Remarks from the President
Dear DISTED Community,
Secondary school students from both International and National Schools are now completing their public examinations. The next step for these students and their parents will be making important decisions: which pathway to choose, which programs to pursue, which college to attend, and many other considerations. Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Decision making is a key capability that we, as members of society and community, are expected to develop. At DISTED, we have taken the initiative to incorporate decision making into our teaching and learning processes. Through these changes, we aim to equip students with the tools and confidence to make informed choices and to manage the emotions that come with the outcomes of those decisions.
As we look ahead, our upcoming issue will feature year-end highlights and reflections from different schools. Stay tuned for these insightful summaries that celebrate the hard work and progress made throughout the year.
President,
Dato Dr(h.c.) Lim Si Boon
DISTED Student Among Malaysia’s Best: Cambridge Honours Sameera Salim
Sameera Muhammed Salim attended the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards Malaysia on 24 November 2025 in Shah Alam, marking a proud milestone for both herself and DISTED College. On this distinguished occasion, she received the High Achievement Award in English General Paper for the June 2025 Examination Series—an honour reserved for the best-performing learners across the nation.
This award represents not only academic excellence, but also the ability to think critically, express ideas with clarity, and engage with global issues—core elements of the English General Paper. Sameera’s accomplishment reflects her dedication, intellectual discipline, and genuine passion for learning. It also highlights the effectiveness of the academic guidance and support she received from her lecturer, Ms Vilashini Kandaiah, whose expertise and encouragement played a pivotal role in her success.
Standing among Malaysia’s top achievers, Sameera embodied both humility and confidence as she accepted the award. Her success serves as an inspiration to her peers and future cohorts of A-Level students, demonstrating what can be achieved through commitment, curiosity, and perseverance.
DISTED College celebrates this moment with immense pride, recognising Sameera not only as an outstanding learner, but as a strong ambassador of the institution’s academic standards. Her achievement reinforces the college’s reputation for nurturing high-calibre students who excel on both national and international platforms.
Geong Chooi Peng,
Head, School of Pre-University
Yeoh Soon Meng Represents DISTED at MNMUM 2025
From 21 to 22 November 2025, the Malaysian Youth Association for Diplomacy and Policy (MYADP) organised the Malaysia National Model United Nations (MNMUM) at Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Linguistics in Kuala Lumpur.
DISTED College was proudly represented by Yeoh Soon Meng, who attended his fourth Model United Nations conference of the year. He served as a delegate in the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), representing the Republic of Peru, and debated the agenda “Utilising Climate Finance for Adaptation and Migration Strategies”.
Preparation involved drafting a Position Paper detailing the topic’s background, Peru’s stance, and viable solutions aligned with foreign policy. During eight council sessions, Soon Meng collaborated and debated with ten other delegates to address pressing environmental issues. Despite conflicts and differing views, diplomacy prevailed, resulting in a Draft Resolution that passed successfully.
Soon Meng’s performance earned him the Outstanding Delegate Award, the second-highest recognition in MUN. He reflected on the experience as highly rewarding, citing personal growth, confidence building, and the opportunity to forge new friendships. He strongly recommends MUN to DISTED students who are willing to step out of their comfort zone and develop essential diplomatic and communication skills.
Editorial Board
Insights from a Hospitality Leader: Culture, Motivation, and the Human Touch
On 28 October 2025, students from DISTED College’s Diploma in Business Studies programme visited The Gurney Bay Hotel as part of an assignment to understand how leadership, motivation, and organisational culture are applied in the hospitality industry.
The visit provided valuable insights into the foundations of successful hospitality: strong culture, effective leadership, and meaningful employee motivation. The hotel’s inclusive environment and respect for diversity reflect DISTED’s own values of integrity and respect.
Students observed how motivation thrives through open communication and support, whether through recognition, financial assistance, or extra manpower during peak seasons. This approach enhances morale and service quality, resonating with DISTED’s pursuit of excellence.
Leadership, they learned, goes beyond authority. It involves vision, planning, and a commitment to growth, encouraging staff to share ideas and innovate – a principle aligned with DISTED’s holistic development philosophy.
Finally, the discussion emphasised that while technology and AI can streamline operations, hospitality must remain human-centred. Genuine warmth and emotional connection are irreplaceable, reinforcing DISTED’s belief that people are at the heart of every experience.
Students Nur Iffah Ruhanis Binti Mohd Abdul Rauf and Ooi Ying Jie described the visit as an enriching experience that strengthened their understanding of leadership and culture in practice.
Nur Iffah Ruhanis Binti Mohd Abdul Rauf and Ooi Ying Jie,
Students, School of Business and Hospitality
The Heart of Teaching Psychology
This photo was taken during the final class of the semester with third-year psychology degree students at DISTED College. It was a heart-warming moment, a table filled with food, laughter, and meaningful conversations. Beyond the meal, it represented a celebration of effort, growth, and the strong sense of connection that developed throughout the semester.
The students displayed remarkable dedication through thoughtful presentations, active participation, and consistent commitment to their learning. More importantly, they approached psychology with genuine curiosity, critical insight, and respect for understanding human behaviour. These qualities reflect DISTED’s values of excellence, integrity, and respect.
Teaching psychology provides a unique privilege: witnessing personal and intellectual growth unfold. These students demonstrated empathy, resilience, and self-awareness, both within and beyond the classroom. They supported one another and created a learning space filled with encouragement and warmth, embodying DISTED’s commitment to holistic development.
Appreciation nurtures motivation and confidence. The connection between lecturer and students grows naturally through trust, shared experiences, and mutual respect, much like the relationships studied in psychology itself. This group’s enthusiasm and sincerity reaffirm why teaching remains such a meaningful and fulfilling profession.
By Thiresyinie A/P Tamil Chelvam
Lecturer, School of Psychology
Screening and Final Year Project Exhibition Day
The Screening and Final Year Project (FYP) Exhibition Day, held on 20 November at the Crosby Building, DISTED College, was a successful and impactful event that celebrated students’ creativity, technical skills, and commitment. It brought together lecturers and students from different academic levels, creating a strong sense of community and shared appreciation for student achievements.
A key highlight was the movie-style screening session, featuring video projects produced by students from the Video Production course. Presented in a formal screening environment, the session allowed students to showcase their films as completed works, simulating a professional industry experience. The screening highlighted storytelling abilities and production techniques, reflecting the extensive effort invested throughout the coursework, from planning and filming to post-production.
In parallel, the FYP exhibition displayed a wide range of projects, demonstrating creativity, research depth, and practical application of skills. The exhibition space encouraged interaction, discussion, and feedback, allowing students to explain their concepts and creative decisions while engaging with peers and lecturers.
Overall, the event provided a meaningful platform for recognising student effort and growth. It successfully bridged academic learning with real-world presentation, inspiring junior students and giving final-year students a memorable opportunity to present their work professionally.
Voon Jia Ting
Student, School of Communication, Arts and Multimedia
