Remarks From The President
Dear DISTED Community,
The College has just completed the trial and preparatory examinations for Cambridge A Level students who will be sitting for the formal A Level examinations in May 2026. In an era shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI), formal examinations are increasingly important, as they allow students to demonstrate their understanding and ability to apply knowledge that has been genuinely learnt. The knowledge acquired, whether with or without digital assistance during learning, is assessed in an examination environment without access to AI. We wish our students every success as they prepare for their upcoming A Level examinations.
This also marks the formal completion of Pre‑University programmes for students enrolled in Foundation, Cambridge A Levels and the South Australian Certificate of Education. Their achievements will be celebrated at the upcoming Pre‑University Completion Ceremony, where students on the President’s Honour List will be recognised for outstanding results.
While celebrating our students’ achievements and academic excellence, we remain mindful that we are living in a tumultuous global environment, with ongoing conflicts and resulting disruptions to global supply chains, particularly in energy. In response, DISTED College will be reducing shuttle journeys to minimise diesel consumption and will also be reducing electricity usage on campus. We encourage the DISTED community to do its part in conserving energy.
President
Dato’ Dr (h.c) Lim Si Boon
Earth Day 2026: Our Power, Our Planet
The Straits Quay waterfront in Penang was transformed into a vibrant centre for environmental awareness during the “Our Power, Our Planet” Carnival, organised by Persatuan Pendidik Lestari Hijau Pulau Pinang (GREW) and supported by the Penang State Education Department. The event brought together educators, students and members of the public to promote sustainability and responsible environmental practices within the community.
DISTED College was pleased to participate in the Community Market segment of the carnival. At the DISTED booth, staff members collaborated with students to present a Fashion Upcycle exhibition, showcasing creative wearable fashion made entirely from recycled materials. One of the highlight pieces was a striking gown featuring colourful floral designs crafted from repurposed plastics, bottle caps and discarded packaging. The exhibition demonstrated how sustainability and creativity can intersect, challenging perceptions that eco‑friendly practices limit artistic expression.
Visitors to the booth were introduced to the idea that everyday waste can be transformed into meaningful fashion statements, reinforcing the message that sustainable choices can be both practical and aesthetically engaging.
Participation in the “Our Power, Our Planet” carnival reflected DISTED College’s commitment to environmental responsibility and community engagement. By working alongside educators, students and the wider public, the event fostered a collective sense of responsibility for protecting the Earth. More than an annual celebration, the carnival served as a meaningful platform to encourage greener habits and inspire long‑term action towards a more resilient and sustainable future for Penang and beyond.
Special appreciation is extended to Madam Linda Tan and Jessica Kaur (Diploma in Business Studies) for their contributions in creating the upcycled fashion pieces.
Dr Lum Li Sean
Head, Academic Affairs
Mastering Money Matters: A Practical Guide for Future‑Ready Students
Students from the School of Psychology and the School of Business and Hospitality recently participated in a Personal Financial Management talk aimed at strengthening their financial literacy and preparing them for real‑world financial responsibilities. The session provided students with practical and relevant knowledge that supports informed financial decision‑making beyond academic learning.
The talk focused on empowering students to take control of their financial future through effective budgeting, saving and responsible money management. Using relatable real‑life examples, students were introduced to the “3Ms” of budgeting—Mindset, Money and Management—encouraging them to adopt a disciplined and intentional approach towards spending. The session also emphasised the importance of setting clear financial goals and aligning them with personal aspirations and future career plans.
Students gained valuable insights into key financial concepts such as managing bank accounts, understanding risk and return in investments and using credit responsibly. Discussions on common financial challenges, including debt management and financial scams, helped raise awareness about making informed and cautious decisions in an increasingly digital financial landscape.
The session was highly interactive, prompting students to reflect on their own financial habits and behaviours. Engagement was further enhanced through a fun and competitive Kahoot quiz, allowing students to test their understanding in an enjoyable and meaningful way.
Overall, the session was well received and reinforced the importance of financial literacy across disciplines. Initiatives like this reflect the College’s commitment to holistic education, equipping students with essential life skills needed to navigate a complex financial future.
Sharizan Abdul Rashid
Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
PRS Leadership & Team Building Camp at DISTED College
DISTED College welcomed approximately 60 Pembimbing Rakan Sebaya (PRS) students from SMJK Phor Tay for a PRS Leadership & Team Building Camp held on campus. The half‑day programme was collaboratively organised by the School of Psychology and the School of Business & Hospitality, with the aim of nurturing leadership qualities and strengthening teamwork among student leaders.
Designed to provide an engaging and supportive learning environment, the camp focused on developing essential interpersonal and leadership skills. Through a series of interactive, group‑based activities, participants were encouraged to practise effective communication, collaboration and problem‑solving in team settings. These activities helped students build confidence, social awareness and responsibility—important attributes for PRS members who play a key role in supporting their peers at school.
The programme also emphasised emotional awareness and positive peer interaction. By actively participating in team activities, students were given opportunities to reflect on their personal strengths, work cooperatively with others and better understand the importance of empathy, wellbeing and mutual support.
Overall, the PRS Leadership & Team Building Camp provided a meaningful platform for students to enhance their communication, leadership and collaboration skills. The experience contributed to fostering a positive and supportive school community, while equipping PRS members with practical skills they can apply in their roles as peer supporters.
