Celebrating Excellence and Empowering Futures: DISTED Pre-University Scholarship Award 2024
DISTED College celebrated its Pre-University Scholarship Award 2024 with a grand ceremony and dinner to honour scholarship recipients, sponsors, parents, lecturers, and distinguished guests. The event welcomed esteemed attendees such as Dato’ Lim Si Boon, Director of DISTED College; Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair, President of DISTED College; Ms. Janice Yeap, CEO of KDPP Holdings Sdn Bhd, representing Dato’ Seri Stephen Yeap; Dato’ Leela Mohd Ali and Datuk Ariff Farhan Doss from Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (PENYAYANG); and Prof. Lily Chan, Vice Chancellor of Wawasan Open University.
The event, hosted by Nurin Afrina Batrisyia, a Bachelor of Communication in Media Studies student, began with a guitar performance by Ms. Prithika Kumaraguru from the Foundation in Arts programme. Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair delivered a speech congratulating the recipients and thanking the sponsors for their support.
Thirteen students from the Cambridge A-Level and SACEi programmes received scholarships under four categories: the I.K. Meek Scholarship, Dato’ Seri Stephen Yeap Scholarship, SiWu Education Trust Scholarship, and the DISTED Alumni Scholarship.
Adding significance, the scholarship recipients were acknowledged as founding members of DISTED Kelab Penyayang, a club promoting volunteerism and community service. The evening concluded with an inspiring speech by Ms. Caydence Lim Synye, student representative and inaugural president of Kelab Penyayang, who expressed gratitude on behalf of the recipients.
This celebratory event honoured academic excellence and highlighted DISTED College’s commitment to fostering leadership, volunteerism, and community engagement among its students.
Remarks from the President
The DISTED Pre-University Scholarship Award Dinner 2024 was a true celebration of excellence, generosity, and shared aspirations, underscoring the transformative power of education and community collaboration.
Scholarships represent more than academic recognition—they embody a deep belief in the potential of our students to create meaningful change. By awarding these scholarships, we celebrate their dedication, perseverance, and aspirations while investing in their ability to shape a brighter future. These scholars are a testament to the unwavering support of their families, faculty, and sponsors, who have played a crucial role in their journey.
This event also highlights the invaluable contribution of our sponsors. Their generosity has not only opened doors of opportunity for these students but has also inspired them to strive for greatness. Our sponsors are true partners in nurturing the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
The inclusion of all scholarship recipients as members of Kelab Penyayang further enriches this initiative. Grounded in the values of service and empathy, the club fosters a spirit of giving back to the community. These scholars are stepping into roles that transcend personal success, contributing to the greater good through volunteerism and community engagement.
Congratulations to all the DISTED Pre-University scholars on this well-deserved recognition. A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors for their unwavering support and belief in the power of education to transform lives. Together, we are shaping a brighter tomorrow.
Inspiring Excellence and Community Impact: Address by DISTED President at Pre-University Scholarship Award Dinner 2024
In his address at the DISTED Pre-University Scholarship Award Dinner 2024, Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair celebrated the remarkable achievements of 13 scholarship recipients and emphasized the transformative power of education. Drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr., he highlighted that true education combines intelligence with character, underscoring the evening’s focus on both academic excellence and community contribution.
Prof. Nair expressed gratitude to the event’s esteemed sponsors, including representatives from KDPP Holdings, Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia, and Wawasan Open University, whose support has enabled students to pursue their dreams. Scholarships awarded included the I.K. Meek Scholarship, Dato’ Seri Stephen Yeap Scholarship, SiWu Education Trust Scholarship, and DISTED Alumni Scholarship, each carrying legacies of excellence, perseverance, and service.
He acknowledged the critical role of parents in nurturing their children’s achievements and commended the founding of DISTED Kelab Penyayang by the scholarship recipients. This club, aligned with Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia’s mission, fosters volunteerism and kindness, positioning scholars as changemakers dedicated to giving back to society.
The President concluded with an inspiring message to the scholars, urging them to embrace challenges, pursue excellence, and contribute meaningfully to society. He reminded them that success lies not only in personal achievements but also in creating a positive impact.
The speech ended with heartfelt thanks to sponsors and attendees, celebrating a shared commitment to education and community-building.
Highlights from Caydence Lim’s Speech at the DISTED Pre-University Scholarship Award Dinner 2024
Caydence Lim, a scholarship recipient and the newly elected President of the DISTED Kelab Penyayang, delivered an inspiring address at the DISTED Pre-University Scholarship Award Dinner 2024. She expressed deep gratitude to the generous sponsors, emphasising that their contributions were more than financial support—they were an investment in the students’ future. Caydence acknowledged the sponsors’ belief in the scholars’ potential, which was a powerful motivator for them to excel academically and contribute to the community.
Reflecting on the recent National Summit of Kelab Penyayang in Kajang, Caydence highlighted the enriching experiences the scholarship recipients gained. Guest speakers at the summit provided valuable insights into sustainable development, ethical volunteerism, and strategic planning, emphasising the transformative role of volunteers in driving meaningful change. A notable outcome of the summit was introducing a competition to develop innovative, sustainable solutions for specific communities, which challenges participants to think critically and compassionately.
Caydence also expressed appreciation for the guidance and support of DISTED College’s leadership, including Professor Dr. Vikneswaran Nair, Ms. Tan Jia Huey, and representatives from Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia, Dato’ Leela Mohd Ali and Datuk Ariff Farhan Doss. Their efforts have inspired scholars to embrace volunteerism and leadership.
