Movie Day: Promoting Understanding and Acceptance of Autism
The Business Lab at DISTED College became a space for heartfelt conversation and meaningful reflection during a special Movie Day, organised by students from the Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) programme. The event aimed to raise awareness and foster acceptance of autism, using film as a powerful medium for empathy and engagement. Students and staff gathered to watch Temple Grandin, a biographical film based on the life of Dr Temple Grandin, whose work and lived experiences have reshaped the way society views communication, learning, and innovation. The screening encouraged viewers to go beyond textbook knowledge and connect with real-world stories that challenge assumptions.
Following the film, participants engaged in a “Myth and Fact Challenge” to explore common misconceptions surrounding autism, followed by a reflection activity where attendees shared personal takeaways. These simple yet thought-provoking exercises sparked open dialogue and encouraged critical thinking.
The event also introduced the Autism Acceptance Campaign (AAC 2025) by the Penang Shine Like Stars Association. Shifting the conversation from awareness to inclusion, the campaign’s message resonated deeply with the DISTED community. At DISTED, we believe learning extends far beyond the classroom. This initiative reflects the essence of the psychology programme — using knowledge to drive compassion, understanding, and positive change. Movie Day was not only a student-led event but a reminder that education should inform the mind and move the heart.
By Ong Li Yi
Student, School of Psychology
Remarks from the President
Earnest
The Scholarship candidate selection and interviews continue this week and shall continue until the end of June. It has been refreshing to meet young, earnest and enthusiastic students applying themselves at the interviews.
As part of DISTED’s promise to ensure our programmes remain relevant and evolve with the times, this week DISTED has been a hive of student activities curated around real-world issues.
In this issue, we start with the School of Psychology airing a movie to promote Autism Awareness Week. The School of Computing explores Google Gemini as part of our Diploma in Computer Science for student exposure. The School of Business discusses the impact of the minimum wage policy and its economic consequences, and our Diploma in Mass Communication student shares tips for surviving the first semester of college.
At DISTED, we earnestly strive to ensure the relevance of our programmes with real-world issues, the connection between academic learning and real-world relevance, and the value of hands-on student experiences.
Learning is everywhere at DISTED.
Dato’ Lim Si Boon
Interim President
How to Survive Your First Semester: Tips from a Senior
Looking back on my early semesters at DISTED College, I can honestly say: “I wish someone had warned me.” So here are a few things I’ve learned the hard way — hopefully they will help you survive (and maybe even enjoy) your first semester.
- Group work is unpredictable.
Sometimes you get a great team, other times you end up doing it all. If you are in the latter situation, do not stay silent. Set expectations early, track tasks, and communicate clearly. If things go sideways, screenshot everything and report it with proof. Protect your grade. - Talk to your lecturers.
They are not just here to teach. Ask questions about your assignments or career advice. Showing interest and gratitude helps build trust and can open doors for feedback or future opportunities. - Time management is real.
I used to believe I could cram the night before and still do fine. Spoiler: I could not. Stress, sleep loss, and panic became regular visitors. If you are a procrastinator like me, try planning your study sessions early. You will perform better and feel less overwhelmed.
Studying at DISTED has been more than just academic learning — it has been about personal growth. I am still learning how to handle things, but I have grown a lot since my first semester. If you are just starting out, give yourself room to learn too.
Nur Erlia Nadhirah Binti Mohd Erwan
Student, Diploma in Mass Communication
The Economic Impact of Malaysia’s New Minimum Wage Policy
Malaysia’s national minimum wage is set to rise from RM1,500 to RM1,700, taking effect from 1 February 2025 for employers with more than five employees, and from 1 August 2025 for those with fewer, as outlined in the 2025 Budget and reported in the New Straits Times (18 October 2024).
From an economic standpoint, minimum wages act as a price floor, aiming to protect workers by ensuring a minimum standard of living. However, setting this wage above the market equilibrium can result in a labour surplus, potentially causing higher unemployment, particularly among smaller businesses that may struggle to meet wage costs. This imbalance in the labour market leads to market failure and inefficient resource allocation. To mitigate such risks, the government has introduced the MADANI Training Plan, which aims to enhance employability by equipping workers with essential and future-relevant skills. According to reports from HRD Corp in 2024, the programme is expected to support labour market flexibility, complement the minimum wage adjustment, and reduce the risk of unemployment.
These initiatives are part of broader supply-side policies, which tend to take longer to show results but contribute significantly to long-term macroeconomic goals such as lower unemployment, higher productivity, and stable inflation. At DISTED’s School of Business and Hospitality, we encourage students to analyse and evaluate real-world economic policies through critical thinking and applied learning. Discussions on topics like minimum wage reform help bridge theory with practice, equipping our graduates to understand and navigate policy impacts in dynamic economic landscapes.
Tan Sue Lin
Head, School of Business and Hospitality
Google Gemini: Empowering DISTED Students with Cutting-Edge AI
The School of Computing and Engineering at DISTED College recently exposed its students to the future of artificial intelligence through an exciting session exploring Google Gemini, Google’s latest AI model. As part of a practical workshop, students participated in “Harnessing Advanced AI Capabilities in Flutter with Gemini.” This session focused on integrating Gemini’s advanced AI features into Flutter, a popular open-source framework for building high-performance mobile applications. The workshop encouraged students to think critically about how AI can be embedded into everyday technology and gave them the tools to begin doing so themselves. Working with real-time AI-driven features, students developed app ideas that can respond intelligently to user behaviour and data. The experience helped them understand the role of AI in delivering personalised and efficient mobile experiences — a growing expectation in today’s tech-driven world.