Teoh Ker Hsin
Programme Lead, School of Psychology
Pause and Reset: A Moment to Reflect on Stress and Wellbeing
In celebration of International Women’s Day, DISTED College took a moment to recognise and appreciate the dedication and contributions of its female staff members. As part of the initiative, roses were distributed as a small token of gratitude, followed by a brief wellbeing workshop conducted by the School of Psychology focusing on stress awareness and management.
The session introduced the idea that stress is a natural response when individuals feel overwhelmed or under pressure. Rather than viewing stress as a personal weakness, the workshop emphasised that it often serves as a signal from the mind and body that attention, rest or adjustment may be needed. This perspective encouraged participants to approach stress with greater self‑compassion and understanding.
Staff members also completed a short self‑reflection using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS‑10). This activity invited participants to reflect on how stressful the past month had felt, helping them recognise patterns in their emotional and mental wellbeing. Such awareness can support individuals in identifying when it may be helpful to pause, reset and seek support.
Several practical stress‑management strategies were shared during the session. One key technique introduced was the 5‑4‑3‑2‑1 grounding method, a simple sensory‑based approach that helps individuals reconnect with the present moment during periods of heightened stress.
The workshop concluded with a brief hypnosis‑based relaxation demonstration conducted by Mr Chew Yong Peng, a certified counsellor. The demonstration illustrated how guided focus can help promote calmness and relaxation.
Overall, the session served as a gentle reminder that small pauses can play a meaningful role in supporting resilience and wellbeing amid daily responsibilities.
Tan Wei Jun
Lecturer, School of Psychology
Penang Turns Purple in Celebration of Women’s Strength and Leadership
In conjunction with International Women’s Day, the MPSP Auditorium was transformed into a vibrant purple venue as women leaders, innovators and changemakers gathered to celebrate the strength, resilience and contributions of Malaysian women. The event served as a powerful platform to acknowledge women as sources of inspiration and aspiration across all sectors of society.
The celebration was officiated by Yang Mulia Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah and featured initiatives led by the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC), with support from the state government. Activities throughout the event included forums, community engagements and awareness campaigns aimed at highlighting the critical role women play in shaping Penang’s social, economic and cultural development.
These initiatives align closely with the Penang2030 vision of building a family‑focused, green and smart state with equitable opportunities for all. The event recognised women’s diverse roles—as leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, caregivers and community builders—whose dedication continues to strengthen communities and drive progress.
A key focus of the celebration was the advancement of political and economic equity, with programmes designed to encourage greater female participation in leadership and decision‑making roles. By creating spaces for dialogue and empowerment, the event emphasised the importance of inclusive leadership at all levels.
On this meaningful occasion, the celebration honoured the strength, compassion, intelligence and determination of women, while reaffirming the collective commitment to fostering a more equitable and inclusive future for generations to come.
Nadia Jefri
Head, School of Communication, Arts and Multimedia
Preparing Future‑Ready Graduates Through Industry‑Recognised AI Certification
As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries worldwide, it is increasingly important for higher education institutions to ensure students are equipped with both strong theoretical knowledge and practical, industry‑relevant skills. Recently, I completed the Pearson IT Specialist Artificial Intelligence (AI) course and successfully passed the certification examination. This experience provided valuable insight into how structured, applied AI learning can enhance students’ preparedness for the rapidly evolving digital workforce.
The Pearson IT Specialist AI curriculum introduces core AI concepts, including machine learning, data‑driven decision‑making, ethical considerations and real‑world applications of AI technologies. More importantly, it places strong emphasis on hands‑on learning, critical thinking and problem‑solving—skills that are highly sought after in today’s technology‑driven economy.
At DISTED College, particularly within the Computer Science programmes, our objective is to bridge academic learning with industry expectations. Integrating the Pearson IT Specialist AI certification into the curriculum will provide students with the opportunity to earn an internationally recognised credential alongside their academic qualifications. This dual recognition not only strengthens students’ technical competence but also enhances their employability, confidence and professional readiness as future AI practitioners.
By embedding industry‑recognised certifications into teaching and learning, DISTED College reaffirms its commitment to nurturing adaptable, future‑ready graduates who are prepared to thrive in an AI‑driven world.
Adibah Binti Riduan
Lecturer, School of Computing and Engineering
Autism Month with Smiles Project by Kelab Penyayang
April is recognised as Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion within the community. In support of this cause, DISTED Kelab Penyayang, in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Kelab Penyayang, organised the Autism Month with Smiles Project at the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM).
The project aimed to foster awareness, empathy and meaningful interaction between students and children with autism through engaging creative and social activities. One of the main activities was collage making, where students worked closely with older autistic children in small groups. Using colourful paper, cloth pieces and various art materials, participants created artworks based on themes such as friendship, happiness and dreams. At the same time, another group of students conducted face‑painting sessions with younger autistic children, creating a cheerful and welcoming environment. Teachers and volunteers were present throughout to provide guidance and encourage positive interactions.
Following the activities, participants gathered for a Hari Raya lunch celebration. Sharing a meal offered opportunities for simple conversations and warm interactions, further strengthening social connections.
The project concluded with a photo session showcasing the completed collage artworks. Both DISTED and UiTM presented souvenirs and donations to NASOM as a gesture of appreciation. DISTED contributed three whiteboards funded through a March fundraising event, while UiTM donated clocks, mosquito spray, paper and batteries. NASOM expressed sincere appreciation for the visit, support and generous contributions.
Overall, the project was a meaningful and rewarding experience that nurtured compassion, inclusivity and social responsibility among students.
Lee Lei Yong
Programme Lead, School of Pre-University Studies
