DISTED COLLEGE NEWS
9 December 2009

Change to thrive

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To thrive and remain dynamic, vibrant and relevant in the ever evolving business environment, an organization and its people need to embrace change and cope positively with the changing times. 

DISTED president Dr Koo Wee Kor, quoting inspirational insights from the book The Employee Handbook for Organizational Change by Price Pritchett and Ron Pound, said: “There’s no place we can run that is beyond the range of change. Hence, we might as well face the problems and find the opportunities in changes.” 

“Managing change is everybody’s job. Think of it as a personal assignment,” he advised. 

Giving thumbs up to change for better times are (standing, from left) lecturers Sydney David Marshall De Silva, Rosalie Tan Ying Yann, Tan Siew Gaik, Jamaeeyah Jamal, Ravichandran Sellakannu, (squatting, from left) Victor Soosay, Lucy Chin Soon Sim (SAM programme coordinator) and Sheila John.

DISTED president and workshop facilitator Dr Koo Wee Kor (right) stressing a point on thriving in changing times.

Dr Koo shared the contemporary wisdom in addressing changes in work and life when facilitating a personal development and teambuilding programme for DISTED staff. 

“The programme is also a chance for all of us to be together, share ideas and align our thoughts on how to face bigger challenges ahead as a team,” he told the participants. 

“It’s an opportunity to take a closer look at ourselves, our college and our people. 

“If we do not change, we can become extinct,” he added. 

Enjoying a game are lecturers (from left) Khor Ee Keat, Sethela June Yeoh, Tong Pei Sun and Gwee Sai Ling.

Fostering collegiality during the off-site programme are (from left) marketing officer Paulyn Yuen, admissions officer Marian Leow Sue Mee, student affairs executive Kelvin Lim Kah Hin, marketing assistant Latha Bhaskaran, student affairs officer Tony Toh Chi Eng and international student officer Jacinta Wong Chin Ying.

Held on 9 December 2009 at the Bayview Beach Resort Penang, the Coping With The Changing Times workshop was co-facilitated by DISTED administration manager Josephine Chan Ie Lyn. 

“The workshop is to promote a positive mindset of looking at change and to explore what it takes to win in changing times,” she said. 

Using the storyline in Dr Spencer Johnson’s book Who Moved My Cheese?, she conducted interactive activities to help the staff to better understand and appreciate adaptation to change.

The School of Business lecturers discussing their strategic plan to face new challenges.

Affirming their team spirit and versatility for change are (clockwise) finance executive Tan Chooi Ee, lecturer Vasuky Mohanan, engineering programme coordinator Ahmad Taiff Isahak, academic support staff Khoo Poh Jin, lecturer Farhath Asilah Abdul Gafoor, lecturer Tan Eng Kan, computer science programme coordinator Jayaeswari Sangaralingam and lecturer Seethai Subramaniam.

Hospitality lecturer Sydney David Marshall De Silva said: “The programme is a refreshing reminder about the relevance of change to contemporary workplace. The college workforce needs to be proactive and anticipate bigger changes that are to come.”

He called for changes that could strengthen collegiality and enrich students’ lives. 

“Let’s enhance the inter-staff collaboration, communication and consultation to generate greater organizational dynamism. 

“As for students, our task is not only to educate but also, to nurture them. So, we need to give them wider exposure to leadership skills, public speaking skills and cultural experiences,” Sydney said.

DISTED staff at the personal development and teambuilding workshop held at the Bayview Beach Resort Penang.