More than a one-off workshop, this session equipped students with relevant skills for a rapidly evolving job market. Artificial intelligence is becoming essential across industries, and this practical exposure placed students ahead of the curve. From healthcare and finance to entertainment and retail, the ability to build AI-powered apps opens countless career paths. This initiative also highlights how DISTED is preparing its computing students for the demands of tomorrow. By combining strong technical foundations with exposure to advanced tools like Google Gemini, students are learning to apply innovation in ways that matter.
Kaushalya A/P Tinakaran
Lecturer, School of Computing & Engineering
Adibah Binti Riduan Brings Data Science Expertise to DISTED College
We are delighted to welcome Adibah Binti Riduan as a Lecturer in the School of Computing and Engineering at DISTED College. A graduate in Intelligent Systems from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Adibah brings a solid background in computing, data science, and intelligent technologies.
She has taught a range of subjects including Data Analysis with Python, Artificial Intelligence with Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and block-based interactive programming. Known for her clear and accessible teaching style, Adibah creates a classroom environment where complex ideas become approachable, and students build confidence in their learning journey.
Her passion lies in Data Science and AI education, and she is dedicated to empowering students through patient guidance, real-world relevance, and a belief that learning should be both meaningful and enjoyable.
We look forward to the energy, expertise, and student-centred spirit Adibah brings to our academic community.
Raziah binti Ehia Mohd
Human Resources & Administration
From DISTED to the Finance World: Jane Lim’s Journey
DISTED alumnus Jane Lim’s journey from college to her profession in finance is extraordinary. Her journey is truly one of hard work, passion, and the right guidance at each step.
Jane’s curiosity about the workings of the market and the movement of money from one industry to another made her interested in finance. “Learning finance has provided me with a wider view of the world,” says Jane. “It’s like opening up to the global view of how businesses, investments, and the economy interact.” Now, Jane works as an Operations Analyst at OSTTRA in Penang and gets to know about the operations of finance and the processes of post-trade. The fast-moving nature of finance motivates her to work every day and always learn. “The industry is always growing and changing, and I like it,” she says, embracing the continuously changing nature of the sector.
When it was time to do pre-university studies, Jane opted for DISTED because it provided her with the kind of environment suitable to ease her transition from the science stream during her secondary school years to pursuing economics, business, accounting, and mathematics. In the end, Jane performed exceptionally well, obtaining A*AAB A-Level results, and went back home with fond memories of her time at DISTED. Friendly lecturers and the cozy campus environment left her feeling at home from the beginning. The old-world feel of the institution’s heritage buildings and the spacious surroundings provided a special learning space, and being located in the heart of Georgetown allowed her to have access to great food at her doorstep, which was a big bonus to her!
At DISTED, Jane was exposed to a study environment that was both supportive and motivating. “The lecturers really cared about our achievements,” she says, and there was always encouragement to strive even harder. One influence on her studies was Ms. Allen, her accounting tutor. “Ms. Allen’s commitment made accounting less of a subject and more of a manner of thinking logically and methodically,” recalls Jane. “She made me see that finance was not merely about figures—it was about reading the broader picture.” From Ms. Allen’s classes, Jane’s enthusiasm for finance increased, and she started to view the subject in a different light.
Jane’s diligence and commitment to her studies resulted in her being awarded a scholarship to study at CUHKSZ (Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen), where she was still pursuing her aspiration to work in finance. Throughout her years at DISTED and CUHKSZ, Jane formed study habits that still stood her in good stead at university. “Practicing past year exam questions every week and joint group study sessions kept me familiar with the exam format and the questions being tested on it,” she says. These study habits easily followed her through to university, where she became increasingly independent and successful.
Although academics were her priority, there were leadership roles outside of the classroom as well. As Vice President of the International Students’ Association, she was able to help organize events and engage with students from various backgrounds. “Being a member of the International Students’ Association provided me with valuable skills in leadership, communication, and organizing events. It was an amazing experience that developed my professional skills,” she says.
Jane’s time at DISTED was not all hard work—she made memories to last as well. One of her favourite memories is the 2019 Prom Night at Hard Rock Hotel, a celebration to herald the conclusion of her A-Level journey. “It was the perfect celebration to mark the friendships and successes we’d made during our journey,” says Jane. It was peppered with fine performances, great food, and the camaraderie of peers who followed the same study journey. It was the perfect closure to that chapter of her life and to all they had accomplished.
Looking back, there are some aspects of her college life Jane misses. “I miss the nasi lemak at the DISTED canteen—it was so good!” she chuckles. Aside from the food, there are the friendships she formed, the joy of discovering new places with her friends, and the feeling of belonging to the college community. “The moments with my friends—having fun, learning, and growing together—are the ones I miss,” she adds.
For current students at DISTED, here’s what Jane has to say: “Use your time here to the fullest! Work hard to reach excellence, take all opportunities, and form memories to last. Your college experience is not all about studies—there’s so much growth, making friends, and picking up experiences that define you.” Jane’s transition from DISTED to finance executive success is the reminder we all need to see of what the right setting, helpful role models, and attitudes to learning and development can do to lay the groundwork for a rich and rewarding career. “Stay curious, stay passionate, and never stop learning. That’s what will distinguish you,” is her parting advice, summarising the path taken to reach her current position.
Parthasarathe Jayashanker
Student Editor, DISTED Discourse
Student of Cambridge A-Level
