Remarks from the President
Dear DISTED Community,
This has been another busy and fulfilling week. We welcomed our third orientation group this semester for our Pre-University students, celebrated those who achieved placement on the President’s Honour List, and had the pleasure of hosting parents who collected goody bags on behalf of students taking the next step in their career journey. We also had a meaningful engagement with our industry partner, Gurney Bay Hotel.
Since arriving in 2023, I have met many young, shy, intelligent, and determined students filled with potential. Over the past three years, I have witnessed these same students grow, acquiring new skills and knowledge, and blossoming with each achievement as their enthusiasm, confidence, and self-belief developed. I was especially touched when our Dato Seri Stephen Yeap Scholar and top A-Level student, Matthew Ong, presented me with a sketch he created of DISTED College. Moments like these remind me why being an educator is so rewarding, and I am truly grateful and blessed.
I was also extremely proud to hear the leadership team at Gurney Bay Hotel, led by Mr Benny Chung, speak so highly of our student interns, Ms Amber Ch’ng and Gabriel Ong from the Diploma in Creative Multimedia. Their enthusiasm, skills, positive attitude, and eagerness to learn are truly commendable.
I am immensely proud of our students and their accomplishments. Well done, and please continue to pursue excellence. Thank you for carrying the DISTED College flag with pride and for making us very proud of your achievements.
President
Dato’ Dr (h.c) Lim Si Boon
DISTED Discovery Day at SMK Convent Green Lane
The School of Computing & Engineering brought a vibrant and engaging learning experience to over 300 students at SMK Convent Green Lane through a specially curated computing‑themed Discovery Day.
The programme began with an interactive Ice Breaking activity that immediately captured students’ attention. Using a movement‑based quiz, students crossed the hall to respond to questions related to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, coding preferences, virtual reality, and digital habits. This dynamic approach encouraged students to think about everyday technology in new ways, making computing concepts more accessible while energising them for the sessions ahead.
The excitement continued with hands‑on activities designed to translate computing principles into real‑world learning. In Human Robot, students experienced algorithmic thinking as they guided their “robot” teammates through obstacles using only clear, step‑by‑step commands. The activity reflected the logic, structure, and error‑correction processes central to computer programming, turning computational thinking into an engaging team challenge.
This was followed by the fast‑paced Data Packet Relay, where students passed whispered “data packets” along a line. By comparing the original and final messages, students observed how data accuracy can break down during transmission, providing insight into how network communication works.
Through active participation and collaboration, the Discovery Day demonstrated that problem‑solving, communication, and logical thinking are at the heart of computing and technological innovation.
Adibah Binti Riduan
Lecturer, School of Computing and Engineering
SACE Business Innovation Students Visit WCC
As part of our SACE Preparatory Business Innovation class, we had the privilege of visiting the Women’s Centre for Change (WCC). This visit was an experience that opened our eyes to the realities many women face.
We learned that WCC is a safe haven for women experiencing abuse, offering free support for mental and physical health. What struck us most was their commitment to helping women from all walks of life, regardless of financial circumstances. They even provide legal assistance when needed, including filing court cases to protect victims of abuse or harassment.
One of the highlights was visiting their thrift shop. It’s not just a shop – it’s a lifeline. Donations from the community are either given to those in need or sold to fund WCC’s vital work. Seeing how something as simple as donated items can make such a big difference was inspiring.
This visit taught us that change starts with awareness. We left feeling motivated to share what we learned and to play our part in creating safer spaces for women.
Justin Tan Zen Yi
Student, School of Pre University
Basic Photography Workshop with AI Integration
The Basic Photography Workshop with AI Integration, conducted during DISTED Open Day at Crosby in collaboration with the Marketing team, provided participants with practical exposure to photography fundamentals alongside emerging AI‑supported creative tools.
The workshop introduced core photography principles, including camera handling, exposure settings, lighting techniques, and composition. These foundational skills helped participants understand how images are formed and how visual elements contribute to effective photographic outcomes.
Participants were then introduced to AI‑assisted photo editing tools that streamlined post‑production processes. Topics covered included automatic colour correction, noise reduction, image sharpening, and intelligent retouching, illustrating how AI can enhance image quality while reducing manual effort.
Beyond basic editing, the session explored creative photo manipulation using AI, such as background replacement, object removal, and style enhancement. Emphasis was placed on writing effective prompts, enabling participants to clearly communicate creative intentions and achieve more accurate AI‑generated results. Understanding prompt construction allowed participants to maintain control over outcomes rather than relying on trial and error.
By the end of the workshop, participants demonstrated increased confidence in using both cameras and AI tools, gaining insight into how technology can complement — rather than replace — creative decision‑making. The workshop supported skills development relevant to personal projects, academic assignments, and professional content creation.
Zaki Zakaria
Lecturer, School of Communication, Arts and Multimedia
Science in Every Sip
Since its establishment in 2023, the DISTED Science Club has been committed to making science engaging, accessible, and relevant through activities such as Science Coffee Talk, debates, and hands‑on experiments. This term, the club began the new academic cycle with a meaningful fundraising initiative centred around the sale of beverages, combining creativity, teamwork, and scientific thinking.
This initiative marked the first time committee members prepared and served beverages themselves, offering students a practical experience beyond the classroom. The beverage menu was carefully designed with attention to health consciousness, popular tastes, and efficient preparation methods. Choices included hot drip coffee, cold jasmine milk tea, and lychee soda Ribena, each crafted using precise measurements and appropriate temperatures to ensure consistent quality and appealing presentation — a subtle demonstration of science in action.
To further enhance engagement and encourage purchases, each beverage was paired with a complimentary fortune cookie. Inspired by the “blind box” trend and aligned with the festive spirit of Chinese New Year, this element added excitement and anticipation to the fundraising activity.
Funds raised will directly support the club’s plans to organise hands‑on experiments and science‑based station games for college members throughout the year. These initiatives aim to spark curiosity, deepen interest in science, and help students connect scientific principles to everyday experiences.
Upholding its belief that science is for everyone and woven into daily life, the DISTED Science Club warmly invites all college members with curious minds to join in exploring the wonders of science.
Dr Tan Sze Huey
Senior Lecturer, School of Pre‑University
Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta Visit: Bridging Classroom Knowledge with Mental Health Practice
The DISTED Psychology Club organised an educational visit to Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta (HBUK), Perak, providing students with exposure to psychiatric care within an institutional setting and supporting the application of classroom‑based learning.
Established in 1910, Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta is Malaysia’s oldest and largest psychiatric hospital and remains an important part of the national mental health care system. A total of 42 participants joined the visit, including 35 students from Foundation, A‑Level, SACE, and predominantly Bachelor of Psychology programmes, accompanied by 7 lecturers. The mix of academic backgrounds encouraged interdisciplinary learning while ensuring appropriate supervision.
The programme began with a clinical psychology briefing delivered by hospital personnel, covering psychiatric services, patient care pathways, and ethical considerations in clinical practice. Students learned that many patients receive outpatient care, while others require longer admission due to social, family, or financial circumstances. In line with confidentiality requirements, access to sensitive and high‑security cases was restricted.
Participants were later guided around selected areas of the hospital compound, including rehabilitation facilities and agrotherapy spaces. While direct interaction with patients was limited, students observed rehabilitation routines and vocational activities, gaining a clearer understanding of recovery‑focused approaches in psychiatric care.
The visit concluded with closing remarks, a group photo session, and a brief stop at the hospital’s well‑known sugarcane stall. Overall, the visit complemented academic learning and reinforced ethical practice and professional awareness among students.
Thiresyinie A/P Tamil Chelvam
Lecturer, School of Psychology
