Walking in eachother’s shoesAn ISNC family ‘hope’ philosophyCover Story Page 12

ISSUE 02 - 2019

DIKA COLLEGE E-NEWSLETTER

InternationalExperiencePage 08

EdupreneurialEdgePage 06

Real WorldDynamicsPage 14

GameChangersPage 16

The passage to embrace diversity begins with the willingness to step into another person’s shoe, and in journeying with them along the same path. This can only happen if we understand the merits of being inclusive in our thoughts, words and deeds. When we do, the possibilities are endless and the future holds such great hope.

02 03

The DIKABeaconDiversity is beautiful. Diversity defines us.Diversity is what makes us human.

Registration is openfor the Symposium on Special

Education: Diversity andInclusion which will be held

on 15-16 June 2019.More information on page 16

Would you want towalk in somebody

else’s shoe?

When we discern the beauty of

diversity, we are led to a deeper

meaning. We accept each other for

who we are, and we exuberantly

celebrate our differences. Diversity

also means inclusion. When we

embrace diversity, we see each other

as one, and we become eager to walk

in solidarity with one another.

In 2009, Dika College introduced the

Diploma in Special Needs Education.

Since then, it has been a decade-long

commitment to empower students

with the knowledge and skills that

enables them to offer fortitude and

strength to those who are special.

To further establish its role as an

educator for all, Dika collaborates

with sister company, ISNC Edu Hub

Sdn Bhd (ISNC) to provide industry

advisory and insight. Dika looks upon

special education as an obligation and

this branch of education will always be

a priority to passionately pursue and

nurture. Dika is committed to inspiring

hope, and in making certain that no

person is left behind.

04 05

We AreAll Special

To me, special

needs children

are just like any other

children. They need

time and help with

learning. There is

countless literature

that advocates for

inclusive setting for

the benefit of

all children.

In an inclusive classroom, children

with special needs are known to learn

faster by observing their peers and

being motivated to keep up. Fellow

peers on the other hand learn that not

all children are made the same and

through interacting with each other,

learn important values like tolerance,

kindness and compassion. What else

can be better than this? After all, we

want our children to grow up ready for

the real world.

The question is what kind of a world

do you want it to be? I for one want a

better world for our children and that

starts with embracing diversity and

practising inclusion.

Pua Chee Ling

Chief Executive, Dika College

To me, inclusion doesn’t just apply to

those with special needs. If society

can accept people and their

eccentricities, why can’t it extend the

same courtesy to those with special

needs? I believe that answer lies in our

education.

A society is a reflection of our

education system. When we learn

from young to perceive those who are

different from us in an unfavourable

light, it is natural that we grow up

doing the same. Sadly, it creates a

nation that lack values like

tolerance, understanding,

compassion and kindness. Taking a

stand for inclusion and diversity is

more than a special needs agenda; it

is about fighting for a better world

where everyone is accepted for who

they are. And it has to start with

education and I believe as

educators, we need to make a

constant and conscious effort to push

for inclusion and diversity. This is why

we continue to offer the special needs

programme at Dika College, we

believe that these children deserve to

be included and to be part of society.

It saddens me when schools turn

down special needs children because

they can’t handle them. What is the

purpose of a school if you can’t teach

them? To me, special needs children

are just like any other children. They

need time and help with learning.

There is countless literature that

advocates for inclusive setting for the

benefit of all children.

In my heart of hearts, I believe that we are all special. No oneindividual is the same as another, not even twins. We all have funny little quirks that make us unique whether it is an obsession with having everything in order, a habit of reading out loud to ourselves or the need to sanitise our hands after touching every little thing. In spite of our quirks, we all want to be accepted for who we are. And we are lucky because our family, friends and colleagues do, quirks and all.

NEWSLETTER

FOCUS

This volume is dedicated to

the world of special needs

education, by highlighting

the beauty of diversity when

we embody inclusion. More

importantly, the information

contained herewith allows

us to, in some small way

share with you Dika’s vision

to inspire aspirations; with

the hope that you will be the

change you want to see.

