Earth Hour 2025: A Night of Unity, Culture, and Sustainability at DISTED
In conjunction with the annual Earth Hour celebration, the Student Representative Council (SRC), in collaboration with various Clubs and Societies, organised the Club Exploration event on 22 March. The event brought together the DISTED community and concluded with a Buka Puasa dinner sponsored by DISTED’s management. Attendees enjoyed a halal-certified meal catered by KOTA Dining, a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Adding to the evening’s vibrancy, MyHans was invited to promote the Hanfu Model Search 2025, with four DISTED students selected as models for the night. The celebration continued with an unplugged music session and an oriental drumming performance by Pertubuhan Penyelidikan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Bai Shi Yin (白世音文化艺术研究协会), maintaining the momentum even as lights were turned off in support of Earth Hour. The drumming performance also served as a recruitment platform for the Unison Performance of World Harmony Drums 2025—a spectacular showcase featuring 10,000 drummers, set to take place on 27 September 2025 at Penang State Stadium, Batu Kawan.
This marks the second consecutive year SRC has led the Earth Hour event, with newly appointed members working alongside their seniors to ensure its success. From planning to execution, each member played a key role, developing soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and collaboration—skills that will serve them well in both academic and professional contexts.
A sincere thank you to the entire DISTED community for your unwavering support and spirited participation. Your presence brought the celebration to life.
It was an evening of unity, sustainability, and cultural celebration—reinforcing the spirit of community engagement at DISTED.
Student Representative Council & Student Experience Department
Remarks from the President
Earth Hour at DISTED and Student Leadership
We held our final Open Day weekend for March on the 22nd and 23rd. Throughout the event, our colleagues shared insights and reassured aspiring young adults of the many opportunities awaiting them as they begin their tertiary education journey. It may seem daunting, but it is undoubtedly an enriching experience.
22 March 2025 was also a special day at DISTED. We held our 3rd Earth Hour initiative, led by the Student Representative Council. Their effort culminated in a spectacular musical performance in the dark, featuring our talented students—a moving reminder that the future is in capable hands.
Alongside Earth Hour, various student clubs showcased their activities, demonstrating that saving the world is serious work—but it can also be fun and engaging.
After the festivities, students, staff, and guests shared buka puasa together and continued singing and snapping selfies until the lights came back on at 9:30 pm. The highlight of the evening? Chef Chan’s chocolate-dipped Madeleines from our School of Business and Hospitality.
On behalf of my colleagues, heartfelt thanks to everyone who made Earth Hour meaningful. To all our Muslim friends—Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Dato’ Lim Si Boon, Interim President
DISTED College Celebrates Earth Hour 2025 with Reflection, Community and Sustainability
On the night of 22nd March 2025, DISTED College continued its annual Earth Hour tradition, marking the global event with a celebration of self-reflection and sustainability. From 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., students and staff came together in solidarity, switching off lights to symbolise their shared commitment to combating climate change.
The evening began with the Club & Society Exploration event, where students explored booths showcasing DISTED’s diverse range of clubs, from the Arts Club and Badminton Club to the Psychology Club, Indian Cultural Society, and Kelab Penyayang. SRC members managed the registration at the Heritage Hall, fostering a welcoming and vibrant environment. The event encouraged students to connect, discover new interests, and engage with campus life.
Outside the hall, participants took part in a hands-on festive drum session led by an enthusiastic instructor, adding a rhythmic energy to the evening’s atmosphere.
The celebration continued with a Ramadhan Feast, catered by Michelin Selected KOTA Dine & Coffee. Guests enjoyed signature dishes such as Blue Pea Rice with Curry Chicken, Laksa Capellini, and Crème Brûlée, accompanied by orange juice and fresh fruits.
As the clock neared 8:30 p.m., the Earth Hour celebration officially began. A united countdown led to the symbolic switch-off of lights, followed by an energetic performance by the Chinese Drum Performance Team and the Music Club.
In keeping with tradition, participants lit candles arranged in the shape of “60+”, signifying their dedication not just for that hour, but for sustained environmental responsibility throughout the year. The message was clear: meaningful change requires consistent, collective effort.
Earth Hour at DISTED once again served as a reminder of the power of unity in addressing environmental challenges. As the lights dimmed, the spirit of the community shone brighter—highlighting that together, we can make a difference.
Happy Earth Day!
Sea Yun Xuan, Student Editor, DISTED Discourse, Student of Cambridge A-Level
DISTED College Observes Earth hour in support of sustainablity
On Saturday, March 22nd, DISTED College reaffirmed its commitment to environmental responsibility by participating in the global Earth Hour initiative. From 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, the campus joined millions around the world in turning off non-essential lights to raise awareness about energy conservation and climate change.
This symbolic act was embraced wholeheartedly by our campus community. Student clubs actively supported the initiative by replacing lights with candles, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere that fostered reflection and appreciation for nature. The soft glow of candlelight offered a powerful visual contrast to our usual dependence on electricity and created a shared sense of purpose among students and staff.
At DISTED, we believe that sustainability should be driven by meaningful actions, not just words. Participating in Earth Hour reflects our ongoing efforts to advocate for responsible environmental practices. Simple actions—such as turning off unused devices, reducing reliance on artificial lighting, and encouraging behavioural change—may seem minor in isolation, but collectively, they contribute to a larger goal of reducing our carbon footprint and promoting ecological balance.
