Sunrise Photography Outing at Penang Hill: A Memorable First Adventure for DISTED Photography Club
On October 19th, 2024, the DISTED Photography Club (DPC) organised a sunrise photography outing at Penang Hill. The event was open to all college members, and a total of 25 students participated, accompanied by three lecturers from the School of Engineering and Computing—Mr. Zaki Zakaria, Mr. Luqman Aliff, and Ms. Khairul Nisa.
The group gathered at Penang Hill Lower Station at 6:00 a.m. and purchased tickets for the funicular service to Penang Hill Upper Station, taking advantage of the RM5 sunrise rate. By 6:30 a.m., they boarded the funicular and began their journey up the hill.
Members were encouraged to bring their own photography equipment, whether cameras or smartphones, to capture the sunrise. As the first light of dawn broke over Penang Hill, excitement filled the air. Participants eagerly set up their devices, ready to capture the stunning skyline as it transformed into a vibrant display of colours. The sunrise bathed the landscape in warm hues, bringing Penang to life and illuminating the faces of everyone present.
The group then, embarked on a nature walk around Penang Hill. The cool weather made the day perfect for exploration, with laughter echoing through the trees as they followed scenic paths. Along the way, they encountered playful monkeys swinging from tree to tree, friendly dogs wagging their tails, and curious cats roaming among the flowers. The group made their way to Kopi Hutan, a cozy café nestled within the lush greenery of Monkey Cup Garden, where they took a well-deserved break and enjoyed a few drinks.
As the outing concluded, the participants felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The beauty of the sunrise not only enhanced their appreciation of nature but also strengthened their passion for photography. Through shared experiences and engaging discussions, members forged closer relationships.
To cap off the day, several group photos were taken to commemorate the success of the DPC’s first outing. The club extended its gratitude to the committee members who organized the event, and the participants expressed their eagerness for more photography adventures in the future. Happy shooting!
Sea Yun Xuan, Student Editor, Student of Cambridge A-Level
Synergy Between IT and E-Commerce: A Foundation for Innovation and Growth
The rapid evolution of information technology (IT) has played a pivotal role in the exponential growth of e-commerce. What started as a specialised activity has now grown into a global industry, with technology driving both its expansion and sophistication. The seamless integration of IT innovations has revolutionised how businesses and consumers interact in the digital marketplace, making e-commerce an integral part of the modern economy.
At DISTED College, Foundation in Science students enrolled in the e-commerce course are tasked with applying their classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios by developing a start-up business concept. As part of their coursework, they create posters that outline their start-up business ideas, using the theories and tools learned throughout the lectures. The culmination of this project involves launching and managing an online store, where students must demonstrate their understanding of key e-commerce principles and the use of IT to enhance the user experience.
In the early stages of e-commerce, fundamental technologies like Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption were crucial in enabling the creation of online stores and facilitating secure transactions. These advancements laid the foundation for what has now become a highly dynamic and secure digital commerce environment. By allowing safe exchanges of information and protecting sensitive data, SSL helped build consumer trust in online shopping.
The students acknowledge the vital relationship between IT and e-commerce, recognising that e-commerce’s evolution has directly influenced IT innovations. As consumer demands for faster, more secure, and personalised online shopping experiences grow, IT has continuously developed advanced technologies to meet these needs. Modern innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, machine learning, and cloud computing are being integrated into e-commerce platforms to enhance functionality, optimise the customer experience, and streamline operations. Mobile commerce (m-commerce) and social commerce (s-commerce) have further revolutionised the way businesses engage with customers, creating opportunities for more personalised marketing, customer support, and transaction systems.
In essence, e-commerce and IT are two industries that co-evolve and innovate in tandem. The growth of one fuels advancement in the other, creating a feedback loop of technological development and commercial expansion. As students embark on their own e-commerce ventures, they not only engage with this symbiotic relationship but also become contributors to the future of digital business and technological progress. This project exemplifies how modern e-commerce cannot exist without the continual progression of IT, and vice versa. Through these experiences, students develop an understanding of how technology drives business, shaping the future of both industries.
Nurul Annisa Binti Azhar, Lecturer, School of Computing and Engineering
Advancing Sustainable Energy: Malaysia's Biodiesel Potential and Policy Shift
Biodiesel and ethanol are both widely used biofuels globally. Biodiesel specifically refers to fuels that can substitute for diesel and are typically derived from vegetable oils or animal fats. In Malaysia, however, only biodiesel is manufactured due to the impracticality of ethanol production. With the country’s abundant palm oil feedstock, biodiesel presents substantial potential for diversifying away from traditional fossil fuels.
