Celebrating a Decade of Excellence: DISTED College’s 10th Anniversary as a PTE Test Centre

DISTED College is proud to announce the celebration of its 10th year as a Pearson Test of English (PTE) Test Centre and the official launch of the newly renovated DISTED College PTE Test Centre on 1 October 2024. 

This significant milestone reflects a decade of dedication to language proficiency testing and a continued commitment to providing opportunities for students and professionals. Since the inception of the PTE Test Centre in 2014, DISTED College has expanded its services, growing from just four seating arrangements to now offering six, with exams available four days a week to meet increasing demand. 

With Pearson’s support and the relentless efforts of its team, DISTED College has successfully established itself as a key centre for English language assessment in Penang and the Northern Region. This year alone, the centre has administered approximately 440 exams, highlighting the trust placed by individuals seeking to advance their academic and career prospects. 

The newly renovated PTE Test Centre symbolises DISTED’s commitment to growth and excellence, ensuring students and professionals have greater access to essential assessments. DISTED College aims to continue empowering individuals to reach their full potential through language proficiency and education. 

Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair, President 

Insightful Educational Visit to McMillan Woods YGL

On 12 September 2024, a group of Diploma in Accounting (DIA) students, accompanied by two accounting lecturers, embarked on an educational visit to the audit firm McMillan Woods YGL. The primary goal of this visit was to offer students a firsthand perspective on the auditing profession, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the day-to-day tasks and work environment of professional auditors. 

The visit proved to be an enriching experience. Ms. Low, the audit partner, shared valuable insights into her role and the firm’s operations. She emphasised that personality and work attitude are crucial factors in the recruitment process. Despite the challenging nature of the job, Ms. Low’s passion and commitment highlighted that these qualities are key to a successful career in auditing. 

The students found the visit highly informative and shared their feedback: 

Calvin Chan Chi Kin: “I gained valuable insights into audit firm operations and the qualifications required for auditors. The auditors highlighted that a positive attitude is valued even more than just having an ACCA qualification, which will be extremely helpful for my future career.” 

Koshilya Riicaa: “The visit gave a comprehensive overview of the firm’s operations and culture. The modern facilities and the engaged staff showcased professionalism and efficiency. The well-organized itinerary covered client interactions, internal processes, and the use of technology. Overall, the experience was positive, providing a clear understanding of the firm’s capabilities and work environment. The professionalism and enthusiasm of the staff made the visit both productive and informative.” 

Kierthika A/P Krishnan: “This visit significantly improved my understanding of real-world expectations and the qualities that employers value. It provided valuable insights into current practices, which will help me in my future career planning.” 

Given the positive feedback from the students, we look forward to organizing more field trips to further enrich their understanding and provide insights into potential career paths. At DISTED, our accounting programs—both diploma and degree—are designed to nurture students into proficient and knowledgeable future auditors and accountants. 

Tong Pei Sun,Senior Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality 

World Mental Health Day 2024

As we mark World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2024, with the theme “Mental Health at Work,” it’s essential to acknowledge how this applies to professional workplaces and academic environments like DISTED College in Penang. The connection between mental health and work is critical for students and employers within the college community. 

Internships, part-time work, and academic pressures can profoundly affect college students’ mental well-being. Managing deadlines, meeting expectations, and transitioning to the workforce can be overwhelming, leading to stress and anxiety. A supportive academic and work environment can act as a protective shield, offering students the resilience they need to thrive. 

For employers and staff at DISTED College, fostering a positive work culture that promotes mental health is equally crucial. Academic staff, administration, and supervisors should prioritize creating safe, inclusive spaces, free from stigma and discrimination. Providing resources, like access to mental health workshops, and counselling services, is vital to ensure well-being for both employees and students. 

By working together, DISTED College can cultivate a healthier, more supportive environment where students are prepared for the future, and staff feel valued and respected. Let’s act today for a brighter and healthier tomorrow. 

Wishing everyone at DISTED 

 College a fulfilling and mentally healthy World Mental Health Day 2024! 

Syahirah Farwin, Lecturer & Counsellor, School of Psychology 

SACEi Biology Fieldwork at Gurney Beach

On September 8, 2024, I joined a team of seven, led by our lecturer, Dr. Kam Yew Chee, as we headed to Gurney Beach, Penang, for a fieldwork mission. Our goal was to gather clams from two different locations—Gurney Beach and the beach behind Wawasan Open University (WOU)—to detect microplastics. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are so small they can’t be seen with the naked eye. Unfortunately, marine life often mistakes these particles for food, and they can accumulate in the food chain, creating serious environmental risks. Since clams are part of the marine food chain, they can also contain microplastics, which can end up in the seafood we eat. Understanding how human activities contribute to pollution and its effect on marine life is essential to addressing this growing issue. 

Vengala Krishnaa Matchakali, Student of SACEi 

Empowering Young Designers: SMK Convent Butterworth Hosts Graphic Design Course

SMK Convent Butterworth recently hosted a graphic design class organised by Penang Maths Platform (PMP) and facilitated by a lecturer from DISTED College, Zaki Zakaria. The eight-week course aimed to nurture young talents by providing students with a comprehensive foundation in the principles of effective visual communication. 

The course focused on essential design concepts, offering students practical, hands-on learning opportunities. Participants were encouraged to apply their knowledge by creating both a poster and a video using Canva, a widely used design tool that simplifies the process of producing professional-quality visual content. 

In addition to the learning experience, the class included a competitive aspect. After completing the intensive course, two groups from SMK Convent Butterworth were selected to advance to the next round, where they will compete in a grand finale. This achievement highlighted the students’ creativity, hard work, and mastery of the design skills taught throughout the program. 

Overall, the graphic design class provided students with valuable insights into the world of design, offering them a competitive edge that could open doors to future opportunities in the creative industry. With the support of PMP and the guidance from the facilitator, these young designers are now well-positioned to explore and develop their artistic talents. 

Zaki bin Zakaria, Lecturer, Creative Multimedia Production,  School of Computing and Engineering 

Creating Joy Through Art: Volunteering at Penang Shine Like Star Association

On 20 June 2024, students from MPU3412P Khidmat Masyarakat dan Ko-Kurikulum participated in a fundraising project and volunteer activities at the Penang Shine Like Star Association. The focus of the visit was to engage with the Baobeis through a handcraft activity, which proved to be a deeply rewarding experience for both volunteers and participants. 

The event was organised by DISTED’s Bachelor of Psychology students in collaboration with volunteers from the Penang Shine Like Star Association. On the day of the visit, the association celebrated the birthdays of children born between April and June. After the festive celebration, the volunteers guided the children through a brain gym session before beginning the handcraft activities. A particularly touching moment came when the children proudly displayed their completed paintings, their joy and pride, a powerful reminder of the impact that creativity and companionship can have. 

This experience underscored the significance of community involvement. Initially aiming to raise RM 500, the team exceeded expectations by collecting RM 928. The success of this project reinforced their commitment to supporting the Special Needs Center. The volunteers left with hearts full of gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose, eagerly anticipating their next opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these remarkable individuals. 

 Teh Ying Xin, Student of Bachelor of Psychology