ExecutiveExpressions

12COVER STORY

WALKING IN EACH OTHER’S SHOES

ABOUT ISNC

14REAL WORLD DYNAMICS

TRAILBLAZINGADVOCACY

16GAME CHANGERS

SYMPOSIUM ONSPECIAL EDUCATION

18PERSPECTIVES

SPECIAL SCREENINGOF ‘GUANG’ TORAISE AWARENESSON AUTISM

20INFORMATION

03DIKA BEACON

05EXECUTIVE EXPRESSIONS

WE ARE ALL SPECIAL

06EDUPRENEURIAL EDGE

ADVOCATINGCONVERSATIONS

EXPRESSINGA FUTURE

08INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

SELF-DIRECTEDMOTIVATIONS

PLAY IS HERETO STAY

10COVER STORY

EMPOWERINGINBORN GREATNESS

06 07

I have walked in

the shoes of the

teenagers in Pitas

and I know what it

feels like to be a

young person

longing for an

education.

My name is Fazly Tijim and I am 27 years old.

I was raised in a small district known as Pitas

in Sabah. Not being able to find a college to

study where I live, and having financial

limitations; I had to put my education on hold,

which is why I am only beginning to pursue my

diploma now.

I chose to study Business Management at Dika

College for the quality education the college

offers and personally, having the opportunity

to have a flexible schedule as I am working

during the day and going for classes at night.

Dika has given me the experience of a lifetime

by providing lecturers who engage with me.

This ignites my curiosity, challenging me to

find creative ways to enhance my study

experience.

I have walked in the shoes of the teenagers in

Pitas and I know what it feels like to be a

young person longing for an education. When

I complete my studies, I wish to return to my

hometown to share my knowledge with the

youngsters there and be an inspiration to

them.

EdupreneurialEdge

ExpressingA FutureAdvocating

Conversations

My husband and I moved to

Singapore to be closer to our

daughters who were MOE ASEAN

Scholarship scholars. Presently, my

elder daughter is in her final year of

her Graduate Medical Studies at

DUKE-NUS, and my younger daughter

is pursuing her PhD in 3D Soft Food

Printing at NTU after graduating with a

Bachelor in Engineering (Aerospace)

with Honours.

My love affair with special education

began when I had my younger

daughter. Joy had Childhood Apraxia

of Speech (CAS). Children with CAS

have difficulty connecting speech

messages from the brain to the mouth,

and are not able to follow typical

patterns. Early intervention is critical

for such children to make progress.

I struggled to get a speech pathologist

referral for Joy, and it became very

clear to me then, that as a parent I had

to play an active role in her physical,

intellectual and emotional

development. The most crucial part for

a parent is getting over the hurdle of

denial, but when I came to terms with

the situation, I began to see very

clearly what I needed to do. I took up

a Montessori course and thereafter

pursued the Dika College Diploma in

Early Childhood Education (ECE).

When I came to Singapore, I

continued being active in my work

with parents who have children with

special needs; working with them to

help them understand the wide

options available for their child.

Singapore has practiced inclusion for

quite some time but there are always

new challenges to be dealt with.

Alongside Special Need Educators,

who are sent to schools to assist the

implementation of inclusion in

mainstream education, the Ministry

has recently set up a Parent Education

platform which will play a significant

role in helping parents understand the

importance and benefits of inclusion.

It is important for everyone to come

together to build a like-minded

community who shares a common

belief and value system. More

importantly it enables us to

continuously explore and commit to

what would be best for the child. The

benefits of inclusion for all children

have begun to see proven results, but

this can only be possible if the

conversations between stakeholders

continue; and I intend to continue

advocating for this.

Ong Tan Tan will deliver a

workshop on “Conversations

on Making Inclusive Education

Work” at the Symposium on

Special Education: Diversity

and Inclusion which will be

held on 15-16 June 2019.

More information on page 16

See yourself transform into a hopeful person and experience the self-satisfaction to know that you can overcome obstacles. This unstoppable passion will power you with a realisation that you are the change you want to be.

For more information on the Dika Edupreneur programme,

call 03 8075 6223 or visit www.dika.edu.my

Embracing theEDUprenuer in you

Parent Advocate Ong Tan Tan is a mother of two who regularly accepts invitations from the Ministry of Education in Singapore to attend discussions on on-going efforts to effectively implement inclusion in schools. The Dikaalumnus who has made Singapore her home base for almost a decade, firmly believes that conversations with the various stakeholders is fundamentally important; if we are to learn from one another.

Fazly TijimDiploma inBusiness Management

(FROM LEFT) Ong Tan Tan, Parent Advocate

with daughters Joy and April

08 09

InternationalExperience

Self-directedMotivationsDika College - New Zealand Tertiary College3+0 Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) pioneer batch student Lim Hui Yi, 22, enthusiastically shared how theprogramme is helping her hone a powerful self-directed approach to learning; motivating her to emulate similar experiences in the learning environments under her charge. She shares her motivations as to why she ispursuing the programme in the following Q&A.