Previously, diesel prices were heavily subsidised, making biodiesel less appealing due to its higher costs. This landscape has now shifted: when produced optimally, biodiesel can compete in cost with fossil diesel, currently priced around RM3.35 per liter. The government has adjusted its policy by removing the blanket subsidy for diesel and launching the B20 program, which mandates a 20% blend of palm-based biodiesel in diesel for transportation. This policy shift provides an opportunity to reassess the nation’s biodiesel roadmap.
Biodiesel’s notably lower carbon intensity compared to fossil diesel also supports greenhouse gas reduction efforts. By strengthening the biodiesel mandate, Malaysia can accelerate its carbon emissions reduction in line with the country’s net-zero carbon goal by 2050.
At DISTED College, Chemistry students are exposed to this real-world application, gaining insights into sustainable energy solutions.
Dr Loo Ai Yin, Senior Lecturer, School of Pre-University Studies
Essential Skills for Effective Project Management
In today’s dynamic business landscape, project management is essential for achieving organizational goals, as projects often involve complex tasks and cross-functional collaboration. Effective project managers are highly valued, especially with technological advancements driving rapid change. Key skills include strong interpersonal abilities, which are critical for assembling the right team, fostering motivation, and ensuring smooth communication. Managing stakeholder expectations, resource negotiation, and conflict resolution are also vital for project success. At DISTED College, students acquire both theoretical and practical project management skills by engaging in real-world business projects. This hands-on approach not only strengthens their technical and strategic abilities but also prepares them to meet workplace challenges effectively. By graduation, they possess the project management expertise needed to excel in their careers, giving them a competitive edge in the job market. Practical experience in project management thus proves invaluable as students transition into professional roles.
Elaine Chan, Senior Lecturer, School of Business & Hospitality
Educational Visit to SPRM Penang: Students Gain Insight into Anti-Corruption Efforts and Public Integrity
On 6th November 2024, a group from DISTED College, comprising 29 students and three lecturers (Noriah, Nuraisya Najwa, and Fatin Alia), visited the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) in Penang. This educational trip, alongside the KIAR Module, provided an invaluable learning experience on the pivotal role SPRM plays in combating corruption in Malaysia.
The highlight of the visit was a sharing session led by Tuan Delvider Singh, a veteran officer with 20 years of experience in the commission. He offered students an in-depth understanding of anti-corruption strategies, challenges faced by SPRM, and real-life case studies that underscored the importance of integrity in governance.
The students engaged in an interactive dialogue, deepening their understanding of law enforcement complexities and gaining insights into public service, with an emphasis on careers in public integrity and ethical practices. Additionally, DISTED students had the unique opportunity to tour key facilities, including the OKT (Orang Kena Tahan) detention area and the Investigation Audio Room (Konti Penyiasatan), guided by Investigation Officer Puan Atikah.
Noriah Kallanjiam, Lecturer, School of Language and Communication
Think Pink and Learn How Early Detection Can Save Lives This Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? It’s a time to reflect on a disease affecting millions of women globally, including here in Malaysia. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In Malaysia, one in 19 women is at risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime, highlighting the importance of awareness and early detection.
Early detection significantly improves survival rates for breast cancer. For those diagnosed at Stage 1, survival rates are nearly 90%, but this drops to below 25% at Stage 4. This stark contrast emphasizes the necessity of regular screenings. Many women may not initially experience symptoms, which makes regular breast cancer screenings essential for early diagnosis.
In high-income countries, 9 out of 10 breast cancer patients survive beyond 10 years, while in Malaysia, only 5 out of 10 women reach this milestone. This disparity is often due to late detection and delayed access to treatment—factors that can be mitigated through better awareness and proactive healthcare.
To everyone, it’s never too early to prioritise your health. Regular self-examinations and encouraging others to stay vigilant about breast health can make a significant difference. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a call to action, reminding us that early detection saves lives and that supporting one another in this journey is more important than ever.
The School of Psychology wishes you good health and encourages everyone to take a moment on this Breast Cancer Awareness Month to prioritise self-care and support one another.
Syahirah Farwin Binti Sarkuna Mohamed Azhari, Lecturer & Counselor, School of Psychology
