-Class achievers, 16 other students completed their studies in this programme. The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Marketing Management saw one student achieving First Class honours, with ten other graduates completing the program. 

For the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in International Business Management, one student was recognised with First Class honours, along with 12 other graduates. In the Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) program, three students attained First Class honours, while 11 other students also graduated, reflecting the strong interest and achievement in this field of study. 

The convocation also celebrated students who completed various Diploma programs. In the Diploma in Accounting, four students graduated, while the Diploma in Hotel Management had two graduates. The Diploma in Business Information Technology program saw two graduates as well. 

Creative fields were represented by the Diploma in Creative Multimedia Production, with four students completing their studies. The Diploma in Business Studies was one of the larger cohorts, with 17 graduates reflecting a broad interest in business education. Finally, the Diploma in Computer Science saw 18 graduates, showcasing the college’s commitment to fostering talent in technology-related fields. 

Overall, the DISTED College Convocation 2024 was a significant milestone for the graduates, celebrating their hard work and accomplishments across various disciplines.