Industry Meets Classroom: DISTED Students Step into the World of Professional Communication at YPF 2025
On 28 April 2025, a team of 23 students and academic staff from DISTED College’s School of Communication, Arts and Multimedia participated in the inaugural Young Practitioners Forum (YPF) at the St Giles Wembley Hotel, Penang. Organised by the Public Relations Practitioners Society of Malaysia (PRPSM), this event marked the first of its kind in the northern region — and it was nothing short of a milestone moment for our students.
Over 300 communication students from across Penang, Kedah, and Perlis gathered for a full day of knowledge-sharing, networking, and reflection. The forum was officially opened by YB Dr Kelvin Yii, representing YB Tuan Steven Sim Chee Keong, Malaysia’s Minister of Human Resources. What followed was a series of rich, eye-opening panels featuring some of the nation’s most respected voices in media, public relations, regulatory affairs, law, and corporate communication.
The speaker lineup included Datuk Yong Soo Heong (Malaysian Press Institute), Dr Madhavan Nair (TalentCorp), Datuk Najmuddin Abdullah (former Malaysia Airlines SVP), and Ms Devi Annamalai (MCMC), among others. Collectively, they painted a vivid picture of what it takes to thrive in the communication world today — and why adaptability, credibility, and purpose-driven messaging matter now more than ever.
Remarks from the President
Collaboration in Action: A Week of Engagement and Growth at DISTED
This week has been an eventful one at DISTED College. With the release of the SPM results, our Counsellors and Academic staff worked tirelessly to advise students exploring their study options—both on campus and at the Malaysian Education Fair held on 3 and 4 May. At the same time, the Cambridge A-Levels examinations were underway, and we welcomed 40 students from Thailand to DISTED and our SPACE accommodations.
Across academic, non-academic, and student teams, we witnessed DISTED’s Core Value of Collaboration in action. Seamless coordination across departments enabled us to deliver multiple programmes simultaneously, offering students a glimpse into real-world project management, teamwork under pressure, and adaptive leadership.
Our Thai guests enjoyed a rich, immersive experience that included historical and nature tours around Penang, engaging sessions in our Computing and Multimedia labs, and heartfelt interactions with our staff and students. These moments created opportunities for cultural exchange and for our guests to build confidence in their English communication skills.
As their week-long visit came to an end, we warmly wished them Selamat Jalan and Kembali Lagi. We hope to welcome many of them back as future DISTED students.
Thank you to all staff and students who contributed to these meaningful initiatives. Your dedication made a lasting impact.
“Great discoveries and improvements invariably involve many minds.” – Alexander Graham Bell.
Dato’ Lim Si Boon
Interim President
Leading with Purpose: Meet the Student Representative Council (SRC) Team 2025/2026
Meet the 2025/26 Student Representative Council — a passionate team of students dedicated to making DISTED College more connected, inclusive, and engaging. Each member brings unique strengths, fresh ideas, and a shared commitment to serve and represent the student body. Here’s a quick look at who’s who and what drives them.
| Name | Programme | Position |
1 | Ooi Ker Min | Diploma in Computer Science | President |
2 | Aldanish Aniq Bin Alsyukri | Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) | Vice President |
3 | Lee Jia Sheng | Diploma in Computer Science | Deputy President |
4 | Muhammed Salim Sameera | Cambridge A-Level | Secretary |
5 | Averille Tan | Diploma in Computer Science | Vice Secretary |
6 | Nurkhairun Syahirah Binti Mohammad Bilal | Cambridge A-level | Treasurer |
7 | Amber Ch’ng Xue Hui | Diploma in Creative Multimedia Production | Vice Treasurer |
8 | Gabriel Ong Yu Ze | Diploma in Creative Multimedia Production | Webmaster |
9 | Lee Xin Yen | Foundation in Science | Public Relations |
Ooi Ker Min
Hi everyone! Super excited to serve as your Student Council President this year. This role isn’t about the title — it’s about helping make our school more engaging, inspiring, and fun. Whether it’s improving events, solving everyday issues, or bringing bold ideas to life, I’m ready. I love turning “what if” into “why not?” and I’m always here to listen — to your feedback, ideas, or concerns. Let’s work together to make this year one to remember.
Aldanish Aniq Bin Alsyukri
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) with a strong passion for understanding people and behaviour. As Vice President of the Student Representative Council, I work with an amazing team to create a more vibrant and inclusive student life. Always up for a conversation and a good laugh — don’t be shy to say hi!
Lee Jia Sheng
I am serving as Deputy President of the SRC and studying for a Diploma in Computer Science. Looking forward to organising activities that bring students together and make campus life more enjoyable and memorable.
Muhammed Salim Sameera
Taking on the role of Secretary has been about more than just writing minutes — it’s about helping shape a better student experience. Through this role, I’ve contributed to events and responded to student concerns. Most of all, I value seeing positive change in the community. Always open to hearing your ideas and feedback.
Averille Tan
As Vice Secretary of the Student Council, the goal is to ensure smooth communication between students and the school. Your voices matter, and I’m committed to making sure they are heard. We’re working hard to create a more welcoming and responsive environment for everyone.
Nurkhairun Syahirah Binti Mohammad Bilal
As Treasurer, I manage the council’s finances and make sure every decision is made with transparency and purpose. Numbers may not be flashy, but they make real change possible — and I’m here to ensure our resources serve the student community well.
Amber Ch’ng Xue Hui
Proud to support the Treasurer as Vice Treasurer by ensuring every expenditure aligns with student needs. With good budgeting, we can deliver better events, support more initiatives, and remain accountable in all we do.
Gabriel Ong Yu Ze
I am currently studying for the Diploma in Creative Multimedia Production. I am passionate about art and excited to bring creativity and visual storytelling to student life and council initiatives.
