Experience the Future of Science Education at DISTED College
The unveiling of DISTED College’s newly renovated science labs marks a significant milestone in advancing science education. Modern and well-equipped science labs are essential for fostering a hands-on learning environment where theoretical knowledge can be effectively applied. These state-of-the-art facilities include cutting-edge technology like the Imago Touch Screen, an advanced educational tool designed to enhance interactive learning in science labs and classrooms. It is a high-resolution, multi-touch display that allows students and teachers to interact with digital content in a more dynamic and engaging way.
Good science labs are the bridge that connects theory and practice, a crucial link for students studying Biology, Chemistry, and other sciences. These labs provide students with the opportunity to deeply engage with scientific concepts, thereby enhancing their understanding and retention. More importantly, these labs play a significant role in preparing students for higher education and future scientific careers. The practical experiences gained in these labs are invaluable in today’s fast-evolving scientific landscape, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
By investing in these advanced labs, DISTED College demonstrates its commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists and innovators, ensuring that students are well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair
President
DISTED College is committed to providing our students with the best educational facilities to enhance their learning journey. We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our newly renovated science labs, a significant upgrade designed to benefit students pursuing the Cambridge A-Levels (CAL), South Australian Certificate of Education International (SACEi), and Foundation in Science (FIS) studies.
Our updated Biology, Chemistry, and Multi-Purpose labs have cutting-edge technology and resources, including the revolutionary Imago Touch Screen. These state-of-the-art features create an immersive and interactive learning environment, enabling students to engage deeply with scientific concepts and easily conduct sophisticated experiments.
The redesigned labs at DISTED College are more than just spaces for learning; they are hubs where theoretical knowledge meets practical application. By providing access to modern equipment and advanced technological tools, our labs facilitate hands-on learning experiences that are crucial for understanding complex scientific principles and their real-world applications. This approach ensures that our students are well-prepared for the rigours of higher education and professional scientific pursuits.
Our commitment to creating a conducive learning environment is unwavering and is reflected in every detail of the renovated labs. The spacious and well-ventilated rooms, ergonomic furniture, and modern safety features ensure that students can focus on their studies without any distractions. This meticulous attention to detail fosters a productive and inspiring atmosphere, making DISTED College a preferred choice for aspiring scientists and a reassuring choice for parents.
Embark on a journey of discovery and innovation with DISTED College’s newly renovated science labs. Experience the future of science education and prepare yourself for a successful career in the scientific world. Enrol today and be a part of a community that values excellence, innovation, and practical learning.
Ms. Geong Chooi Peng ,Head, School of Pre-University Studies
Post Mortem: A System Review Meeting for Integrated Software Development Workshop
For a recent course conducted by DISTED School of Computing and Engineering, final semester students were grouped to develop projects in various fields of Computer Science. This course has now concluded. Reflecting on the journey from the beginning of the semester, students engaged in brainstorming sessions, formed groups, and assumed different roles within their teams. They dedicated their efforts to developing IoT project and web application. Week by week, they were trained to work in real-world scenarios, mimicking actual company structures and closely collaborating using the Extreme Programming methodology.
Throughout the semester, one group successfully developed an IoT project named the Penang Flood Alert System, while another group created the Penang Online Digital Marketplace web application. These projects followed the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), a framework essential for structured software development.
In a recent class, each group’s project manager conducted a system review meeting with their respective teams before the projects concluded. This meeting was crucial for team members to share their opinions, discuss task contributions, provide peer evaluations, and consider future enhancements. Through this workshop, students gained valuable experience working in real-world company scenarios, enriching their knowledge and preparing them for their upcoming internships.
Eng Yee Wei
Lecturere, School of Computing and Engineering
Regional Symposium on Community-based Projects: Fostering Sustainable Development through Collaboration
On July 24, 2024, DISTED College hosted the Regional Symposium on Community-based Projects in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), and the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority, NCER. This event served as a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and innovations in community-based projects, focusing on sustainable development and local empowerment.
The symposium began with a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair of DISTED College, who emphasized the importance of community-driven initiatives in fostering sustainable growth. Following the welcome, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ruhizal Roosli from USM presented a prerecorded session on urban community resilience. He showcased case studies on how urban communities adapted to climate change through proactive planning and involvement.
Next, En. Fauzan Bin Ismail from NCER discussed NCER’s strategic initiatives to boost regional development through community participation. He highlighted projects promoting local entrepreneurship, infrastructure improvements, and educational opportunities, emphasising public-private partnerships and inclusive growth via their project at Lata Kinjang in Perak.
Prof. Ir. Nurlisa Ginting from USU then shared insights into USU’s community development projects. Her presentation focused on sustainable agriculture practices and community-led conservation efforts, showcasing the tangible benefits of local engagement and participatory approaches.
Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair returned to introduce the Community-based Tourism Toolkit that he has advanced over the years. This toolkit provides practical strategies, case studies, and resources to help communities leverage tourism for sustainable development, underscoring tourism’s potential for community empowerment and economic growth.
