Remarks from the President
Dear DISTED Community,
Welcome back after the Labour Day holiday break.Over lunch, I had the opportunity to chat with one of our Diploma in Business students about his recent experience with DISTED’s hands‑on business experience programme. He shared insights into what he and his partners learned while operating a vending outlet—from developing a business plan, bidding for the lease from DISTED for RM10, and negotiating lease terms, to purchasing equipment, hiring staff, and ensuring health and safety compliance.He reflected that this experience has better prepared him for entry into the business world. While the project was not costly, the learning gained was invaluable. I am delighted to hear that our pioneering business experience programme was both beneficial and rich in learning for him.As we often remind our students, DISTED is a place where they can learn, experiment and grow in a safe environment. We wish him every success in his business and entrepreneurial journey.
President
Dato’ Dr (h.c) Lim Si Boon
Beyond the Hype: The Reality of Tomorrow’s Consumers
Room 300F at DISTED College was transformed into a hub of international marketing discourse as more than 80 students from various academic programmes gathered for an insightful guest lecture titled “Myth vs. Reality: What Research Really Says About Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers.” The session was delivered by Professor Phoebe Chuah from IDRAC Business School, France, a specialist in luxury strategy.
The workshop attracted a diverse group of students from Business Studies, Accounting, Mass Communication and Creative Multimedia. For students enrolled in the HELP University degree programmes at DISTED, the session offered a meaningful exploration of the evolving digital identities and behaviours of their own generations.
Drawing on data‑driven research from the Magellan Research Center, Professor Chuah challenged widely held assumptions about Gen Z and the emerging Gen Alpha. She shared how Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping consumer expectations, brand engagement and decision‑making across global markets. Her professional experience includes executive AI certification from the University of California, Berkeley, as well as high‑level consultancy work with luxury brands such as Hermès and Van Cleef & Arpels.
The highly interactive session encouraged students to question stereotypes, analyse real‑world data and connect theory with contemporary industry practices. This guest lecture reflects DISTED College’s ongoing commitment to enriching academic learning through global insights, preparing students to navigate the realities of tomorrow’s consumer landscape.
Dr Lum Li Sean
Head, Academic Affairs
BE Associate Programme: Bridging Academia and the Business Events Industry
The BE Associate Programme represents a significant and forward‑looking initiative within Malaysia’s education and business events ecosystem. Designed to nurture future‑ready talent, the programme focuses on bridging academic learning with real‑world industry practice. As a lecturer participating in the programme at St Giles Wembley Hotel alongside Mr Yee Tianle and 18 students from the Foundation in Arts and Diploma in Business Studies, the experience was both academically enriching and professionally rewarding.
Launched in Penang as a pioneering effort, the BE Associate Programme is the first of its kind in the country. Spearheaded by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau, the initiative connects students directly with professionals from the business events industry, offering valuable exposure to industry operations, mentorship opportunities and professional networking.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow noted that the programme reflects the state’s commitment to equipping students with industry‑relevant skills and real‑world exposure, strengthening their ability to navigate an evolving employment landscape.
For students, the programme provided practical insights into industry practices, enhancing their confidence, adaptability and career readiness. From a lecturer’s perspective, the experience offered opportunities to remain connected with current industry trends while strengthening mentorship beyond the classroom. The inclusion of both Foundation and Diploma students further enriched the learning experience through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Overall, the BE Associate Programme serves as a strategic platform that cultivates industry‑ready graduates while fostering meaningful collaboration between academia and the business events industry.
Ng Wei Xian
Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
The Pursuit of Consistency: A Student’s Reflective Journey on the President’s Honours List
Receiving my first President’s Honours List recognition marked a significant milestone in my academic journey. From that moment, I set a personal goal to achieve consistency in my efforts every semester. Being surrounded by peers who shared similar aspirations transformed the experience into a collective journey, where encouragement and shared determination mattered more than competition.
What resonated most with me throughout this journey was not only the outcome, but the process that led there. There were times when studying felt overwhelming and unproductive, particularly when managing multiple assignments and academic responsibilities. During these challenging moments, the guidance and patience of my lecturers played an important role in helping me refine my learning strategies. I learned that studying does not have to be overly complicated—creating simple notes and studying in a relaxed environment allowed me to focus more effectively and retain information better.
Being recognised on the President’s Honours List is something I am deeply proud of, yet I do not view it as a final achievement. Instead, it serves as a checkpoint in my academic development. It reminds me to remain disciplined, motivated and open to self-improvement as I continue my studies.
Above all, this experience has taught me the value of consistency, resilience and self-awareness. Each semester presents new challenges, but staying committed to personal growth has become my driving force in pursuing academic excellence.
Nur Erlia Nadhirah Binti Mohd Erwan
Student, Diploma in Mass Communication
From Clues to Cognition: Understanding Crime Through Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology goes far beyond memorising theoretical concepts. Its true strength lies in the ability to analyse real‑world cases and understand the human factors behind every crime. During this session, students explored how behaviours, thoughts, emotions and motivations of both offenders and victims shape criminal investigations.
Experiential learning played a central role in this activity. Instead of passively recalling information, students engaged in an interactive pop quiz designed to simulate the analytical processes used in real forensic work. By examining clues, interpreting personality traits and responding to guided questions, students were encouraged to think critically, make inferences and develop empathy.
Through this approach, students learned how to reconstruct events, assess testimonies and recognise the intricate human complexity embedded in criminal cases. The activity helped sharpen both cognitive and affective skills, reinforcing the importance of viewing crime not only through evidence, but also through psychological understanding.
The session highlighted that forensic psychology is a discipline grounded in critical thinking, ethical reasoning and human insight. Interactive exercises such as these provide meaningful opportunities for students to apply theory to practice, strengthening their investigative mindset and preparing them for future professional challenges in the field.
