Remarks from the President
Dear DISTED Community,
As our semester break comes to an end, our community outreach programmes on campus will gradually transition back to an academic focus.
This week, our Programme of the Week highlights community initiatives aligned with UNSDG 4 (Quality Education) and UNSDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). DISTED hosted the Physics Olympiad State-Level Camp (IPhO), led by our own Senior Lecturer, Dr Tan Fuyi from the School of Pre-University Studies. The programme provided aspiring young physicists with valuable training and exposure, further strengthening DISTED’s commitment to academic excellence and STEM education.
Meanwhile, the School of Business and Hospitality (SBH) conducted a pilot initiative aligned with UNSDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), led by Mr T.P. Lee and Ms Emily, a student from our Bachelor of Marketing programme. The initiative encourages students to take only the amount of food they need, promoting responsible consumption and reducing food waste when purchasing meals from the café. Through this simple yet meaningful practice, students are encouraged to make more conscious choices that contribute to sustainability.
We are also pleased to host representatives from SIM Global Education, who are visiting our campus this week. Their visit provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen institutional relationships and explore future areas of collaboration.
As we prepare to welcome students back for another semester, let us continue building a campus community that values academic excellence, innovation, sustainability, and meaningful partnerships.
President
Dato’ Dr (h.c) Lim Si Boon
Academic Training Programme: Supporting Excellence in Teaching and Learning
At DISTED College, the Academic Training Programme (ATP) has been developed to support new lecturers as they embark on their journey in higher education. The programme provides practical guidance on teaching, assessment, academic processes, and institutional practices, enabling lecturers to become familiar with their roles and responsibilities within the academic environment.
Through ATP, lecturers gain valuable insights into quality assurance requirements, academic governance, college policies, and the range of support systems available to both staff and students. This foundational knowledge helps them navigate the higher education landscape with greater confidence and professionalism.
A major component of the programme focuses on teaching and learning effectiveness. Participants learn how to plan courses, develop lesson materials, design assessments that align with learning outcomes, and apply appropriate assessment practices. The programme also incorporates peer observation, mentoring, and moderation activities, encouraging lecturers to reflect on their teaching approaches and learn from experienced colleagues.
In addition, ATP prepares lecturers for key academic responsibilities, including examination procedures, assessment reporting, Course Learning Outcome (CLO) and Programme Learning Outcome (PLO) attainment analysis, as well as end-of-semester academic documentation. These processes contribute to maintaining consistency, quality, and continuous improvement in teaching and learning practices.
More than an onboarding initiative, the Academic Training Programme serves as a valuable guide for lecturers as they develop their professional practice and academic expertise. By equipping educators with relevant knowledge, practical skills, and a strong understanding of institutional expectations, the programme helps ensure that students receive a high-quality learning experience.
Through initiatives such as ATP, DISTED College continues to foster a culture of academic excellence, professional development, and continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
Tan Sue Lin
Head of Professional Development
From Fear of Mathematics to a Love of Problem-Solving
Mathematics was not always a subject I enjoyed. In fact, during secondary school, Additional Mathematics was my biggest challenge, and I did not achieve the result I had hoped for in SPM.
As a result, I felt nervous about taking A-Level Mathematics at DISTED College. However, my experience at DISTED completely changed my perspective. With the guidance of Ms Lee and Ms Geong, I began to see Mathematics in a different light. Rather than presenting it as a collection of difficult formulas, they broke down complex concepts into logical steps and demonstrated the beauty of problem-solving.
Their patience, encouragement, and passion for teaching helped me gradually build confidence in my abilities. What once felt intimidating became a subject that I genuinely enjoyed learning.
Overcoming my previous struggles was not simply about spending more time practising questions. It required a change in mindset. I learned that mathematical ability is not something people are born with. Instead, it is a skill that can be developed through consistent effort, effective guidance, and a willingness to learn.
Today, achieving an A in A-Level Mathematics is an accomplishment I am proud of. However, my greatest achievement is discovering a genuine appreciation for a subject that I once feared and avoided.
I am deeply grateful to Ms Lee, Ms Geong, and everyone I met at DISTED College for believing in me and making my college experience both meaningful and rewarding.
To anyone currently struggling with Mathematics, do not let past grades define your potential. With determination, support, and perseverance, it is possible to overcome challenges and rewrite your story.
