The School of Psychology at DISTED College collaborated with the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) Penang to provide students with a meaningful community engagement and experiential learning opportunity.
Held on 9 July 2026, the programme involved 11 Psychology student volunteers who worked with children aged 4 to 8 years old at NASOM Penang. The initiative aimed to create a positive learning experience for both the students and the children while promoting inclusion, understanding and community involvement.
As part of the programme, students worked in small groups to plan and facilitate a variety of engaging activities. These included matching games, arts and crafts, ball activities, balance exercises, bubble breathing techniques and movement-based games. The activities were designed to encourage participation, interaction, coordination and learning in a supportive environment.
Throughout the programme, students were required to adapt their communication styles and activities according to the individual needs and responses of the children. This provided an opportunity for them to apply psychological concepts and theories learned in the classroom to real-life situations.
Beyond academic learning, the experience enabled students to strengthen important professional and interpersonal skills, including communication, empathy, teamwork, adaptability and responsibility. The hands-on exposure provided valuable insights into working with children while enhancing their understanding of diverse developmental needs.
The collaboration with NASOM Penang reflected DISTED College’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement. By participating in programmes such as this, students are able to connect theory with practice while contributing positively to the wider community.
The experience was both rewarding and impactful, reinforcing the importance of compassion, inclusivity and lifelong learning in the field of psychology.
Teoh Ker Hsin
Programme Lead, School of Psychology
