Shaping Malaysia’s Physics Olympiad Stars
DISTED College hosted Malaysia’s top physics students for intensive International Physics Olympiad (IPHO) 2025 training, culminating in national team selections for the Paris competition.
From 10th to 14th March 2025, DISTED College proudly hosted 36 of Malaysia’s brightest young minds for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) Training Camp, including candidates shortlisted for the Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO). This prestigious national initiative brought together top-performing secondary school students for an intensive, hands-on learning experience. Hosted within DISTED’s state-of-the-art science laboratories, the camp was led by an esteemed panel of trainers, including Puan Chin Mai Ying, Dr. Tan Fuyi (Senior Lecturer at DISTED), and a group of former Olympians who now serve as national mentors.
Over five rigorous days, participants were immersed in advanced experimental physics modules. The programme focused on Olympiad-level laboratory techniques, with particular attention to precision data collection, critical error analysis, and application of theoretical concepts to experimental setups. Students also engaged in simulated Olympiad scenarios, enhancing their problem-solving agility under timed conditions. Strategic coaching on marking schemes and judging rubrics helped demystify the competitive process, while guided exercises in interpreting complex graphs trained students to present research-level scientific results.
The camp culminated in Round 4 of the national selection process—a decisive test to determine Malaysia’s representatives for IPhO 2025, which will be held in Paris from 17th to 25th July. The highest-scoring students from this round will be offered exclusive advanced training at DISTED, equipping them with the technical skills, strategic insights, and confidence needed to compete at the international level. This initiative underscores DISTED’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientific talent and contributing meaningfully to Malaysia’s global academic presence.
Dr Tan Fuyi
Senior Lecturer, School of Pre-University Studies
Remarks from the President
Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead
On Saturday, 19 April 2025, DISTED College held its Pre-University Completion and Awards Ceremony at Heritage Hall. Students from the Cambridge A-Level, South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and DISTED Foundation programmes marked the completion of their studies. Top-performing students were honoured with the President’s Honours List.
Representing their peers, Ms Visalashe d/o Chockalingam (Pre-U Class April 2025), Ms Ooi Jing Wen (I.K. Meek Scholarship recipient), and Ms Allisya Nurrudainy Binti Sazali (President’s Honours List recipient, Jan 2025) delivered thoughtful speeches. All acknowledged the invaluable support and dedication of the academic team. We extend our sincere appreciation to our lecturers for their tireless commitment to student success.
Congratulations to Dr Teo Soon Beng, recipient of the inaugural DISTED Educator Award, and to student Delwina Cheah Kah Yan for winning Gold at the JICA Judo Championship in Penang. Our thanks also to the DC Live Team for their excellent production and coverage of the ceremony.
To all students preparing for upcoming SACE and A-Level exams — we’re with you. As Franklin D. Roosevelt said: “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.”
Dato’ Lim Si Boon
Interim President
Nurturing Future Entrepreneurs: A Collaborative Journey with Stonyhurst
The School of Business and Hospitality recently partnered with Stonyhurst International School in a meaningful initiative to nurture entrepreneurial skills among Year 10 Business and Economics students. This collaborative effort guided students through a full cycle of business development, from financial planning to innovation coaching and final pitching, culminating in a competitive and inspiring showcase.
The programme began with a financial coaching session led by DISTED lecturers, where students learned critical concepts such as costing, pricing strategies, breakeven analysis, and profit projections. Working in teams, they applied these principles to develop sustainable business ideas aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 and SDG 14). Concepts ranged from seaweed-based bags and air-purifying bracelets to wellness-themed perfumes and water filters.
A follow-up design thinking workshop focused on real-world problem-solving and innovation. Five lecturers mentored students as they explored user-centred solutions, highlighting empathy, creativity, and market feasibility. The session also sharpened soft skills in communication, critical thinking, and collaboration.
The journey concluded with the Business Entrepreneur Competition on 14 March 2025. A total of 39 students in seven teams presented their business plans and prototypes to a panel of five judges, including Dr Lum Li Sean, Head of Academic Affairs at DISTED. Each team had 10 minutes to pitch and received valuable feedback. The competition celebrated student creativity and knowledge application. Trophies were awarded to the top three teams, and certificates were presented to all participants. The event demonstrated DISTED’s ongoing commitment to real-world learning and future-ready education.