Why did you choose to do the

degree at Dika College?

NZTC’s qualification is recognised

accepted in many countries around

the world; largely due to its

industry-driven curriculum. I also

receive a lot of support from the

academic team at Dika College and

NZTC. The classes are kept small so

that each student receives ample

guidance and support, and the

programme can be completed in two

years entirely at Dika College.

How is juggling between a job and

studies working for you?

I work during the weekdays and I

attend classes during the weekends.

Some people wonder how I cope; but

my answer is that I would not have

had it any other way. Since I began my

degree programme, I find myself being

a more disciplined person. I am

applying what I learn in class into

practical situations at work.

Are you able to apply classroom

theories in your daily encounters?

The modules in the degree have

helped me be a better educator. For

example, in the Literacy and Creative

Arts module we are taught how to

initiate the reading and writing

process, by integrating into the

environment the appropriate stimulus.

This had inspired me to put up visual

aids in my classroom to encourage

students to pick up new vocabulary in

a fun and creative manner.

Describe your rapport with

the academic team.

The responses from my tutors and

lecturers are always prompt, and the

breadth and depth of their knowledge

and experience is really inspiring. The

open lines of communication between

students and the academic team,

provides for efficient feedback to

questions, ideas and concerns. There

is a period of adapting to the study

approach but once one gets the hang

of things, you really appreciate the

wealth of knowledge that the

programme offers.

Dika College Chief Executive Pua Chee Ling

and Senior Lecturer Samantha Lee joined over

100 other participants at the 2019 New

Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) Symposium

on the theme ‘The Power of Play’ held at the

NZTC campus in Auckland New Zealand on

8th March 2019.

The Symposium fielded a host of topics from

the subject of play and social and cognitive

development to the teaching of soft skills

through play, and expounding on how play can

prepare children for the future. It also featured

sessions that were focused on special needs

and the benefits of inclusive education

frameworks.

Play isHere to Stay

Since the early 2000s, there has

been a shift towards recommend-

ing the use of play-based learning

in early education curricula; using

it as developmentally appropriate

practice to strengthen the areas

of development and learning.

The New Zealand Tertiary College

(NZTC) advocates for children to

be developed into happy,

confident, and thriving individuals

through play. Through its

play-based curriculum, NZTC

champions the responsibility to

live, love and promote play in all

its rich variety, as being central to

young children’s learning.

The NZTC 3+0 Bachelor of

Education (Early Childhood

Education) offered in

collaboration with Dika College is

an internationally-recognised

qualification that equips future

educators with an aptitude and

attitude to effectively steer early

childhood education in the

21st century.

The degree is recognised by the

Malaysian Qualifications Agency

(MQA) and the New Zealand

Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

The modules are provided,

reviewed and graded by NZTC

and students work closely with

Dika and NZTC tutors and

lecturers, in addition to receiving

access to NZTC’s extensive

online learning and technology

platforms.

LIM HUI YI: Putting theory to practice

InternationalAffliations

Dika’s international

academic affiliations

with our counterparts are

kept abreast through a

progressive and enlightened

relationship focused on

strengthening industry

aspirations, especially those

that emphasise the

integration of special

education into mainstream

education

frameworks.

10 11

Their ultimate hope though is one they share with every parent; that their child will be all right in the end. He would grow up to be a purpose-ful human being, independent, able to fend for himself, be part of a community and find his rightful place in the world.

It is this HOPE that the International Special Needs Children (ISNC) was founded on. Serving as a salve for parents with children with special needs who are often forced to go from one therapist to another to attend to their child's unique needs, ISNC functions as a one-stop-centre catered to a child's holistic wellbeing and development.

The idea mainly was to have a team of in-house specialists so it can offer a cohesive and individualised education programme that integrates academic and specialised therapy, providing special needs children all the tools available to learn and overcome their challenges. Importantly, ISNC aimed to unconditionally accept children who are often ostracised for being different and give them a chance to realise their full potential.

Not so differentWhile we are driven to believe thatspecial needs children are different, in reality, they are just like any other child, says the Head of School of

ISNC, Pua Chee Ling. "The truth is every child learns differently. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Some have more challenges with learning and thus, need more time, one-to-one attention and specialised therapy."

For a special need child, it can take months to a year or even more to learn one thing. But with an abundance of patience and understanding,innovative techniques andperseverance on the part of his teacher(s) and parents, one thing is assured, that is improvements.

