KOLEJ DISTED-STAMFORD NEWS
17 June 2009

Recognition Night for industry leaders
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DISTED College held an elegant dinner reception in honour of 35 senior industry practitioners who supported its efforts to be closer to the industry and to mould industry-savvy graduates with a keen sense of  social and environmental responsibility.

The Friends of DISTED, industry leaders honoured at the Recognition Night, in a group shot with DISTED management and event organizing team.

“They come from all key sectors in commerce and industry including manufacturing, IT, accountancy, banking, hospitality, tourism, human resource and medical,” said Ahmad Taiff Isahak, the DISTED Recognition Night organizing chairman. 

“Their invaluable contributions of time and effort were in support the college’s vision of being relevant to the industry and the community,” said Taiff, who is also DISTED engineering programme co-ordinator. 

Attending the DISTED Recognition Night for industry leaders include (from left) Netronome Systems Inc president for Asia operations Lay Leng Cheok, G Hotel general manager and Malaysia Association of Hotels Penang Chapter chairman Marco Giovanni Battistotti, DISTED president Dato' Dr Chong Eng Keat, DISTED chairman Dato' Seri (Dr) Stephen Yeap Leong Huat, Micro Modular Systems CEO Sia Teik Keat, Values First Consulting founder and president Dr Tan Seow Hwee and DISTED vice-president Dr Koo Wee Kor.

In a conversation are (from left) DISTED director Ooi Teng Chew, Values First Consulting founder and president Dr Tan Seow Hwee, Software Consortium of Penang chairman Jeffrey Lim Tau Hoong and DISTED former deputy vice-president Dato' Hjh. Saleena Yahaya Isa.

The diverse industry leaders in the roll of honour of the event included JobStreet.com founder and CEO Mark Chang, Software Consortium of Penang chairman Jeffrey Lim Tau Hoong, Intel Malaysia site controller Suresh Chandra, Dell Asia-Pacific managing director Datuk Simon Wong, Institution of Engineers Malaysia Penang branch chairman Ir Dr Eric Goh Kok Hoe, Citibank Malaysia vice-president and northern region head Goh Cheng Ean, Malaysian Institute of Accountants Penang branch past chairperson Adelena Lestari Chong, G Hotel general manager cum Malaysia Association of Hotels Penang Chapter chairman Marco Giovanni Battistotti, Sim Leisure Consultants founder and managing director Sim Choo Kheng and Penang Adventist Hospital neuro-behavioural physician Dr Prem Kumar Chandrasekaran. 

In acknowledging their contributions, college president Dato’ Dr Chong Eng Keat said: “With all of us working in concert, DISTED will continue to be synonymous with excellence, innovation, honour, integrity and outstanding quality and service.”

“We speak these attributes and with these as challenges, we will spark achievements of our students in their future,” he added. 

Enjoying the dinner reception are (from right) Citibank Malaysia vice-president and northern region head Goh Cheng Ean, DISTED president Dato' Dr Chong Eng Keat, DISTED chairman Dato' Seri (Dr) Stephen Yeap Leong Huat, G Hotel general manager and Malaysia Association of Hotels Penang Chapter chairman Marco Giovanni Battistotti and DISTED past president Dato' Dr Sharom Ahmat.

Having a pleasant time at the dinner reception are (clockwise) lecturer Geong Chooi Peng, AIA Malaysia district manager and senior group consultant Hor Chan Wye, Hard Rock Hotel human resource director Thomas Ch'ng, DISTED School of Business head Liew Yueah Cin, MIA Penang branch past chairperson Adelena Lestari Chong, DISTED business development and quality assurance manager Josephine Chan Ie Lyn, Sim Leisure Consultants founder and managing director Sim Choo Kheng and lecturers Dr Ian Leow Hean Khiang and Jamaeeyah Jamal.

The function, held on 17 June 2009 at G Hotel, also saw DISTED announcing the formation of the Industry Advisory Panels (IAP) for its School of Business and School of Hospitality Management as another step to keeping closer touch with industry players and providing industry-relevant education.

“Those honoured on this occasion have played a significant role in the implementation of various DISTED initiatives,” said Taiff, who presented a slide show recapping their involvements in the college’s numerous projects. 

“Apart from the IAP, the other enriching initiatives are the INSPiRE programme to maximise exposure of students to industry and business leaders and landscapes, the CONNECT programme which promotes a caring community culture, and the Let’s Go Green campaign to develop responsibility and leadership in environmental conservation,” he explained. 

DISTED chairman Dato' Seri (Dr) Stephen Yeap Leong Huat (left) presenting the Friend of DISTED memento to Intel Malaysia site controller Suresh Chandra. Looking on is DISTED president Dato' Dr Chong Eng Keat.

Citibank Malaysia vice-president and northern region head Goh Cheng Ean (centre) receiving the Friend of DISTED plaque from college president Dato' Dr Chong Eng Keat. With them is DISTED vice-president Dr Koo Wee Kor.

The Dikir Barat performance by DISTED staff led by Recognition Night organizing chairman Ahmad Taiff Isahak (front).