Elaine Chan, Tan Sue Lin, Sharizan Abdul Rashid
School of Business and Hospitality
From DISTED College to a Pharmacist: The Inspiring Journey of Cassandra Low
From a young age, Cassandra Low was captivated by the power of science to improve lives. “I’ve always had a strong interest in health sciences,” she shares. “Pharmacy felt like a natural fit—it’s a way to help others and offers many career opportunities.” While most people picture pharmacists behind counters, Cassandra was drawn to the field’s wider scope. “It was exciting to learn that pharmacy also includes clinical research, drug manufacturing, and regulatory affairs,” she adds. This combination of patient care and career versatility made her choice clear.
Her decision to study at DISTED College was guided by both practicality and opportunity. “I wanted an affordable pre-university option close to home,” she explains. DISTED provided exactly that—quality education without financial strain. She also received a Merit Scholarship and financial assistance based on her SPM results. “My sister’s excellent Cambridge A-Level experience at DISTED further confirmed it was the right place.”
Upon arriving at DISTED’s Yeap Chor Ee campus, Cassandra was immediately struck by its charm. “It felt like I was studying abroad,” she recalls. The library quickly became her favourite spot. “It was the perfect place to focus and dive deep into my studies.” She credits the supportive academic environment and her cohort for making the demanding 18-month A-Level course both enjoyable and meaningful.
Key lecturers also played a formative role. “Datin Helen took us beyond the classroom—she took us to pediatric wards where we facilitated play sessions for young patients. It boosted my confidence in communicating with people I didn’t know.” She also remembers Dr. Loo’s unique way of simplifying complex chemistry concepts: “That helped me a lot later in university.”
Cassandra attributes her academic success to consistency. “I reviewed the syllabus before each class and revised materials on the same day,” she says. “That helped me quickly identify areas I didn’t understand and allowed me to ask questions immediately.” As a visual learner, YouTube videos were also a valuable supplement.
Though not heavily involved in clubs, Cassandra found fulfilment through volunteering. “I regularly volunteered at the hospital’s pediatric ward,” she shares. One experience stands out: “We collected and cleaned used toys for donation. Seeing the children’s joy reminded me how meaningful it is to give back.” She also made time for family, prioritising balance with weekend activities and exercise.
Looking back, Cassandra appreciates the space college gave her for personal and academic growth. “It was a time to explore, to read for leisure, and to spend time with loved ones without the pressures of work.”
Today, Cassandra is pursuing her Master’s in Pharmacy at IMU University, still guided by the values shaped during her time at DISTED. Her advice for current students is simple: “Don’t stress about having everything figured out. Life has its own way of unfolding. And most importantly, enjoy your student years—they’ll be among the most memorable.”
Parthasarathe Jayashanker
Student Editor, DISTED Discourse
Student of Cambridge A-Level
Leading with Innovation: Mr. Narain’s Path to a Purpose-Driven Tech Career
DISTED College is proud to highlight the inspiring journey of Mr. Naraindrran Loganathan, a distinguished alumnus who graduated with a Diploma in Computer Science between 1998 and 2001. His career is a shining example of growth, resilience, and continuous learning.
Currently serving as the Partner Enablement Manager at Bentley Systems, Inc. in Southeast Asia, Mr. Narain plays a pivotal role in promoting digital transformation through infrastructure engineering software. Over the last 19 years, he has held diverse roles across IT, education, healthcare, and publishing, including positions at Dell, Oxford University Press, and Serial Solutions.
In the past decade, his focus has been on human-centric design and sustainable development, working extensively with government agencies and educational institutions to integrate Digital Twin technologies and future-ready learning platforms. His influence spans across Southeast Asia, making a meaningful impact in the digital infrastructure space.
Mr. Narain’s academic path also reflects his commitment to lifelong learning. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University and recently completed his MBA from the University of Sunderland. As a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he brings a high level of analytical precision and leadership to all his roles.
His journey is a testament to the strong educational foundation built at DISTED and a powerful inspiration to our current and future students. We applaud Mr. Narain’s achievements and are proud to count him among our alumni.
Seethai Subramaniam
Head, School of Computing & Engineering
Jessica Low Chin Jia: Legal Practitioner and Lecturer in Law
Jessica Low Chin Jia is a Legal Partner and Lecturer in Law at the School of Business and Hospitality. She brings to academia and practices a diverse and well-rounded portfolio of legal experience, encompassing litigation, corporate advisory, and property conveyancing. Her career reflects a steady evolution from courtroom litigation to strategic legal consultancy, underpinned by a deep commitment to professional excellence and client-focused service.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons) from the University of London and completed the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) before being admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya. This academic and professional training has enabled her to navigate Malaysia’s legal landscape with confidence and precision.