The symposium concluded with a closing address by Prof. Dr. Badaruddin Mohamed of USM. In his address, he reflected on the day’s discussions and the wealth of knowledge shared. He emphasised the importance of continued collaboration among the institutions. The event fostered an environment of mutual respect and knowledge exchange, reinforcing the belief that community-based projects are vital for sustainable development. The symposium highlighted the power of collaboration and laid the groundwork for future partnerships to create a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair
President
E-Invoicing in Malaysia: A Step Towards Digitalising Tax and Business Processes
E-invoicing in Malaysia marks a significant step towards digitalizing the country’s tax and business processes, spearheaded by the Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN). As part of Malaysia’s broader digital economy strategy, e-invoicing aims to streamline transactions, enhance transparency, and improve tax compliance.
The implementation of e-invoicing is set to bring multiple benefits. For businesses, it promises reduced costs associated with paper-based invoicing, minimized errors through automation, and faster payment cycles, which collectively improve cash flow management. The standardised format required by LHDN ensures consistency and interoperability across various business systems, while secure transmission protocols protect against fraud and unauthorized access.
However, the transition to e-invoicing also poses challenges. Businesses, particularly SMEs, need to adopt new technologies and integrate their accounting systems with the e-invoicing platform. Adequate training and support are crucial to ensure compliance and a smooth transition. Malaysia’s phased rollout strategy will initially target larger enterprises, gradually encompassing smaller businesses. This gradual approach aims to mitigate the impact on businesses and provide time for necessary adjustments.
At DISTED College, students are taught on these changes in the accounting programmes especially on digital transaction management, compliance with tax regulations, and the implementation of automated invoicing systems.
Mr Henry Ooi ,Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
Discover What Makes Us Unique: DISTED Science Club Explores DNA
Have you ever wondered what makes ‘you’ you? How are we, as human beings, so uniquely different? On July 23rd, the DISTED Science Club hosted an engaging experiment on DNA, inviting students and staff to participate in a hands-on activity led by club members.
During the experiment, participants gained valuable insights into the structure and roles of DNA in living organisms. They observed DNA strands from various fruits, including bananas, apples, and the Malaysian favourite, durian, through a simple DNA extraction procedure. This experiment allowed everyone to appreciate the genetic information that defines distinctive characteristics among living things.
The method was straightforward enough for participants to replicate at home using common items such as saltwater, washing detergent, and cold isopropyl alcohol. Observations were particularly rapid when using fruits rich in cells and soft tissues, as DNA strands do not dissolve in isopropyl alcohol as they do in water.
This workshop demonstrated that bananas yielded more DNA than apples due to their diploid nature. The findings encouraged participants to refine their techniques by using precise measurements and consistent methods for extracting DNA from different fruits. This experiment provided insights into molecular biology and highlighted the practical applications of DNA extraction, laying a promising foundation for future educational and research activities.
Ms Kaitlyn Khoo Rui Ern, Student of Cambridge A-Level , Student Editor, DISTED Discourse
New Faculty Members Bring Innovation and Expertise to DISTED College
Kesvhinee Ravinthran has recently joined the School of Pre-University Studies as an English lecturer. She holds a Bachelor of Education in TESOL (Hons) and a Master of Education in TESOL (Hons), both from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Her academic interests include exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance English language proficiency. In her previous role as an English Language Subject Coordinator, Kesvhinee gained valuable experience in curriculum development, teacher training, and student engagement. She is passionate about integrating interactive teaching methods with technology and is thrilled about bringing her expertise to the DISTED College community. Kesvhinee views her role at DISTED College as a unique opportunity to drive educational innovation and support the college’s mission and vision. She is excited about the new challenges and opportunities this role presents and looks forward to making impactful contributions and fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
Siti Nur Ayunie Zawawi, also known as Ayunie, has recently joined the School of Pre-University Studies as an accounting lecturer. She just completed her Master’s Degree in Business Economics (BA774) at UiTM Shah Alam. Previously, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy (AC220) at UiTM Machang, Kelantan. During her four years as an accounting student, Ayunie developed technical skills such as financial accounting and auditing, and she is proficient in accounting software like UBS and SQL. During her internship at an audit firm in Kelantan, Ayunie demonstrated her motivation and dedication, with a passion for learning and personal growth. She possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling her to collaborate effectively and build meaningful relationships. She enjoys staying active and giving back to the community in her free time. Ayunie sees her first experience as a lecturer at DISTED College as an excellent opportunity to develop her abilities while achieving the college’s objectives. She is committed to continuous self-improvement and strives to maintain a positive attitude in all aspects of her life, aiming to continue her personal growth and succeed in her new role.
Thevanai Indra has recently joined the School of Psychology. She obtained her Master’s in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Nottingham and earned her Bachelor’s (Hons) in Psychology. Indra has extensive experience working with children and adults with special needs. Her areas of expertise include conducting diagnostic evaluations and developmental assessments, individualised care planning, Applied Behavioral Analysis, and rehabilitation programming. Indra is also interested in personal development and leadership. Besides clinical work, she regularly facilitates training workshops and public presentations. With her experience in lecturing, Indra is committed to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. She is dedicated to seeing her students grow and succeed. With her solid clinical foundation and experiences, Indra believes she will offer significant value to students while promoting personal and professional growth. Joining DISTED College has been very exciting for her, and she looks forward to the new opportunities it presents.
Ms Raziah binti Ehia Mohd , HR and Admin Executive, Human Resources & Administration