The experience also served as a rare moment of calm amidst our often busy routines. Earth Hour reminded us of our disconnection from the natural world and offered a brief but powerful opportunity to reconnect with it. It was a pause that encouraged mindfulness, sparked conversations, and inspired deeper reflection about the role we each play in shaping a sustainable future.
By participating in Earth Hour, DISTED College continues to promote environmental consciousness among its students and staff, reinforcing the message that real change begins with small, collective efforts. Together, we can contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable world.
Jimmy Tan You Yi, Marketing & Communication
Integrity and Anti-Corruption Course – Visit to SPRM
The visit to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) in Penang on March 11, 2025, was a deeply impactful experience for me, as well as for the 30 DISTED College students and four staff members who accompanied me. This was not just a routine field trip; it was an eye-opening journey into Malaysia’s ongoing fight against corruption.
The officer in charge delivered an engaging presentation that went beyond mere statistics. He shared personal experiences and real-life case studies that illustrated the complexities and challenges of combating corruption. His passionate discussion on the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability resonated strongly with all attendees. The session also sparked insightful questions from the students, demonstrating their keen interest in SPRM’s crucial role in upholding ethical governance.
Beyond the presentation, we were given a guided tour of the SPRM facilities. Seeing firsthand the infrastructure and resources dedicated to fighting corruption reinforced our understanding of Malaysia’s firm commitment to this cause. The visit served as a powerful reminder that the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility—one that requires active participation from every individual. I left feeling inspired and hopeful, knowing that the younger generation is being educated and empowered to stand against corruption.
Noriah Kallanjiam, Lecturer, School of Communication & General Studies
The Science of Happiness: How Food, Fashion, and Fitness Boost Your Mood
Have you ever experienced the joy of eating a delicious slice of cake, sipping a refreshing sparkling juice, dressing in a vibrant outfit, or admiring a beautiful view? What creates that sense of happiness? “Happy hormones” such as dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin are responsible for feelings of well-being.
Dopamine, often referred to as the “pleasure hormone,” also functions as a neurotransmitter—a chemical messenger in the brain. It plays a role in coordinating movement and influencing feelings of reward and motivation. Enjoying a good meal, especially one rich in sugar or fat, can trigger dopamine release. So when you’re feeling stressed, treating yourself to a good meal can help boost this “happy hormone.” However, meals should be balanced and portion-controlled to avoid binge eating. Healthy choices include almonds, avocados, bananas, and dark chocolate.
In the early 2010s, psychologists Adam Galinsky and Hajo Adam coined the term “dopamine dressing”—the idea of dressing in a way that makes you feel good. This fashion trend focuses on choosing colours, outfits, and accessories that enhance your mood and satisfaction. Dressing up in a way that lifts your spirits can be a simple alternative to food-based mood boosters.
Exercise also plays a vital role in regulating happy hormones. Regular physical activity not only fosters feelings of satisfaction but also helps maintain overall health.
At DISTED College, students in the Pre-University science programmes are exposed to these insights in applied biology, helping them understand the biological basis of mood and well-being.
Dr. Tan Sze Huey, Programme Lead/Senior Lecturer, School of Pre-University
Bridging Classroom and Industry: Mass Communication Students Visit Keysight Technologies
On March 7, Diploma and Degree students from the Mass Communication programme at DISTED College participated in an educational visit to Keysight Technologies in conjunction with the company’s Career Day. This visit was designed to provide students with real-world exposure to the expectations and opportunities available in the corporate sector, particularly within a global technology enterprise renowned for its innovation and commitment to excellence.
Throughout the visit, students had the opportunity to engage with experienced professionals from various departments within Keysight. These professionals shared valuable insights into the company’s corporate culture, core values, and the competencies they seek in potential interns and graduate employees. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of effective communication in driving organisational success, thereby underscoring the relevance of mass communication skills in a technologically driven environment.
Interactive sessions enabled students to ask questions and receive guidance on aligning their academic training with industry demands. Through the sharing session with experts from Keysight, mass communication students gained insights into how knowledge in public relations and digital media can be effectively applied in a corporate setting. Students learned about the importance of adaptability, critical thinking, and digital fluency as key attributes for success in the contemporary workplace.
The guided tour of the Keysight premises included visits to high-tech conference rooms, modern meeting facilities, employee communal spaces, and the company cafeteria. These visits illustrated the company’s emphasis on creating a collaborative and employee-centric work environment, which left a strong impression on both students and lecturers.
The visit served not only as an exposure to a potential future workplace but also as a catalyst for students to reflect on their career aspirations and professional trajectories. Many students described the experience as eye-opening, citing a deeper appreciation for the diverse roles that communication professionals can play in large-scale organisations. The lecturers accompanying the group also recognised the value of bridging classroom learning with industry expectations and expressed interest in further strengthening ties between the College and industry partners such as Keysight.
Overall, the Career Day visit to Keysight Technologies represented a significant learning milestone for the students, offering practical context to their studies and motivating them to envision purposeful and strategic career goals.
Nadia Jefri, Head, School of Communication and General Studies