Her early years in legal practice were rooted in litigation, where she gained hands-on experience representing clients in a wide range of matters—including contractual disputes, employment issues, debt recovery, matrimonial cases, and construction-related claims. These formative years sharpened her advocacy skills, enhanced her legal reasoning, and instilled in her a rigorous approach to dispute resolution.
In subsequent years, Jessica’s practice transitioned towards corporate and conveyancing law. She now advises individual and corporate clients on commercial transactions, banking and regulatory compliance, real estate transfers, and estate planning. Her legal counsel is grounded in careful risk assessment, ensuring that clients remain compliant while achieving their strategic objectives.
Beyond her legal practice, Jessica is deeply engaged in legal education. As a Lecturer in Law, she takes a practice-oriented approach to teaching, mentoring students to think critically, reason ethically, and apply legal principles in real-world contexts. Her teaching philosophy is centred on bridging the gap between textbook knowledge and professional application, preparing students to become capable and responsible legal practitioners.
Jessica’s combined experience as a legal practitioner and educator positions her as an asset to both the legal profession and higher education.
Raziah binti Ehia Mohd
HR and Admin Executive
Human Resources & Administration
Introducing Mehvar Khan: Bridging Media Practice and Critical Inquiry
Say hello to Mehvar Khan, who’s just joined DISTED as a faculty member in the School of Communications and General Studies. Her academic and professional journey spans borders and disciplines, all driven by a deep curiosity about how media shapes the world around us.
She began with a Diploma in Mass Communication, earned a First-Class Honours degree in Communication and Public Relations from Northumbria University, and completed a Master’s in Communication and Media Studies at Monash University. She’s now pursuing her PhD at Monash University Malaysia, researching political misinformation and disinformation in Malaysia—an issue she sees as increasingly urgent in today’s media environment.
Mehvar also brings real-world experience as a journalist with The Star and The Sun, where she covered diverse stories that deepened her understanding of news, ethics, and audience engagement. Her teaching connects theory with lived experience, helping students critically engage with both media and society.
Outside the lecture hall, Mehvar welcomes pop culture conversations—whether it’s Barbie’s existential angst, the global rise of K-pop, or what SpongeBob reveals about capitalism. Drawing from media theories and public relations frameworks, she encourages students to critically examine how media shapes narratives, identities, and influence. She strongly believes that education should be rigorous, relevant, and just the right amount of chaotic.
We’re excited to welcome her to DISTED’s vibrant and creative academic community!
Raziah binti Ehia Mohd
HR and Admin Executive
Human Resources & Administration
Careers in Psychology: What Can You Do with a Psychology Degree?
Psychology is a dynamic and rewarding field that explores how people think, feel, and behave. At DISTED College, the School of Psychology empowers students with the knowledge and skills to pursue fulfilling careers across various industries. A psychology degree not only offers insights into human behavior but also opens the door to a wide range of professions.
One of the most familiar paths for psychology graduates is clinical psychology, where professionals work closely with individuals to understand, diagnose, and help manage mental health challenges. For those who are curious about what makes people thrive at work, industrial-organisational psychology offers the chance to improve employee satisfaction, performance, and overall workplace culture. Meanwhile, educational psychologists make a real difference in schools by supporting students with learning needs and helping educators create more inclusive and effective learning environments.
Beyond these roles, graduates may venture into research, neuropsychology, counseling, human resources, marketing, forensic psychology, or even sports psychology. The versatility of a psychology degree allows students to tailor their careers based on their interests and strengths.
DISTED College recently held an Open Day, where prospective students explored these exciting opportunities through interactive sessions and one-on-one engagement with our academic staff. The event provided attendees with a deeper understanding of psychology programs and how they align with their career goals.
Even though the Open Day has concluded, the School of Psychology at DISTED remains committed to nurturing students who are passionate about making a difference. Our program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing graduates for both immediate employment and further studies.
If you’re curious about the human mind and want to build a career that impacts lives, a psychology degree from DISTED College could be your first step.
Teoh Ker Hsin
Programme Lead, School of Psychology
