Remarks from the President
Dear DISTED Community,
A big part of DISTED’s mission is to be an integral part of the Penang community. This week, DISTED continued its collaboration with JPN, schools under JPN, and MAGGI, as the School of Business and Hospitality hosted the finals of the MAGGI Secondary School Cooking Competition 2026.
We would like to express our appreciation to MAGGI for its generous support in nurturing the next generation of chefs, as well as to the talented young chefs from the participating JPN schools. The smooth execution of the programme was made possible through the dedication and teamwork of Dr Lum and her team from DISTED, En Azahari and his team from MAGGI, and En Rusdan from JPN. A special thank you goes to Pengarah, Tuan Haji Mohamad Dziauddin, and Tuan Fadzil, Deputy Pengarah, Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Pulau Pinang, for their valuable support.
Today, we also celebrate the culmination of our Speechcraft Programme, which was designed to build our students’ confidence in public speaking. Students who joined the programme with a degree of shyness demonstrated remarkable confidence and growth upon its completion. The programme, conducted in collaboration with Toastmasters, has been a rewarding journey for all involved. A special thank you to Jessica, our Registrar, for her leadership in making this initiative a success.
President
Dato’ Dr (h.c) Lim Si Boon
A Tribute to Dato’ Leela
By Dato’ Ariff, General Manager, Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (PENYAYANG)
Dato’ Leela has been a strong supporter of education. Through Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (PENYAYANG), the team led by her has established Kelab Penyayang in higher education institutions, encouraging students to participate in community and service activities, while also providing scholarships to those in need.
DISTED College collaborated with PENYAYANG to establish Kelab Penyayang at the College, further extending this meaningful initiative. The partnership was further strengthened with the establishment of the Tun Endon Scholarship, supporting students in their pursuit of higher education.
Dato’ Leela Mohd Ali – My Mentor, My Mother, My Confidant, My Friend
There are some people in our lives whom we can describe by their position, their achievements or the titles they carried. And then there are people like Dato’ Leela Mohd Ali.No title could ever adequately describe what she meant to me. Yes, she was the CEO of Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia. She was a leader. She was respected. She was strong, determined and incredibly passionate about the work she did.
But to me, she was so much more. She was my mentor. She was like a mother to me. She was my confidant. And most importantly, she was my friend. Dato’ Leela was truly a larger-than-life personality. She had presence. She had energy. She had opinions and she was never afraid to share them! Those of us who knew her well will smile at that.
She could be tough. She could be demanding. She could tell you exactly what she thought, whether you were ready to hear it or not. But beneath that strength was an incredibly caring heart. She cared deeply about people. She cared about PENYAYANG. She cared about the people we served, particularly those going through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. And when she cared about you personally, she cared completely. That was the Dato’ Leela I knew.
Our relationship went far beyond work. There were conversations about PENYAYANG, programmes, budgets, problems and the hundred other things that came with our responsibilities. But there were also conversations about life. About family. About disappointments. About people. About our hopes, our frustrations and sometimes our fears. There were moments of laughter. There were disagreements. There were moments when she advised me, moments when she scolded me, and probably moments when she wondered why I wasn’t listening to her in the first place. And today, strangely, I would give anything to have one more of those conversations. One more piece of advice. One more disagreement. One more laugh. One more phone call. Because when someone has been such a constant presence in your life, you somehow believe they will always be there. Until one day, they are not. And that is perhaps the hardest part of losing someone like Dato’ Leela.
I have lost people in my life, as we all have. But some losses are different. This one is different. Because I did not simply lose a colleague or a CEO. I lost someone who helped shape the person I became. She believed in me. She guided me. She corrected me when I needed correcting. She stood by me. And through the years, somewhere between all the work, the arguments, the laughter, the challenges and the countless conversations, she became family.
There are things she taught me that I probably did not realise she was teaching me at the time. She taught me that leadership is not about sitting in a position. It is about caring enough to take responsibility. She taught me that if something matters, you fight for it. She taught me that compassion must be translated into action. And perhaps most importantly, she taught me that you can be strong and still have an enormous heart.