This is perfectly illustrated by a seven-year-old student at ISNC who had trouble sitting still for more than a few minutes at a time before being distracted by something. A few weeks

in, he is now able to sit for half an hour to 45 minutes straight, focused on completing the task in front of him. His father was also excited to report that he was able to take his son out to the night market recently, withouttriggering a meltdown. They also have their own share of tantrums and meltdowns before they get there. But there is hope that they will.

The alternative would be worse. To not give these children a chance, to label them and treat them differently will put them on a sure path to failure in life and effectively pushed to the fringes of society. "And with so many children with special needs these days, what will the future our society be? What will happen to these children when they grow up?" questions Chee Ling.

Culture of inclusionA proponent of inclusion, ISNCcelebrates diversity by accepting children with all types of learning difficulties. While it is a norm for a centre to specialise on one type of special needs, ISNC believes that no child should be turned away at the door because the school doesn't have the means to deal with their specific type of needs.

For this reason, ISNC emphasised on having an in-house team made up of a diverse set of specialists from behaviour expert, physiotherapist to special needs educator so they can help children with all types of learning difficulties.

ISNC is also based on the belief that what makes us different actually helps teach others (and vice versa),important values like respect,understanding, tolerance and more. With research showing that children of all types and abilities being in the same classroom will benefit their overall development, inspiring lessons and new ways of learning that would not present itself in a regularclassroom, ISNC believes encouraging their students into mainstream school is the ideal outcome. This is why its ultimate mission is to promote schoolreadiness or to encourage their students' earliest possible departure from their school to join a mainstream school.

School andcommunity readyIt officially caters to students fromages seven to 11, but in the spirit of inclusion, Chee Ling says they do

School andcommunity readyIt officially caters to students fromages seven to 11, but in the spirit of inclusion, Chee Ling says they do

challenges. The idea is, so both sides are well informed about what is going on with the child. It also provides an opportunity for teachers and parents to learn about the child from each other, which will help the teachers to plan lessons for the child's unique development.

Into thefutureIn the long run, ISNC is envisioned asa research centre that will drive research and develop-ment in the field of special needs and education. At the same time, it will also serve as a resource hub for parents who need help, advice or a second opinion on their child. Besides hope, ISNCexemplifies the spirit of service and giving back. It is set up in a way that profits go back to the school and the

teachers for their development in the chosen specialisation. The idea is to support the people who are working in special needs so the money it makes will be contributed back to theteachers and the school, which will essentially benefit the children and society in the long run. The school also hopes to give back in other ways. When they are more established, they hope to offer subsidised education to less fortunate students.

There is even a plan for a trust fund that will provide scholarshipopportunities, paid therapy and more at the corporate level. With middle-in-come parents with children with special needs are struggling to keep up with expenses for their child, what more those who are less fortunate, says Chee Ling. By providingaffordable and accessible special needs education and care, ISNC aspires to be a beacon of hope for all parents with a special needs child.

accept any child with learningdifficulties. With older students,Chee Ling says it's about getting them community ready, so they can live and function in society, i.e. get a job, able to communicate with others and be independent. With younger children (below seven years), what they do is an early intervention in hopes that when it is time for the child to enter school, they would be ready to integrate into a mainstream primary school setting. According to Chee Ling, "Though we are education focused, we never wanted for a child to stay on with us. If they are well and able to integrate into a mainstream school, we want that for our children. If they can't, in the end, they must be community ready."

If the child findsit difficult toassimilate into a mainstream school, which sometimes happens because they can't handle the larger environment or needs moreattention, which the teacher is not able to provide, ISNC provides a national school education syllabus that the child can pursue to completion."Academic-wise, we follow acurriculum provided by the Ministry ofEducation. But aside from that, for the child to sit and learn withoutincidences needs to addressed as well, and that is where therapy comes in whether it is behavioural oroccupational and so on."

One of the practices that stand out at ISNC is that the teachers work closely with the parents throughout the child's educational journey and are in active communication with them. They also conduct weekly communication with parents to discuss the child's progress and challenges. The idea is, so both sides are well informed about what is going

Cover Story

EmpoweringInborn Greatness

All a parent with a child with special needs can do with any kind of

certainty each day is to hold on to hope. Hope that her child doesn't

have a meltdown in the morning so she can get to work on time.

