Striking Balance: Delwina Cheah Wins Gold While Preparing for Finals
Striking Balance: Delwina Cheah Wins Gold While Preparing for Finals
From 11–13 April 2025, I had the honour of representing DISTED College at the Penang Invitational Judo Championship in Bayan Lepas, where I won gold in the junior women’s -57kg category. The tournament brought together athletes from various Southeast Asian countries and Australia, creating a highly competitive environment that pushed every participant to their limits.
What made this achievement even more meaningful was the timing — it coincided with the final week of the semester, a period packed with assignment deadlines, project submissions, and intensive revision. Balancing daily training sessions, travel, competition, and academic responsibilities tested my discipline, time management, and mental resilience like never before.
Looking back, I am incredibly proud of how I handled the week’s demands. Winning gold under these circumstances has given me renewed confidence as I now turn my full attention to preparing for final exams. My goal remains clear: to graduate with First Class Honours.
This experience has been a powerful reminder that resilience, balance, and self-belief are not just ideals, but essential skills for both sport and life. I am grateful to be part of a college that encourages students to excel beyond the classroom, and I am motivated to continue making DISTED proud — both on the mat and in my academic journey.
Delwina Cheah Kah Yan
Student, Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)
Remarks from the President
Competition
On Thursday, 24 April 2025, the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) cohort celebrated the successful completion of their examinations and the announcement of their results. The next phase of their education journey begins. Our Counsellors and senior Academics in the Pre-University Programmes have been actively sharing information on the various pathways available, whether project-based or examination-based.
This weekend, on 3 and 4 May, the sharing continues at the Malaysia Education Fair (MEF) at SPICE. Colleges and universities will compete for the best students, while students will compete for limited places at top institutions.
Meanwhile, on campus, our Pre-University STEM team hosted the Penang State Physics Olympiad Test at the Heritage Hall. Our student, Teng Jia Xin, has been selected to represent Malaysia at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in Mumbai this August.
Our Kelab Penyayang representatives also participated in the National-Level competition in Kuala Lumpur, pitching for seed funding to start a social enterprise on autism, competing against 25 other colleges and universities. Come visit us at MEF at SPICE this weekend.
“Competing is exciting; winning is exhilarating.” — Sebastian Coe
Dato’ Lim Si Boon
Interim President
Penang’s Young Business Minds Shine at DISTED’s Inter-school Challenge
On 12 April 2025, DISTED College’s School of Business and Hospitality proudly hosted the Inter-school Business Challenge 2025 at its Heritage Hall. The event welcomed 20 student participants from secondary schools across Penang Island, offering them a valuable opportunity to explore entrepreneurship with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. This challenge invited students to develop product concepts that promoted environmental responsibility. Each team was required to present a clear marketing strategy, cost projection, and product design. The ideas were evaluated by two highly experienced judges in the fields of business management and cost planning, whose constructive feedback provided essential insights and learning for all involved.
Following a series of impressive presentations, SMJK Perempuan China Pulau Pinang claimed first place with their thoughtful and well-articulated business plan. SMK Convent Green Lane earned second place for their insightful proposal and confident presentation. SMK (L) Methodist came in third, presenting a creative solution with a strong cost analysis. This event was more than a competition. It served as a meaningful platform for students to enhance their communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills while championing sustainability through entrepreneurship.
The Inter-school Business Challenge 2025 reflects DISTED College’s ongoing commitment to experiential learning, environmental awareness, and youth development. The initiative created space for future leaders to collaborate, innovate, and prepare for the realities of the business world.
Nur Aisya Najwa Amerrudin,
Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
From Hostel Dreams to Honours List: My DISTED Journey
When I first came to DISTED College, I didn’t have big academic ambitions. I chose the college mainly because I loved the campus atmosphere — and yes, the hostel! I remember telling my lecturer on day one that the view had won me over. Coming from a pure science background, I was not sure if I even belonged in Mass Communication, but my experience here changed everything.
The course is active, creative, and engaging. From writing scripts and analysing ads to organising events and presenting ideas, I enjoy every part of the learning process. I see that Mass Communication is more than just theory, it is something real and exciting. Outside of class, I work part-time to support myself. Some nights I am working late and still trying to finish my assignments. Balancing everything is difficult, and there are moments when I feel overwhelmed, but I stay consistent, take things one day at a time, and try to stay curious. Coffee definitely helps too.