That was how she lived. Dato’ Leela did not live quietly. She lived fully. She loved fiercely. She fought hard for what she believed in. She left her mark on people. And she certainly left her mark on me. Today, when I look at PENYAYANG, I see her everywhere. In the work that continues. In the people whose lives have been touched. In the values she defended. In the causes she championed. And in those of us who were fortunate enough to walk alongside her.
Her chair may now be empty, but her presence is not gone. Her voice remains in my head. And her memory remains in our hearts. For me personally, I know there will continue to be moments when something happens and my first instinct will be, “I need to tell Dato’ Leela.” And then I will remember. Those moments will hurt. But perhaps, with time, they will also make me smile. Because how fortunate was I to have had someone in my life whom I could turn to like that? Someone I could trust. Someone I could argue with. Someone I could laugh with. Someone I could seek advice from. Someone I could call a mentor, a mother, a confidant and a friend.
Dato’ Leela, I don’t know whether I ever told you enough how much you meant to me. Perhaps we always think there will be another day to say these things. So let me say them now. Thank you. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for guiding me. Thank you for putting up with me. Thank you for the laughter, the lessons, the arguments and the memories. Thank you for being there during the good days and the difficult ones. Thank you for being part of my life. I will miss you more than words can properly express. But I also know that the best way I can honour you is not simply by remembering you. It is by carrying forward what you stood for. To continue the work. To care for people. To fight for those who need someone to fight for them. And to make sure that PENYAYANG continues to live up to the name and the values you gave so much of your life to. Dato Leela left behind something so much more precious too. She left a little bit of herself in each of us who loved her. And a very big part of her will always remain in me.
Rest well, Dato’ Leela. You have done your part. You have touched lives. You have made a difference. And you were deeply, deeply loved. I will miss you, my mentor. I will miss you, my confidant. I will miss you, my friend. And I will miss you as I would miss a mother.
Al-Fatihah. May Allah SWT forgive her shortcomings, accept all the good she did in this world, grant her the highest place in Jannah, and give all of us who loved her the strength to carry on.
Until we meet again.
Yours always,
Ariff Farhan Doss
General Manager
Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (Penyayang)
DISTED Successfully Completes MOTAC Audit
DISTED College recently hosted an audit conducted by officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Penang, comprising Mr Rohaizad bin Abu Hasan, Mr Mohd Hafizzudin bin Mohd Yusoff, and Madam Revathy a/p Muruvin.
The audit reaffirmed DISTED’s compliance as a certified provider of higher education programmes in the tourism and hospitality sector, including the Diploma in Hotel Management and the College’s Edu-Tourism initiatives. The successful completion of the audit reflects DISTED’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high educational standards, regulatory compliance, and quality programme delivery.
The evaluation provided an opportunity for constructive discussions between DISTED and MOTAC on matters relating to industry collaboration, programme relevance, and talent development. Emphasis was placed on the importance of producing qualified, competent, and industry-ready graduates who can contribute meaningfully to the continued growth and development of Malaysia’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
As the industry continues to evolve, partnerships between educational institutions and regulatory bodies play a crucial role in ensuring academic programmes remain aligned with industry expectations and national workforce requirements. Through continuous quality assurance and engagement with key stakeholders, DISTED strives to provide students with relevant learning experiences that prepare them for successful careers.
DISTED College extends its appreciation to the MOTAC audit team for their valuable insights and professional engagement throughout the visit.
The College remains committed to working closely with MOTAC Penang and industry partners to uphold educational excellence, strengthen programme quality, and ensure graduates are well-prepared to become future leaders in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Dr Lum Li Sean
Head, Academic Affairs
From DISTED to Tsinghua University: A Journey of Discovery and Purpose
For many students, finding the right path towards their future career is a journey of exploration and growth. For Teo Yulim, a former A-Level student at DISTED College, that journey ultimately led him to Tsinghua University, one of China’s most prestigious universities.
