Remarks from the President
Happy New Year 2026 to the entire DISTED community! As we begin a new term, our academic and non-academic teams are ready to welcome students back to campus with renewed energy and purpose.
The year starts on a high note with the Degree Programme in collaboration with HELP University, which kicked off its new student orientation on 8 January. This marks the beginning of an exciting academic journey for our students and a year filled with opportunities for growth and achievement.
At DISTED College, we remain committed to our key principles of Excellence, Relevance, and Sustainability. These principles will guide us as we continue to deliver quality education and create meaningful experiences for our students.
Here’s to a successful and inspiring year ahead for everyone in the DISTED community!
President,
Dato’ Lim Si Boon
Navigating 2026 with Purpose and Resilience
In academia, we often view our lives in chapters—new semesters, new modules, and new academic calendars. This January isn’t just a change of date; it is an invitation to redefine what success looks like for us as a community of lifelong learners.
To our students, the world you are entering in 2026 is shifting rapidly. Recent trends show that employers are no longer just looking for a “checklist” of skills; they are looking for Learning Velocity. They want to see how quickly you can adapt to AI-assisted workflows, how you handle the “messy” parts of a project and your resilience.
To our faculty, thank you for being the heartbeat of this institution. In an era where AI can provide information, your role as mentors and facilitators has never been more critical.
Our mission for 2026 is to champion Student-Centred Education where we thrive to nurture adaptability, create safe spaces for failure, and focus on moving forward together.
As we look ahead to the DISTED Open Day (8 – 11 Jan) and the busy semester beyond, let us carry the core values of Integrity, Excellence, and Caring in all we do.
Let 2026 be the year we choose progress over perfection and purpose over performance.
Happy New Year!
Dr Lum Li Sean,
Head, Academic Affairs
January 2026: A New Chapter of Purpose and Resolve
As the curtain closes on 2025, we welcome 2026 as a new chapter guided by determination, reflective wisdom and aspirations that continue to rise. The experiences of the past year have shaped us, providing lessons and a foundation for more strategic and sustainable steps forward. Sustaining success is never effortless, and advancing beyond what has been achieved requires resilience, humility and collective commitment.
The School of Communication, Arts and Multimedia remains steadfast in its mission to strengthen every dimension of our ecosystem – teaching and learning, academic excellence, industry relevance and long-term sustainability. In 2026, we will intensify initiatives that provide students with authentic, hands-on and real-world learning experiences.
Our signature Mic Drop Challenges will continue, including a Short Video Competition on themes such as Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, Gender Equality and Mental Health and Well-being – combining creative excellence with social responsibility.
To broaden outreach, Next Gen Workshops will run across the state, offering practical exposure in photography, 3D design, animation, public speaking, study skills and digital citizenship topics like online harassment and cyberbullying. The DC Live Podcast will continue monthly, fostering dialogue and awareness on communication and media issues.
Moving forward, we will strengthen collaborations with industry and university partners through work-based learning and articulation pathways, anchored by Key Performance Indicators and Key Development Indicators to drive accountability and excellence.
Nadia Jefri,
Head, School of Communication, Arts and Multimedia
2026 Comeback: A Promising Outlook for the School of Pre-University Studies
The year 2026 marks an exciting comeback for the School of Pre-University Studies as we set our sights on renewed growth, strengthened academic pathways and transformative learning experiences. With clear goals and energising expectations, the school is ready to empower students through three flagship programmes: Cambridge A Levels, SACE International, and Foundation Studies.
The Cambridge A Level programme continues to be our hallmark of academic rigour, preparing students for competitive university entry with strong emphasis on analytical thinking and in-depth subject mastery. Alongside it, SACE International offers a progressive, skills-focused pathway where continuous assessments build confidence, independence and essential 21st-century competencies.
Our Foundation Studies programmes will see further enhancements in 2026, offering structured yet flexible routes into various degree fields. With enriched curriculum components, collaborative projects and closer industry linkages, students will gain meaningful exposure and practical readiness for their chosen disciplines.
In the coming year, we aim to strengthen student engagement, broaden academic opportunities, and cultivate a vibrant learning community through competitions, enrichment activities, and leadership initiatives.
With renewed vision and collective commitment, the School of Pre-University Studies looks forward to making 2026 a year of achievement, innovation and exciting opportunities for all.
Geong Chooi Peng
Head of School of Pre-University Studies
Level Up: Gamified, Project-Based, Real-World Learning in 2026
As we step into 2026, the School of Computing and Engineering at DISTED College is poised for a transformative year. Our commitment remains clear – to nurture students not only academically but holistically, with student support and care provided throughout the year to ensure well-being and personal growth.