Ambalakalidachayini Devi A/P Ravi
Lecturer, School of Psychology
Building Strong Foundations in Computer Systems
Computer Architecture and Organisation plays an important role in helping students understand how computer systems function at a fundamental level. Through the BIT101 module, students are introduced to key hardware components such as the CPU, motherboard, RAM, storage devices, power supply units and system connections, and learn how these elements work together to support computing processes.
This subject bridges theory with real‑world understanding. Instead of viewing computers as “black boxes,” students gain insight into what happens inside a system when applications are executed, data is stored or system errors occur. This knowledge supports logical thinking about system performance, efficiency and limitations, and directly complements other IT and data analytics subjects that involve system analysis and software performance.
BIT101 also develops practical, hands‑on skills. By observing and identifying actual hardware components, students gain confidence in recognising parts, understanding installation processes and knowing how components are connected. These skills are especially valuable for students pursuing roles in IT support, system administration or other technical environments that require hardware interaction.
In addition, the subject strengthens troubleshooting capabilities. Students learn to analyse common hardware issues, identify possible causes and propose suitable solutions. This problem‑solving ability is beneficial not only for assessments but also for real‑life situations, such as maintaining personal devices or supporting computer systems in the workplace.
Overall, BIT101 equips students with a strong technical foundation, practical confidence and essential skills, preparing them for advanced subjects and future careers in the IT field.
Aina Syazwani Binti Shaharin
Lecturer, School of Computing and Engineering
Crime Scene Investigation
The DISTED Science Club organised its first Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) event at Crosby Hall, offering students an engaging and immersive learning experience that combined science, logic and storytelling. The initiative was conceptualised by the Club’s current President, Arhnee, and brought to life through weeks of meticulous planning, storyboarding and station‑based game design.
Participants worked in teams of two and began their investigation in the Colabz Room, where they received a case file containing a newspaper extract, suspect profiles and initial details of the crime. The case centred on Kelvin Strong, who was found dead beneath the open window of his apartment, with four suspects identified and their alibis provided.
After a briefing, teams proceeded through four investigative stations, each requiring the application of scientific methods to uncover evidence. Activities included a genetic cross, paper chromatography analysis, physics‑based problem solving and an iodine test. Each station challenged participants to interpret results and decide which evidence was significant.
The final stage of the investigation involved cyber forensics, where teams accessed the deceased’s diary using tablets provided by Science Club members to uncover the final clue. While only a handful of teams correctly identified the suspect with sufficient supporting evidence, all participants were actively engaged throughout the process.
The case concluded with a dramatic twist—revealing that the victim was actually Watt Strong, Kelvin’s twin brother, murdered as part of an identity‑theft scheme. The teams with the strongest arguments were awarded trophies, marking a successful and memorable debut for the Science Club’s CSI event.
Yeoh Soon Meng
President, DISTED Science Club
Earth Day 2026: Building Environmental Awareness at DISTED College
As global temperatures rise and environmental challenges become increasingly visible, Earth Day stands as an important reminder that there is no Planet B. Earth Day 2026 at DISTED College focused on building foundational awareness of sustainability through interactive, student‑led initiatives.
The event translated six of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into hands‑on learning activities, making sustainability concepts accessible and engaging. Organised by the newly established Student Representative Council (SRC) in collaboration with seven student clubs, the initiative aimed to promote greater intra‑campus exposure and cross‑club collaboration.
The SDGs selected were those most directly related to environmental protection and natural resource management: Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life Below Water and Life on Land.
Held at the Heritage Hall, the event welcomed approximately seventy participants, including students and lecturers from various disciplines. Participants visited club booths and completed an activity ticket by engaging with all six SDG‑themed game stations. Designed with inclusivity in mind, the event ensured that learning about sustainability was flexible, interactive and accessible to the broader DISTED community. Refreshment vendors were also present to enhance comfort throughout the event.
Making Earth Day an integral part of DISTED’s event culture reflects the College’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Through education and collective action, the principles of sustainability can take root—beginning within the campus and extending beyond it.
Isabelle Yeoh Xin Ern
President, Student Representative Council
DISTED College: Digital Enablement & Infrastructure Progress
DISTED College continues to make steady and meaningful progress in enhancing its digital ecosystem and physical infrastructure, supporting effective teaching, learning and operational excellence. Several key initiatives introduced in early 2026 are already demonstrating strong engagement and positive impact across the campus community.
The deployment of Microsoft Copilot marks a significant milestone in boosting productivity among staff and students. Currently, 390 users have access to Copilot, with over 200 active users recorded in the past 180 days. More than 28,000 prompts have been submitted, primarily through Copilot Chat, followed by Microsoft Teams and Outlook, reflecting growing confidence in AI‑assisted tools for academic and administrative tasks.
In addition, Canva Pro has been successfully rolled out to both students and lecturers. High activation rates, especially among students from the School of Communication, Arts and Multimedia, have supported creative learning, visual communication and presentation development. Canva is increasingly being used as a complementary tool across classroom activities and student assessments.
The College has also expanded digital collaboration through the implementation of Google Workspace for lecturers and pioneer students from the School of Computing and Engineering and the School of Psychology. Upcoming phases will focus on structured training to ensure effective usage and cross‑departmental collaboration.
From an infrastructure perspective, several upgrades are completed or underway. The refurbished canteen now accommodates up to 150 seats, while a new physics laboratory is nearing completion. A dedicated server room will support hands‑on technical learning for computing students, and Room 6 is being converted into a flexible seminar space, targeted for completion by August 2026.
Collectively, these initiatives reinforce DISTED College’s commitment to innovation, digital readiness and a future‑focused learning environment.
Lee Tiam Poh
Digital Infrastructure Manager