Hope for a much-needed raise so he can finally also afford the

behavioural therapist his son needs on top of the current

occupational therapist that he goes to now. Or hope that they will be

able to find a more affordable school for their child that not only

accepts special needs children but also offers a good education

programme catered to their child's unique needs.

A proponent of inclusion, ISNC

celebrates diversity by accepting children with all types of learning difficulties. While it is a norm for a centre to specialise on one type of special needs, ISNC believes that no child should be turned away at the door because the school doesn't have the means to deal with theirspecific type of needs.

For a special needs child, it can take months to a

year or even more to learn one thing. But with an abundance of patience and understanding,innovative techniques and perseverance on the part of his teacher(s) andparents, one thing is assured, that isimprovements.

12 13

CoverStoryWalking in each other’s shoes

The ISNC family shares what diversityand inclusiveness means to them

Diversity means that

everyone is unique and

different. Inclusion is

accepting that everyone

is different and that each

has his or her strengths

and weaknesses. It is

more than tolerating the

other person but

understanding them

and where they are

coming from.

Nur Hani Sharaf

Founded by leading entrepreneur and educator at heart, Dr Sim

Quan Seng, the International Special Needs Children Edu Hub

Sdn Bhd (ISNC ) officially opened its doors on 11 Feb 2019. A

proponent of inclusion, ISNC celebrates diversity and accepts

children with all categories of learning difficulties. ISNC firmly

believes that ALL children should thrive together in a common

environment, and therefore, it is its aim to provide students with

the encouragement and confidence to be mainstream school ready.

The ISNC’s ultimate mission is to promote school readiness, by

encouraging students at the earliest possible departure, to join,

assimilate and benefit from a mainstream school environment.

ISNC was established on “hope” and its tagline “Hope Begins Here”

is a reflection of this fervent intent. ISNC is inspired to play a pivotal

role in helping individuals with special needs, assure themselves of a

future where they are embraced and cherished members of the

society. In achieving this, it wills to empower caregivers, strengthen

stakeholder cohesiveness, and prepare individuals with special

needs to be independent and equitable members of the community.

ISNC Edu Hub Sdn Bhd (1283389-D)

Address : No.169, Jalan SS19/6, 47500,

Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Tel : +603-5611 6563

Website : https://www.isnc.edu.my/

When we do not see

diversity as important,

the eventual extinction of

any or all species is

inevitable. When we value

diversity, we empower

ourselves with a mindset

that safeguards the value

of all things in the natural

world. This is outcome

of being inclusive, and

we all have a role to

play in ensuring that

inclusiveness

happens.

Sarine Tan

Diversity means inclusion.

What is deemed normal

or different, is a just a

definition by society.

We may have different

personalities but

we need to strive for

a set of core values that

unifies us. For when we

embrace one another,

differences and all, we

can do amazing things.

Tengku Nafisah

Nadirah

To me, both diversityand inclusion are directly linked. Diversity is tounderstand that each individual is unique intheir own way andrecognising theirdifferences. Inclusionis accepting everybody, regardless of who theyare. So, if you are ableto embrace diversity,then indirectly you can accept everyone.

Shobeni Arunasalam

There is unity in diversity.

A rose cannot be an orchid,

and therefore when we

are united in diversity, we

actualise our potentials.

Every person is different,

and we are all better

human beings for that.

We must embrace

diversity and never

be judgmental

over differences.

Sai Govindh

In a mainstream school,

diversity and inclusion is

about recognising and

accepting the different

races. This is how

society sees it. If you

apply it to special

needs, it is

essentially

the same thing;

it is about

accepting

everyone

regardless of their

abilities and co-

existing together

in a society.

Charlie Wong

About ISNC

14 15

Beacon of Hope Project In Aid ofTadika Tabung Harapan Pitas, Sabah

In August 2018, the plight of Tadika Tabung Harapan was highlighted by Nelvianna Masandul an alumnus of Dika College and keynote speaker at the #initfortherightreason Symposium on Early Childhood Education.

Since the symposium, the management of Dika College

has been in contact with Nelvianna to offer assistance;

with the hope of alleviating the predicament of the school.

Early this year, the management of the kindergarten

announced its decision to build a new school building.

Dika College welcomes this and is excited to be part of the

fundraising initiative.

24-26 March 2019:Strengthening the ECE experience

A team from Dika College spent three inspirational days with teachers from Orang Asli villages located in Kuala Rompin and Bukit Gong Chini in Pahang, and Kampung Air Bah and Kampung Tasik Grik in Perak.

