DISTED College Celebrates the Convocation of the Class of 2025
Saturday, 11 October 2025, DISTED College proudly celebrates the Convocation Day of the Class of 2025 marking yet another milestone in its long-standing commitment to academic excellence and industry relevance.
Since its establishment in 1987, DISTED College has consistently delivered academically rigorous and industry-relevant Diploma and Degree programmes. This year’s graduating cohort joins a growing community of over 15,000 DISTED alumni who have made their mark in various professional fields across Malaysia and beyond.
“It is often said that it takes a village to educate a child,” remarked the College President, Dato Dr. Lim Si Boon in his congratulatory message to the graduates. “Your journey from pre-school to this moment — your Diploma or Degree graduation — reflects that proverb very clearly. Your education has been nurtured and supported by many over the years, just as you have touched and influenced the lives of others.”
Graduates were encouraged to take time to reflect on their educational journey, to express gratitude to those who have supported them, and to stay connected with the friends, mentors, and community they encountered along the way.
Addressing the evolving landscape shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the President reminded graduates of the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning. “In these challenging times, remember the skills and wisdom acquired during your time at DISTED. Apply your abilities wisely, stay relevant, embrace opportunities, and never give up. And if ever you need guidance, know that the DISTED Community — our 15,000-strong alumni network, steadfast academic team, and supportive non-academic staff — is always here for you.”
Graduates were warmly invited to return to their alma mater — to reconnect, to share their experiences, or even to inspire the next generation of DISTED students.
The President concluded with an inspiring quote from Winston Churchill:
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
As the Class of 2025 embarks on their next chapter, the entire DISTED community extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for continued success and fulfillment.
Congratulations once again to the Class of 2025. Enjoy your day, and be grateful.
Inspiring Speech by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AUG Student Services and Alumnus, Mr James Kon,
“Graduation is not the final stop. It is the launchpad of a brand-new journey.”
These inspiring words were shared by Mr. James Kon, CEO of AUG Student Services, during his keynote address at the DISTED College, Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony. A proud alumnus, Mr James and his two siblings all graduated from DISTED College before embarking on successful careers in their respective fields.
Mr. James captivated the audience with his heartfelt and motivational speech. He emphasized that graduation is just the beginning — a launchpad powered by DISTED College’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals, inspiring growth, purpose, and real-world readiness.
He also reminded graduates that the journey ahead won’t always be smooth. “There will be thorns, there will be rainy days,” he said especially now we are living in a time of extraordinary acceleration — with AI reshaping industries, automation redefining roles, and the future is arriving faster than we can prepare for.
During his keynote address, Mr. James posed a thought-provoking question to the graduates:
“What do you do when the rules keep changing?”
He advised them to focus on the qualities that always matter and introduced three timeless traits:
Curiosity – Stay hungry and open to learning. The world keeps changing, and those who keep asking questions, keep discovering new paths. Don’t wait for answers to come to you. Go out, explore, and learn. That’s how you grow.
Adaptability – Be flexible, not fragile. Life doesn’t always follow the script, and it’s your ability to adjust that keeps you moving forward. Adaptability is more than just reacting, it’s choosing to grow in the face of change.
Perspective –Take a step back to see the bigger picture. When things feel overwhelming, shift your view. What may look like a failure may turn out to be the start of something better. With the right perspective, you make clearer, wiser decisions.
Reflecting on His Journey
Mr. James reflected on his own journey and shared:
“Looking back, the most defining moments of my career were the multiple failures I endured. So my advice is simple: fail when you are young, fail now!”
He also shared a powerful lesson from his father and mentor: “Every setback carries the seeds of a greater comeback, if you’re willing to plant them.” From that day forward, he began asking himself three guiding questions whenever faced with a challenge:
- What can I learn from this? (Curiosity)
- How can I turn this into an opportunity? (Adaptability)
- Will this still matter five years from now? (Perspective)
He shared that these questions kept him grounded during uncertain times and helped shape who he is today.
“In our work, we’ve had the privilege of walking alongside tens of thousands of students as they navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives. I’ve seen dreams take shape, confidence grow, and setbacks become comebacks.”
Having started his career as an Education Consultant (Sales), he now leads AUG, a leading education placement agency with a global presence. With over 22 years of experience in the international education sector — all of which he has spent with AUG — he has played a pivotal role in shaping AUG’s growth and reputation as a trusted partner for students, institutions, and stakeholders worldwide.
He shared that he took on every task — even those outside his job description. “Looking back, it was those extra efforts that shaped the leader I am today”.
Over the course of his career, Mr James has spearheaded AUG’s transformation from a regional agency into Malaysia’s largest education agency, now operating with more than 30 offices worldwide. He has consistently championed bold strategic initiatives that have positioned AUG at the forefront of international education services across the Asia-Pacific region.
Recognitions and Impact:
Mr James’s leadership and impact extend beyond AUG, earning him national and international recognition.
In 2024, he was awarded the Pingat Pangkuan Negara (P.P.N.) for his contributions to the nation during Covid-19.
In 2025, he was awarded the Pingat Kelakuan Terpuji (P.K.T.) by His Excellency Tun Governor of Penang.
Recently, he was also named the PIE’s 50 Voices of 2025 for the Asia-Pacific region, recognizing his influence in international education and leadership.
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Mr James extended his warmest congratulations to all graduates:
Take a moment, breathe deeply, and savour this achievement, because you have truly earned it.”
He also reminded them that this is just the beginning of their journey, the future won’t be handed to them; it will be built — with curiosity, courage, and conviction.
“While the goalposts may shift, staying true to one’s values is essential. There are no shortcuts in life — no skim cepat kaya,” he said. “And whatever you achieve, always find a way to give back to society and your community.”
“The next chapter is yours to write,” he concluded — a powerful message of hope, ownership, and possibility.
We will return with an inspiring speech by our valedictorian to our graduates. See you then!
