DISTED College Enhances Education Quality with Back-to-Back Staff Training
DISTED College organised two comprehensive staff training sessions to elevate educational standards on July 18-19 and July 20, 2024. Facilitated by Associate Professor Ts. Rozita Husain from Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), these sessions focused on student assessment and programme design.
The first training, “Guideline to Good Practice (GGP): Assessment of Students,” provided a thorough framework for creating and evaluating exam questions in Malaysian higher education. Key principles such as fairness, validity, reliability, and relevance were emphasised. The training introduced outcomes-based assessment (OBA), which aligns assessment activities with learning outcomes to ensure practical application and academic knowledge. Active learning and constructive alignment were also highlighted to promote student-centred learning.
Participants learned to allocate Student Learning Time (SLT) proportionately to achieve course outcomes and to use diverse assessment methods, including coursework and performance-based assessments. The session underscored the importance of question vetting to maintain quality and avoid bias and advocate for inclusive practices and culturally responsive teaching.
The second session, “Guidelines to Good Practices in Program Design and Delivery,” aimed at helping higher education providers (HEPs) develop programmes that align with national standards. Key highlights included defining Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs) and Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs) to outline graduates’ career milestones and requisite skills. Conducting systematic needs assessments was emphasised to align curricula with market demands.
The training detailed a structured programme development process, from stakeholder needs analysis to curriculum planning. Continual quality improvement was stressed, with ongoing monitoring and stakeholder engagement ensuring programs remain effective and relevant.
These sessions provided a robust approach to programme design and student assessment, ensuring higher education programmes in Malaysia meet national standards. DISTED College, with its unwavering commitment to supporting educational excellence, continues to lead the way through continuous staff development and best practices.
Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair, President
New Additions to the DISTED College Team
We are delighted to introduce two dynamic new members joining our team at DISTED College. Each brings unique skills and experiences that will enrich our community and contribute significantly to our ongoing projects and goals.
We are excited to announce our part-timer, IT Support, Ms Shabana Gany, as the latest addition to our team at DISTED College in the capacity of IT cum Administrator Executive. Shabana earned her bachelor’s degree in computer science from KDU College Penang and has a practical computer hardware and software management background.
With her robust technical skills and proactive problem-solving experience, Shabana is ideally positioned to bolster our IT and general administrative operations. We eagerly anticipate the fresh perspectives she will introduce and are confident in her future contributions to our department’s growth.
We are also pleased to welcome Tan Jia Huey to the DISTED College community as our Student Experience Officer. Jia Huey graduated with a Bachelor of Communication (Hons) in Public Relations from University Tunku Abdul Rahman and has extensive experience in event management, the Food and Beverage, and hospitality sectors. As an avid hiker and camper, she brings an adventurous and resilient attitude to her professional role. Her academic achievements, industry experience, and personal interests make her an exceptional addition to our team.
Raziah binti Ehia Mohd , HR and Admin Executive, Human Resources & Administration
Evaluating Internship Progress and Enhancing Practical Skills
On June 24, 2024, Ms. Thiresyinie Tamil Chelvam, accompanied by another psychology lecturer, Ms. Teoh Ker Hsin, visited D’Home Mental Health Association. The purpose of the visit was to evaluate the internship progress of three DISTED Psychology students under her supervision—Joanna Ho Woan Jiun, Ammar Amsyar Bin Azahar, and Eunice Soon En Ci—and to identify areas where they needed additional assistance.
D’Home Mental Health Association plays a pivotal role in Penang by providing comprehensive mental health services and advocacy. Their mission is to address the diverse needs of individuals facing mental health challenges through various tailored interventions. This includes personalised therapeutic services, educational support, and behavior management techniques designed to foster positive outcomes.
During the visit, Ms. Sally Yeoh Lake Hoon, the onsite supervisor, provided an in-depth explanation of the center’s operations and described how D’Home has adapted its methods to continue delivering effective care amidst mental health challenges.
This visit to D’Home Mental Health Association highlighted the importance of hands-on learning in the mental health field. The centre’s dedication to high-quality care and the diverse experiences provided to our students underscore the value of integrating practical exposure with academic learning, equipping future professionals with critical skills for their careers.
She also outlined the diverse responsibilities our students take on, such as designing and implementing educational strategies and behavior management plans. The students also have the opportunity to engage directly with mental health patients and connect with various NGOs across Malaysia, enriching their practical experience.
Thiresyinie A/P Tamil Chelvam , Lecturer, School of Psychology
Developing a Unique Perspective in Visual Arts
Visual art is not just about replicating what we see but it is about interpreting and presenting the world through our own lens. For visual art students, developing a unique perspective is crucial in establishing a distinctive voice in the vast landscape of artistic expression. This journey involves cultivating observational skills, embracing individuality, and exploring diverse influences to create art.
The foundation of any visual art practice is the ability to observe keenly. Observation goes beyond merely looking at objects and scenes. It involves perceiving the underlying forms, colours, textures, and relationships within the visual field. To develop a unique perspective, art students must train their eyes to see beyond the obvious and capture the subtleties that often go unnoticed.
Every artist brings their own experiences, emotions, and thoughts to their work. Embracing this individuality is key to developing a unique perspective. Visual art students should reflect on their personal journeys and consider how these experiences can inform their art. What stories do they want to tell? What emotions do they want to convey? What subjects are they passionate about?
While personal experiences shape an artist’s perspective, exposure to diverse influences broadens their creative horizons. Art students should immerse themselves in various artistic styles, cultures, and mediums. Visiting museums and galleries, attending art exhibitions, and studying the works of both historical and contemporary artists can provide fresh insights and inspiration.
In conclusion, the art of seeing is about more than just looking, but it is about perceiving, interpreting, and expressing the world in a way that is uniquely one’s own. For visual art students, this journey is both challenging and rewarding, leading to the creation of art that is personal and impactful. The SACEi Visual Art course at DISTED exposes students to diverse forms of visual art, enhancing appreciation and cultivating artistic skills through theoretical and practical learning.
Khairu Nisa Wazir , Lecturer in Creative Multimedia Production & & SACE Visual Arts, 计算机与工程学院
A Journey with StudyAdelaide and the SACE International Ambassador Programme
StudyAdelaide has been responsible for promoting Adelaide as an ideal destination for international students on behalf of the Government of South Australia and the education sector. StudyAdelaide offers support from the moment students arrive through to their graduation and beyond, providing employability programs for international students. I am honored to be part of the StudyAdelaide and SACE International Ambassador Program, which was held from June 15 to 21, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia.
During my visit to Adelaide, I was thrilled to explore two of South Australia’s biggest universities: the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. The University of Adelaide, the third oldest university in Australia, ranks 82nd in the QS World Rankings for 2025 and is associated with five Nobel Prize Laureates. The University of South Australia, established in 1991, has its roots in the South Australian School of Arts, Teacher Training Colleges, and the School of Mines and Industries, which were founded between 1856 and 1889. Both universities have equally strong foundations, featuring 150 years of excellence in teaching, learning, and research.
July 15, 2024, marks a significant milestone with the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, founding Australia’s newest major university—Adelaide University. Officially launched this week, Adelaide University will offer a reimagined curriculum with more than 300 degrees in globally in-demand fields, with over 200 degrees available for application starting July 15, 2024, and commencement dates in 2026.
Do you aspire to attend a prestigious university and reach your academic and career goals? The South Australian Certificate of Education International (SACEi) program is your gateway to success! Find out more about SACEi at DISTED College.
Dr. Tan Sze Huey, Programme Leader, School of Pre-University Studies