“Co-organised with the YWCA Vocational Training

Opportunities Centre (VTOC) in Kuala Lumpur, the

specially-crafted workshop was aimed at providing

guidance on the effective teaching of core subjects such

as Mathematics, Bahasa Melayu and English; to prepare

the pre-school children for Standard One,” shared

Nazirah Hussin of Dika’s Academic Support who

coordinated the training. “It is always a great joy for us to

work with counterparts to advocate the importance of a

strong ECE education.”

Real World DynamicsTrailblazing

AdvocacyDika’s visionary education fundamentals ingrains in students the wisdom to navigate their academic aptitudes and character attitudes in a direction that is guided by high moral and ethical values. This is the Dika Edge and the educators at Dika take it very seriously. Dika’s empowering education leadership has and will continue to nurture 21st century citizens who thrive in adversity and are inspired by the challenges they face; and as such are setting standards and leading active advocacy initiatives all across the globe to make the world a better place.

January 2019:Laughter without Humour!

“You can make yourself laugh without humour!” enthused Ho Chuk Fong wholed the team from Dika College in presenting a half a day

workshop at SMK Seri Utama to SMK Seri Mutiara.

“Fun and simple physical activities that initiate laughter

can help manage stress, especially for school-going

students who are sitting for examinations,” said Ho who

also explained that laughter improves a person’s overall

wellbeing and that Dika College is committed to helping

students, teachers and parents achieve a balanced and

fulfilling life. The workshop is part of a series of school

engagement programmes that Dika College conducts at

secondary schools nationwide.

12-13 March 2019:Diving Into The Unknown

“Diving into the unknown, sink or swim with our own rafts, enduring a nine obstacle course and doing it all over again. At times we were not sure if we would survive this outdooradventure,” enthused Dika student Lim Shang Yi.

Lim and her 21 other course mates, together with three

staff members of the college spent two tiring but

inspiring days at Agrofarmstay in Malacca.

The trip, organised by the student committee, is a team

building initiative aimed at strengthening the bond

between students. “No man left behind is an inspiration I

keep close to my heart. When we embrace this, so will

our children,” said Lim.

16 17

GameChangers

15-16 June 2019

Global Oak Tree Scholars Secondary School, Plaza Jelutong

www.ticketjom.com

Organised by Dika College in collaborationwith ISNC Edu Hub (ISNC), the Symposiumon Special Education: Diversity andInclusion is the second installment of the hugely successful #initfortherightreason series of symposiums launched last year.

A unique approach

Enhanced with a unique approach, thetwo-day event features an innovativeprogramme of keynote addresses,networking sessions and lively interactiveworkshops that expound the merits ofspecial education pedagogy.

The inspiration:Diversity And Inclusion

The theme Diversity and Inclusion, outlinesthe parameters under which SpecialEducation will be discerned and discussed.The primary objective is to explore the variousways in which stakeholders can play acohesive and coherent role in the creationof inclusive learning environments in schools,at workplaces and in the community.

Keynotes

Workshops

THE IMPORTANCE OF

QUALITY INTERPERSONAL

ENGAGEMENT IN YOUNG

CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION-

PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES

FOR OUR SPECIAL

CHILDREN

THIS IS ME! SELF-

ADVOCACY AND

MY LIFE

Tanya Elizabeth Catterall:

National Educator for Autism

New Zealand

Joanne Marie Charman:

National Educator for Autism

New Zealand

Dr. Muhamad Khairul

Anuar bin Hussin:

Special Education Teacher

Recipient of the Top 50 Global

Teacher Prize by the Varkey

Foundation 2019.

Sa Kar Yee:

Self-Advocate, United Voice

Forum: Inspiring Hope-Advocating Conversations

TITLE PRESENTERS

Joyous Play – The Key to Engaging Autism New Zealand Educators:Young Children with Autism Tanya Elizabeth Catterall and Joanne Marie Charman

Let Us Show You How to Make United Voice Representatives : Your Own Choices Sa Kar Yee, Wendy Yeong, Renee Chan

Respite: A Discussion into the Tengku Nafisah Nadirah: Special Educator, ISNC Edu HubNeeds of a Special Needs Family Teow Chean Khai : Educational Psychologist, EIP-Autism

Teaching Cerebral Palsy: Going Beyond Norhamimah binti Nazaruddin, Special Education TeacherStigma and Challenges Rafidah Rafizah binti Ahmad, Disability Advocate