In closing, Lim encouraged her fellow scholars to seize every opportunity, challenge themselves, and strive to make a difference, turning their aspirations into impactful actions. She concluded by thanking all who made the transformative journey possible.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND THE SCHOLAR
I.K.Meek Scholarship
The I.K. Meek Scholarship stands as a tribute to the late Mr. Ian Kingsley Meek, a distinguished lawyer and former resident of our historic campus. This prestigious scholarship honors his memory by supporting top-performing students aspiring to pursue studies in law and other fields that contribute to their choose career. Ian Kingsley Meek was born in 1924 and began his law studies at New College, Oxford, before his education was interrupted by the Second World War. During the war, he served as a navigator on motor gunboats in the North Sea. After the war, Ian completed his degree and was called to the English Bar. In 1950, he accepted a position with the Penang law firm Presgrave & Matthews, embarking on a remarkable 42-year career as a barrister in Malaya.
Ian and his family cherished their home at 340 Macalister Road, affectionately known as Valhalla. He was deeply pleased to learn that this beloved residence would become the site of DISTED College, and he would undoubtedly have been honoured to know a scholarship was established in his name. Known for his modesty, academic brilliance, and unwavering integrity, Ian Kingsley Meek’s legacy lives on through the I.K. Meek Scholarship. This award commemorates his extraordinary life and provides vital financial support to deserving students at DISTED College, continuing his commitment to excellence and education.
Ms Vivian Lai Wan Ying, Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Sin Min, Ms Sea Yun Xuan, Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Perempuan China Pulau Pinang, Ms Ooi Jing Wen, Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Heng Ee
Dato’ Seri Stephen Yeap Scholarship
The Dato’ Seri Stephen Yeap Scholarship pays tribute to the remarkable legacy of Yeap Chor Ee of Penang, a visionary leader and philanthropist who played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of DISTED College. This scholarship embodies the values of excellence, perseverance, and generosity that Yeap Chor Ee championed, extending his commitment to education by supporting deserving students in their academic journeys. This scholarship aims to support outstanding students with a passion for pursuing careers in business, architecture, biosciences, engineering and programming. Yeap Chor Ee’s contributions to Penang’s development are widely recognised, and his steadfast belief in the transformative power of education continues to inspire generations. His deep connection to the community and unwavering support for educational initiatives laid a strong foundation for DISTED College, enabling it to thrive as
a leading institution of higher learning.
Dato’ Seri Stephen Yeap, continue this family’s legacy, to make a profound impact on education and the lives of countless students. The Dato’ Seri Stephen Yeap Scholarship is a celebration of their family’s enduring contributions and a testament to the transformative power of education in shaping a brighter future for all. Through this scholarship, DISTED College reaffirms its commitment to providing opportunities for deserving students
Mr Matthew Alexander Ong, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan St Xavier, Ms Lee Rou En, Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Union, Ms Tan Yi Yuan, Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Perempuan China Pulau Pinang
SiWu Education Trust Scholarship
The SiWu Education Trust was founded on April 1, 2008, by the late Dato’ KK Lim in memory of his youngest son, Lim Si Wu, who passed away at the age of 20 from leukaemia. This meaningful initiative reflects Dato’ KK Lim’s commitment to honouring his son’s legacy while contributing to the growth and development of future generations. This scholarshipis to recognise and support students who excel in academics and demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing careers in
computer science and technology. Driven by the belief that education is a powerful tool for fostering understanding, empathy, and cooperation, the Trust’s mission focuses on establishing schools, learning institutes, and teaching centres. These institutions aim to nurture students to embrace diversity, respect human rights, uphold ethical standards, and act responsibly. The Trust emphasises tolerance, creativity, open-mindedness, and motivation to make the world a better place.
In addition to its educational initiatives, the SiWu Education Trust is dedicated to providing financial assistance to deserving students. By ensuring access to quality education for individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds, the Trust underscores its commitment to equal opportunities for all. The Trust also aims to break down barriers between people of different races, cultures, and religions by fostering mutual respect and understanding. Through its efforts, the SiWu Education Trust envisions a world where education inspires not only personal success but also global harmony, compassion, and meaningful contributions to humanity.
Ms Chesney Cha Su Tian, Han Chiang High School, Ms Goh Jia Ni, Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Jit Sin, Mr Koh Tze Qian, Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Chung Ling
DISTED Alumni Scholarship
The DISTED Alumni Scholarship honours the achievements and legacy of the college’s over 15,000 alumni, who have excelled in diverse fields and contributed meaningfully to society. This scholarship reflects DISTED’s commitment to nurturing excellence and empowering the next generation of leaders. Awarded to outstanding students, the scholarship recognises academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their chosen fields. Beyond financial support, it is an investment in students who exemplify innovation, resilience, and social responsibility. The scholarship recipients are driven individuals who contribute to their communities and industries through leadership, research, and service. By supporting their educational and career aspirations, the scholarship enables them to achieve their full potential while upholding the values of the DISTED alumni community.
Celebrating the legacy of its alumni, the DISTED Alumni Scholarship inspires and supports students to excel, fostering a
culture of achievement and meaningful societal contributions that will influence future generations.
From Left: Ms Visalatshe A/P R. Chockalingam, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tinggi Bukit Mertajam, Ms Lee Jia Xuan, Sekolah Menengah Jenis
Kebangsaan Jit Sin, Ms Caydence Lim Synye, Fairview International School, Ms Teng Jia Xin, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Convent (M) Bukit Mertajam
