KOLEJ DISTED-STAMFORD NEWS
5 January 2009

Embarking on higher learning

2009 is an exciting New Year for Paula Oliveira Inuwa from Portugal as she begins her further studies in Penang at Kolej Disted-Stamford.

“Penang is a nice place for living and studying. It has a pleasant environment with a not too hectic pace of life,” said Paula, who enrolled in the UK’s ACCA professional accountancy course. 

The new DISTED students attending an orientation programme.

“As I was born by the sea in Angola, I just love the sea and beautiful beaches that Penang offers,” said the mother to 4 children, whose husband is an electrical engineer working on an oil rig in Nigeria. 

“I discovered DISTED on the internet and found it to be a well-structured college which has partnerships with renowned foreign educational institutions,” she said. 

“The internationally-recognised ACCA qualification can enhance my career profile and enable me to work in different countries,” said Paula, adding that she might also venture into running her own business. 

Sharing a happy moment are foreign students (seated, from left) Frinca Valerie (Indonesia), Paula Oliveira Inuwa (Portugal), (standing, from left) Taha Riaz (Pakistan), Raisha (India) and DISTED international student officer Jacinta Wong Chin Ying.

Getting better acquainted with each other during an outdoor activity.

Paula was among the latest batch of new pre-university, business and hospitality students who commenced their studies at DISTED on 5 January. 

The college conducted briefings on course requirements, scholarships, student services and activities to familiarize the freshies with their new learning environment.  

The new students also took part in the exciting DISTED Challenge treasure hunt to get better acquainted with the campus facilities and college staff. 

All smiles as they begin their journey of higher education at DISTED.

Crossing paths again at DISTED are former SMK St. Xavier students (from left) Ong Wei Zheng, Gabriel Lim, Stiles Tan, Alvin, Jack Ung, Lee Zi Xuan, Jacky Lim Tze Chiang, Benny Teo Chee Wei and Jonathan Chow.

Cambridge A-Level Science student Gabriel Lim was eager to start on higher learning. 

“College education is challenging as it requires me to be more self-motivated and independent in learning,” said the former SMK St. Xavier student. 

“The prestigious British pre-university programme is recognized worldwide which fits into my plan to do medicine either in Singapore or Russia,” he said. 

“From my school seniors, I found out that DISTED provides good tertiary education within a friendly campus environment,” said Gabriel. 

Looking for information in the library during the DISTED Challenge treasure hunt are (from left) Ho Pheh Chiang, Louis Phuah and Cheah Wee Guan.

The broad-based DISTED hospitality course attracted Indonesian Frinca Valerie. 

“The college’s hospitality programme combines business skills with hotel management which I feel is a holistic training,” said Frinca, who hails from Bandung. 

DISTED student affairs officer Tony Toh Chi Eng giving a briefing to the new students.