Managing Behaviour Ling Chih Chong Behaviour Analyst (BCBA), Behaviour Analysis Academy

Including Students with Special Professor Dr. Loh Sau Cheong, S.A.PNeeds in Mainstream Classrooms Head of Department, Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, University Malaya

Reciprocal Teaching Dr Wong Tze Peng Assistant Professor in Special and Inclusive Education, School of Education, University of Nottingham Malaysia

Conversations on Making Ong Tan Tan: Educator, Learning ConsultantInclusive Education Work

To Read or Not To Read Sarine Tan: Teacher, Trainer and Lecturer

Inclusion in Our Modern Society Anne Sivanathan: Founder and Programme Director, The Inclusive Outdoor Classroom

Brain Gym® Movements for Goh Siew Siew : International Brain Gym®Child Development Instructor & Consultant

Understanding Children with Venus Lim Ee Chew: Lecturer Dika CollegeDifferent Needs

A Child’s Perspective of Art Lim Pei Yen, Illustrator and Storybook Developer

Facilitating a Drum Circle Koh Ching Ngee, Playgroup Educator, Drum Circle Facilitator

Parenting Skills – Ron Leong, Founder of RON 100 PARENTING SHARINGRaising Confident Children

Understanding Children with Disabilities Siti Aisyah Binti Ismail, Assistant Director and Their Management in a Special (Clinical Psychology) Special Education Division,Education Setting. Ministry of Education

Clinical Diagnosis: How Would I Athena Siew, Clinical Psychologist, Know if My Child is Special? Psych (HONS), M. Clinical Psych

Shadow Aides Sitra Panirsheeluam, Persatuan Thaaimaiyin Ulagam Malaysia

The Transition Programme:Preparing Special Needs Students to Dr Rajesvari Ramasamy, PhD(SpEd) USM, President,Transition from School to Employment Minds Association of Penang (MAPs) and Independent Living

Hearing Unheard Voices: Stigma, Anita Binti Abu Bakar - MIASADiscrimination and Social Inclusion (Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association)

Panelist: Ong Tan Tan, Educator, Learning Consultant I S Loganathan, Course Facilitator I Norlia Abdullah, Food Technologist

Sometimes help is not enough. We need hope; because hope ignites and kindles perseverance to roaring

heights of success. S. Loganathan, Ong Tan Tan and Norlia Abdullah recognised the immense potential in

their children, and like all other parents embraced these gifts with a fervour, nurturing an optimism that has

grown into an unshakable fortitude. In celebrating every little step that led to every success, they continue

to leave indelible footprints that exemplify the beauty of life, in both themselves and their children.

Symposium onSpecial Education:Diversity and Inclusion

18 19

Perspectives

Special screeningof ‘Guang’ toraise awarenesson autism

Chen, who won the Best New Actor

award for his portrayal of Weng Guang

in the film at the 13th Chinese Youth

Generation Film Forum in Wuhan,

China, said he accepted the invitation

by Dika College and ISNC as he

wanted to make a difference.

In the film, Weng Guang plays a young

man struggling with autism, who tries

looking for a job to help his family but

faces numerous obstacles. Unknown

to those around him, however, he has

a special gift for music.

“As actors, we have a chance to make

a change and this is an

opportunity to support a

cause which affects many,”

said Chen, 29, at the screen-

ing of the film.

“I am also glad the

organisers decided to

support a local film,” he

said, referring to Dika

College and ISNC’s decision

to embark on the special

screening of the film which

is part of a corporate social

responsibility programme

ahead of the school’s

opening this month. Wong

said she hopes the film,

which is set in Kuala

Lumpur, will increase

awareness on autism and

how it affects people.

“We should treat everyone

the same, regardless if they

are special or not,” she

added.

ISNC founder Dr Sim Quan

Seng said the special

screening of the film was for

their guests comprising

business associates,

vendors and college

students as they want more

people to be enlightened

about autism and to experience the

real struggles faced by them and their

families.

“We hope to spread similar awareness

when our school opens next month,

he said, adding that profits generated

by the school will be channelled back

into research and development for

people with special needs.

Co-founder Low Lay Har said people

should take the cue from the strong

message in the film that those with

Published on 02 January 2019

Kyo Chen (centre) with his fans at ISNC’s special screening

of Guang at GSC, Damansara 3 in Petaling Jaya

December 19, 2018. — Picture courtesy of ISNC

PETALING JAYA, Jan 2 — A special screening of award-winning film Guang at GSC, 3

Damansara Shopping Mall was held on December 19, 2018 to create greater awareness

on autism. It was an evening to remember for the 200 guests of Dika College and

International Special Needs Children (ISNC) especially with the presence of Guang lead

actor Kyo Chen and producer Sabrina Wong.

special needs are intelligent but may

find it difficult to fit into society.