Ong Yi Jun
High Achiever in the Cambridge A-Level May/June 2026 Examination Series
Open Mic: Building Confidence, One Performance at a Time
As Advisor to the Student Representative Council (SRC), it is always rewarding to witness students stepping beyond their comfort zones and embracing opportunities to grow. One such initiative was the Open Mic Series, organised by the SRC as a prelude to the upcoming DISTED Got Talent, which will take place this August.
The Open Mic sessions were not intended to be a competition. Instead, they served as a platform for students to experience performing in front of an audience, develop stage confidence, and celebrate the diverse talents that exist within the DISTED community. The programme created opportunities for students to share their abilities in a relaxed and supportive setting, regardless of their level of experience.
For many students, taking the first step onto a stage can be intimidating. By fostering an encouraging environment, the SRC hoped to help students realise that performing is not about achieving perfection but about having the courage to express themselves and engage with others. The willingness of participants to step forward and share their talents reflected the confidence and resilience that the College strives to nurture among its students.
Beyond providing a platform for self-expression, the Open Mic Series also served as a promotional initiative for DISTED Got Talent. By allowing students to perform in a smaller and more informal setting, the SRC hopes to inspire more individuals to participate in the upcoming talent competition and showcase their unique abilities to the wider DISTED community.
The success of the Open Mic Series highlights the importance of creating inclusive opportunities that encourage student engagement, confidence building, and personal development. It is through experiences such as these that students discover their potential while contributing to a vibrant and connected campus community.
Chew Yong Peng
Student Representative Council (SRC) Advisor & Lecturer, School of Psychology
Bringing Magazine Covers to Life: MCH1044 Multimedia Design Students Shine
Students from the MCH1044 Multimedia Design module recently embarked on an exciting magazine cover project that allowed them to combine creativity, design knowledge, and personal expression in a highly engaging learning experience.
Rather than simply designing magazine covers, the students took the project one step further by becoming the models and personalities behind their own concepts. This unique approach encouraged them to take ownership of the entire creative process, from conceptualisation and styling to photography, composition, and digital editing.
Throughout the project, students demonstrated enthusiasm, creativity, and a strong willingness to learn. They actively participated in every stage of development and responded positively to feedback, making meaningful improvements based on guidance received. Their openness to constructive criticism reflected their commitment to producing quality work while developing as emerging designers.
The project also provided an opportunity for students to apply the elements and principles of design learned throughout the module. Through their magazine covers, they effectively utilised balance, contrast, alignment, hierarchy, proportion, and visual emphasis while making thoughtful use of typography, colour, imagery, and composition. It was rewarding to see theoretical concepts transformed into visually engaging and practical outcomes.
A particularly memorable aspect of the project was the students’ excitement about being featured on their own magazine covers. By placing themselves at the centre of their creative concepts, they explored not only graphic design but also photography, styling, visual storytelling, and personal presentation.
The resulting collection of magazine covers reflected the creativity, confidence, and individuality of each student. The project successfully demonstrated how design education can encourage experimentation, innovation, and self-expression while strengthening practical design skills.
The students should be proud of the effort, enthusiasm, and creativity they brought to this meaningful learning experience.
Ruth Ravindran
Lecturer, School of Communication, Arts and Multimedia
Afrina
Khai Yvi
Yaso
Chermaine
Naviin
Ying
Joyce
Reena
Welcome to DISTED College, Ms Qaisara!
DISTED College is delighted to welcome Ms Qaisara binti Kamaruddin as our new Student Experience Executive and full-time Counsellor.
Ms Qaisara joins us with a strong background in counselling, behavioural therapy, and special needs education, bringing valuable experience and a student-centred approach to supporting wellbeing and personal development. Her passion lies in empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges while fostering resilience, self-awareness, and personal growth.
As a counsellor, Ms Qaisara is committed to providing students with a safe, confidential, and welcoming space where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations. She believes that every individual deserves to be heard, understood, and supported, and she looks forward to working alongside students throughout their academic and personal journeys.
In her role as Student Experience Executive, Ms Qaisara will also contribute to enhancing the overall student experience by supporting initiatives that promote wellbeing, engagement, and a positive campus environment. Her dedication to student development aligns closely with DISTED College’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning community.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Qaisara enjoys collecting postcards and listening to music, which she views as meaningful ways to relax, recharge, and practise self-care.
We are excited to have Ms Qaisara join the DISTED College family and look forward to the positive impact she will make within our student community.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Ms Qaisara and wishing her a fulfilling and meaningful journey at DISTED College.
Raziah binti Ehia Mohd
HR and Admin Executive