Lee Xin Yen`
“We’re all just figuring it out, aren’t we?” That thought keeps me grounded. My focus is on building better connections — between people, ideas, and the voices that matter. I believe in listening, learning, and creating space where everyone feels heard. Looking forward to growing alongside all of you.
Why Sleep Matters: A Wake-Up Call for Students
Sleep is a natural part of life. It occurs daily, yet many take it for granted. Among students, pulling all-nighters to study has become a common habit. According to Medical News Today, around 20 percent of students stay up all night at least once a month, while 35 percent report staying awake past 3 a.m. at least once a week.
In October 2019, two MIT professors established a clear correlation between sleep and academic performance: students who slept less throughout the semester performed worse on their tests. In fact, sacrificing sleep to study is counterproductive. The evidence suggests that sleep deprivation negatively affects students’ academic outcomes.
Over the past two decades, researchers have discovered that sleep influences more than just test scores. It enhances the brain’s ability to learn, retain, and recall information, and supports creative problem-solving. These functions are essential for academic success, reinforcing that adequate sleep is not optional but necessary.
The benefits of quality sleep extend beyond the student community. Sleep is critical to everyone’s health and well-being. The way you feel during the day is largely influenced by the quality of your sleep. While you rest, your body supports brain function and physical health, playing a key role in your long-term development and resilience.
Given this body of evidence, quality sleep must be prioritised. So, what can be done to improve sleep habits?
Patrick M. Fuller, a neuroscientist (2023), offers the following tips: Avoid late-night snacks, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol; Power down electronics at least two hours before bed, as blue light keeps the brain alert; Keep digital devices out of the bedroom; Sleep in a dark environment to avoid overstimulating the brain; and Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule—even on weekends.
At DISTED, we teach students not just academic content, but how to live healthily and sustainably. This includes understanding the role of sleep in achieving personal and academic goals. Through workshops, peer discussions, and wellness initiatives, students are encouraged to adopt healthy sleep habits as part of a holistic approach to learning and self-care.
Nurshakirin Sulaiman
Lecturer, School of Pre-University Studies
Friendship: A Foundation for Growth and Support
At DISTED College, we recognise that strong friendships form the foundation of a healthy, supportive school environment. As part of our ongoing commitment to student engagement and mental well-being, lecturers from the School of Psychology were invited to deliver a session on “Friendship” to 36 Peer Support Leaders (PRS) at SMJK Perempuan China Pulau Pinang.
The session began with a light-hearted activity titled “Emoji Circle,” where students used emojis to describe their ideal friend group. This encouraged creativity and opened the floor to deeper conversations. The main talk explored the meaning of friendship and emphasised three key values: trust, respect and support.
Modern challenges were also discussed, including peer pressure, misunderstanding through digital communication and the emotional strain caused by social media. Drawing from both personal experiences and counselling practice, Student Experience Counsellor and Lecturer Chew Yong Peng offered relatable insights that resonated with the students and encouraged self-reflection.
To close the session, students wrote down personal promises to become more supportive and caring friends. This symbolic act reinforced their role as peer leaders and emphasised the importance of empathy and emotional awareness.
This initiative highlights DISTED’s dedication to holistic education that goes beyond academics. By engaging with schools and empowering young leaders to embrace compassion and empathy, we help foster communities built on meaningful connections and emotional growth.
Chew Yong Peng
Counsellor & Lecturer, School of Psychology
From DISTED College to Tech Entrepreneurship: Tyler Ho’s Journey
Career paths rarely follow a straight line—especially in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. Tyler Ho’s journey from Actuarial Science to technology and entrepreneurship exemplifies this. “Technologist isn’t really a career,” he says, “but most of my corporate work can be summed up as a technical consultant.”
Although he majored in Actuarial Science, Tyler gradually realised his true interest lay in data and technology. “I noticed I was more drawn to the field of data, not just confined to Actuary,” he shares. That self-awareness led him to explore a broader range of opportunities in tech—an industry where innovation is constant.
Balancing a corporate role with entrepreneurship is challenging, but for Tyler, passion makes it manageable. “The business has mostly been a side hustle I work on outside my 9-to-5,” he says. “When you love something, you always find time for it.”
Tyler credits his pre-university experience at DISTED College for allowing him the academic flexibility to follow his interests. “I didn’t want to be forced into a full Science or Arts stream,” he explains. The SACEi programme gave him room to choose subjects like further maths, economics, and psychology—disciplines that would later shape his thinking.
Though his time at DISTED was brief, the impression was lasting. “The lecturers were cool, and the atmosphere was relaxed—it was a good place to make new friends,” he recalls. Psychology and economics classes stood out for him. Coming from a conventional schooling background, he found the shift to a more engaging and reflective learning environment refreshing. “Those classes helped me think differently, and I still apply some of those lessons in my work today.”
Tyler didn’t adhere to rigid study routines. Instead, he aligned his academic choices with long-term goals. “Choosing economics over pure science was strategic because I knew I wanted to pursue Actuarial Science,” he says. And while he doesn’t credit any particular study habit for his success, insights from psychology classes gave him a better understanding of human behavior—something he finds valuable in the tech startup world.
Reflecting on his DISTED days, what he misses most are the friendships and shared laughter. “It wasn’t a long time, but we had a lot of fun while learning,” he says fondly.
Today, Tyler navigates both the corporate and startup worlds. His advice to students is straightforward: “Take charge of your life. Don’t let others’ opinions steer you off course. Shut out the noise and build the life you want—one step at a time.”
Parthasarathe Jayashanker
Student Editor, DISTED Discourse
Student of Cambridge A-Level