In 2026, our teaching platforms will be enriched with the latest breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence, ensuring students remain at the forefront of technological progress. Learning will be anchored in project-based approaches that seamlessly connect theory with practical application. Coursework will incorporate real-world scenarios, giving students hands-on experience that mirrors industry challenges. At the same time, gamified assessments will be introduced to make learning in the early semesters engaging and interactive, fostering motivation and deeper understanding.
Students will receive internal training in tools like Microsoft Copilot, Canva AI and Google for Education, equipping them with industry-relevant skills. Beyond the classroom, we will host a Tech Innovation Day and Hackathon, fostering creativity and collaboration. Partnerships with Penang Maths Platform and Digital Penang, along with opportunities to attend external bootcamps, will further broaden exposure. Initiatives such as computing through gaming will make technology accessible and exciting.
This year also emphasises community and industry engagement. Alumni will be invited to share their journeys, guest lectures will bring fresh perspectives and site visits will connect students directly with professional environments. Together, these experiences will prepare our learners to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
2026 marks not a step back, but a bold stride into the future – guided by innovation, strengthened by care and driven by collaboration.
Seethai Subramaniam
Head, School of Computing and Engineering
School of Psychology: Moving Forward with Purpose in 2026
The year 2026 marks a significant turning point for the School of Psychology at DISTED College. With clearer direction and deliberate planning, the school enters the new year focused on strengthening its foundations and moving forward with confidence. Lessons learned from previous years have shaped a more proactive approach, enabling earlier planning and smoother implementation across the academic calendar.
This year, the school is committed to enhancing teaching and learning practices, refining assessment strategies, and embedding Continuous Quality Improvement across all programmes. Programme reviews will be conducted with greater consistency to ensure academic quality, relevance, and positive student learning experiences.
Equally important is the school’s effort to strengthen outreach and engagement initiatives, fostering closer connections with students, partners, and the wider community. Adding to this renewed momentum is the move to the Crosby Building, which represents a fresh start and a modern environment for growth. The team also welcomes a new member in 2026, marking another positive step forward.
With a refreshed environment, an expanding team, and a shared commitment to improvement, the School of Psychology is poised for continued success in 2026 and beyond.
Teoh Ker Hsin,
Programme Lead, School of Psychology
Registry Updates – Serving You Better in 2026
We are excited to share some important updates from the Registry department to enhance your experience this year:
1. Photo Submission for Student Cards
New students can now submit passport-sized photos easily via email to registry@disted.edu.my.
Please follow these guidelines to ensure smooth processing:
- Background: White
- Format: JPEG
- File Size: Minimum 100 KB (photos smaller than this may appear pixelated on your student card)
2. Examination Slip Printing for HELP 课程
- HELP Programme students will now print examination slips from MYPRIDE instead of the SIS Student Portal. This change ensures that your slip reflects the latest course details and matches your results.
- Exam timetables for HELP programmes will still be available on the SIS Student Portal.
3. Request Letters of Certification from Registry(for Students and Alumni)
- Starting 2026, we have enhanced the electronic form for all Registry related requests to make it easily accessible and convenient at your fingertips. You can simply scan the QR code or click on the link. Registry Department Request (For DISTED Community – Students and Alumni Services) – Fill out form
We appreciate your cooperation in following these updates. For any questions, feel free to reach out to us at registry@disted.edu.my.
Let’s make 2026 a great year together!
Registry Department
Kickstart 2026 with Exclusive Opportunities at DISTED!
The new year is here, and DISTED is ready to help students take the next big step in their academic journey. To make this transition easier, we’re introducing a limited-time fee lock-in offer. Students can secure 2025 tuition fees by paying RM1,000, along with RM400 for application and registration fees. This special offer is valid until 8 January 2026, so early action is highly encouraged!
We’re also excited to host Discover DISTED Day (3Ds) from 8 to 11 January 2026. This vibrant campus event promises an engaging experience with a complimentary photography workshop, interactive activities, and attractive prizes. Students who register during 3Ds will enjoy an additional RM500 discount on tuition fees.
Looking ahead, DISTED offers flexible intake options in 2026:
- Diploma & Foundation: January, April, August
- Cambridge A-Levels & SACE: February, April, September
- HELP University Degree Programmes: 一月、五月和八月
Start 2026 with confidence, lock in your fees by 8 January and take advantage of these exciting opportunities. Hurry, this offer won’t last!
Kelvin Lim,
Head of Marketing