‘The movie certainly touched me and it

shows that those who are not special

have to be more understanding and

should never look down on those who

are not like them,” said Low.

Those who watched the film during the

special screening said it was a brilliant

film that would create more awareness

on autism.

Mok Choon Keat, an investment

management adviser, said he has

never dealt with anyone with autism

and never knew how challenging it is

for them. “I’ve always known that we

have to treat them with respect but

after watching this film, I realised we

have to really understand those with

special needs better.

“I would not have watched the film

had ISNC not organised this special

screening,” he said, adding that the

film has certainly inspired him to learn

more about those with special needs.

Human resource executive Jasmine

Manuel, a special needs educator for

the past 16 years, said many do not

know the real struggles faced by

families of those with special needs.

“I was touched by the movie as it

really made me laugh and cry... the

lead actor has certainly done a lot of

research to get into his role.

“This screening is an opportunity for

many to learn about the everyday

challenges faced by those with special

needs and how there is a need to

understand them better,” she added.

ISNC is a special needs

school which aims to

help children between

the ages of seven and 12

who have learning

difficulties, behavioural

challenges, issues with

attention and other

development disabilities.

ISNC is supported by

Dika College, a pioneer

in early childhood

education and special

needs education. The

college provides support

and knowledge to ISNC

through a team of

academics and industry

experts. Dika College’s

chief executive Pua

Chee Ling and directors

Dr Sim Quan Seng and

Low Lay Har are the

three co-founders of

ISNC.

Pua said ISNC acts as a

one-stop centre for

academics and therapy

for children with special

needs.

“It is a challenge for

parents to find a one-stop centre

which caters for both academics and

therapy for children with special needs

and we are here to offer this solution.

“We aim to help these children

become independent so they will be

able to integrate with the community.

https://www.malay-

mail.com/news/life/2019/01/02/spe-

cial-screening-of-guang-to-raise-awar

eness-on-autism/1708416

Connect With Us

Be Involved

21

Whether you are a fresh graduate or already with a career, deciding on your

education path is a decision that warrants deep consideration. We encourage

you to fully explore your options and we are committed in helping you obtain

the answers to your questions.

The following are some ways in which you can be involved in the process.

Visit Us Start AnApplication

Contact Us:

Read WatchListen

We regularly host visits and organise

events that bring stakeholders

together. We welcome your

participation at these platforms.

For a schedule of the latest events,

please visit

https://dika.edu.my/news-events/

https://facebook.com/

Dika.Edu.My/

https://linkedin.com/

company/kolej-dika/

https://instagram.com/

dikacollege/

https://dika.edu.my/blog/

https://youtube.com/channel/

UCRqoOQQ9yKBAdAlTQfaOuEA

Dika College (Kolej Dika)

(Owned and operated by Akademi

Pendidikan Jati Sdn Bhd) 631396-T

B-3-05 & B-3A-05 (Block B,

3rd & 4th Flr) IOI Boulevard,

Jalan Kenari 5, Bandar Puchong Jaya,

47170 Puchong, Selangor Malaysia.

General Enquiries

Tel: 03-8070 6223 03-8075 6223

Fax: 03-8075 2223

Email: admin@dika.edu.my

Website: www.dika.edu.my

Visiting Puchong?

Visit us for a tour of our college.

Call us to make an appointment or visit

https://dika.edu.my/contact-us/

Call and speak to our counselors for

more information on our intake

dates and entry requirements.

Malaysian Student Enquiries:

+6016-228 6223

enquiry@dika.edu.my

International Student Enquiries:

+6014-908 6223

international@dika.edu.my

The Dika concept of education is built

on a foundation of indusry-based-

learning and research. We exact value

by keeping our academic outcomes

coherent with the needs of the

industry through engagement, dialog

and partnerships.

Coupled with a strong curriculum that

nurtures professional competency and

social confidence; these programmes

nurture employable graduates

for a fulfilling career in Malaysia

and globally.

OurProgrammes

Information

Business Management

Early Childhood Education

EDUpreneur

Special Education

AREAS OF STUDY

OUR AFFILIATES

20

Lim Shang Yi

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Who inspires us?At Dika, our students do.