Now, I find myself on the President’s Honours List. It feels surreal. I am proud, and incredibly thankful to my lecturers for their patience, and to my parents for being my biggest cheerleaders. Being a student at DISTED is not just about classes and grades. It is about growth, discovery, and resilience. This college helps me find not just direction, but confidence too.
If I can go from “I came for the hostel” to “I made the Honours List,” then I believe others can do it too.
Allisya Nurrudainy Binti Sazali
Student, Diploma in Mass Communication
Chew Yong Peng Joins DISTED College: Championing Student Wellbeing and Psychological Resilience
Chew Yong Peng recently joined the School of Psychology at DISTED College as a Lecturer and Student Experience Officer. He brings a strong academic foundation and a compassionate approach to mental health and education. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Counselling at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Yong holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Psychology from Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
He has gained practical experience across various mental health settings, including psychiatric clinics, special needs centres, and NGOs. His work has involved supporting children with autism, conducting supervised counselling sessions for individuals facing emotional and psychological challenges, and facilitating group therapy workshops.
Yong also holds a Basic Certificate in Hypnotherapy, enhancing his ability to integrate evidence-based, alternative approaches when appropriate. He has participated in professional training on trauma, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for insomnia, crisis management, and psychodynamic therapy.
At DISTED, Yong is committed to contributing both academically and pastorally offering guidance, mentorship, and support while promoting mental health awareness and resilience among students.
Raziah binti Ehia Mohd
HR and Admin Executive
Human Resources & Administration
Exploring Nature, Strengthening Bonds: A Day at the Penang Botanical Gardens
As part of the Foundation in Science (FIS) programme at DISTED College, students recently embarked on a field trip to the Penang Botanical Gardens, accompanied by their lecturer, Dr. Kam Yew Chee. The visit served not only as an opportunity for botanical learning, but also as a refreshing outdoor experience that brought together students from different intakes.
The outing provided a real-world context to classroom topics, as students explored the diverse flora of the gardens. They identified various plant groups, including gymnosperms, angiosperms, monocotyledons, and dicotyledons, deepening their understanding of plant classification. Lew Yu Zhe shared that “the gardens provided a real-life botanical experience, allowing us to observe firsthand the fascinating world of plants.” Some students also tried their hand at catching fish in the nearby river—while challenging, it taught them the value of patience and careful observation.
Beyond the academic component, the trip offered moments of leisure and connection. Students described the garden as serene and scenic, with lush greenery, hills in the background, and playful monkeys adding to the experience. “It’s a simple spot but a great way to unwind and enjoy nature for a bit,” said Kang Soh Jian, who took time to photograph flowers and insects, appreciating the small wonders often overlooked.
Equally significant was the social aspect of the outing. Woo Pei Qi reflected that it was “a fantastic opportunity to relax and bond with my classmates from different intakes.” Lunch at the end of the visit became a highlight—an informal gathering where stories were shared and friendships deepened.
For many, the field trip was not just educational but rejuvenating—a much-needed break from academic routines and an experience that left them feeling more connected to nature and their peers. It was a day marked by discovery, reflection, and community—one that will remain a memorable part of their journey through the FIS programme.
Lew Yu Zhe, Kang Soh Jian & Woo Pei Qi
Students of Foundation in Science
You Are Not Alone: Mental Health Support Is Just a Call Away
At DISTED College, we care deeply about your mental well-being. In support of this, the School of Psychology has developed a comprehensive infographic that highlights trusted carelines and counselling services available within Penang. These include reputable NGOs offering a range of support options through a phone call, WhatsApp, or face-to-face counselling sessions by appointment.
The infographic is your go-to mental health resource: easy to understand, accessible, and designed to help you find the right support when you need it most. It serves as a reminder that no issue is too small to talk about — whether it’s stress, anxiety, sadness, or simply feeling lost on a rough day.
If you’re a DISTED student, remember that you’re also entitled to campus-based counselling support. You can book a confidential session through the SIS portal or by emailing counselling@disted.edu.my.
Mental health matters and so do you. Reach out, speak up, and take care
Chew Yong Peng
Counsellor & Lecturer, School of Psychology