Today, Yulim is pursuing a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering after successfully completing his Bachelor’s degree in Energy and Power Engineering at Tsinghua University. His academic achievements reflect not only strong dedication and intellectual curiosity but also a willingness to embrace challenges and continuously pursue his goals.
Although his time at DISTED was relatively brief and coincided with the uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, it proved to be a significant period of personal and academic development. Like many students, Yulim faced questions about his future direction while navigating the demands of the A-Level programme. However, the supportive learning environment at DISTED provided him with the opportunity to reflect on his interests and aspirations.
Yulim attributes much of this growth to the encouragement he received from lecturers, the friendships he built with classmates, and the flexibility that enabled him to remain focused during a challenging period. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “A-Levels were tough, and I wasn’t always sure where I was headed. But thanks to supportive lecturers, great friends, and a flexible schedule, I had the space to reflect and figure out what I truly wanted for my future.”
His story demonstrates how education extends beyond academic achievement. It is also about discovering purpose, building confidence, and developing the determination to pursue ambitious goals.
DISTED College is proud to have been part of Yulim’s journey and wishes him continued success in his academic and professional pursuits.
Dr Tan Fuyi
Senior Lecturer, School of Pre-University
Smart Contracts: The Future of Secure E-Commerce
Foundation in Science students recently explored the transformative potential of blockchain technology and smart contracts in the E-Commerce subject through an engaging classroom discussion and presentation activity.
The session focused on how smart contracts may shape the future of e-commerce by creating safer, more transparent, and more efficient digital transactions. Students examined the concept of smart contracts as digital agreements that automatically execute once predetermined terms and conditions are fulfilled. By leveraging blockchain technology, these contracts enable secure and tamper-resistant record-keeping, enhancing transparency and trust between parties involved in online transactions.
During their presentations, students highlighted several advantages of smart contracts in modern e-commerce environments. These included increased security, automated transaction processing, reduced reliance on intermediaries, lower operational costs, faster transaction completion, and improved accountability. Students also discussed how blockchain-based transaction records can provide a clear and traceable history of exchanges, helping to minimise misunderstandings and disputes between buyers and sellers.
Through the analysis of practical e-commerce scenarios, students gained a deeper understanding of how emerging technologies can address challenges faced by digital businesses and consumers. The activity encouraged them to evaluate the real-world applications of blockchain while considering its potential impact on future online payment systems and commercial operations.
Beyond developing technical knowledge, the exercise strengthened students’ critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and presentation skills. It also provided an opportunity to connect classroom concepts with evolving industry trends and innovations.
By exploring technologies such as blockchain and smart contracts, DISTED College continues to equip students with relevant knowledge and future-ready skills, preparing them to navigate and contribute to an increasingly digital and technology-driven economy.
Nanthini Pattabiraman
Lecturer, School of Computing & Engineering
Speechcraft Session 3: The Power of Evaluation and Receiving Feedback
Speechcraft Session 3 at DISTED College provided students with valuable insights into one of the most important aspects of effective communication: delivering constructive evaluations and receiving feedback positively.
The session emphasised that evaluation is not about criticism, but about helping others recognise their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and develop greater confidence. Through an interactive workshop, participants were introduced to a practical evaluation framework centred on four key elements: observation, analysis, recommendation, and encouragement.
A highlight of the session was an evaluation speech delivered by Mr Wilson Loo, President of Great2B Toastmasters Club, who demonstrated how thoughtful and constructive feedback can motivate speakers to grow and improve. Students then had the opportunity to apply what they had learned through a hands-on “Evaluate the Evaluator” activity, which encouraged active participation, critical thinking, and immediate application of new concepts.
The reflection session provided meaningful insights into the impact of the programme. Students shared how they intended to use the evaluation framework beyond Speechcraft, including in conversations with family and friends, while one participant expressed plans to apply the approach with her own students. These reflections highlighted how effective feedback is an essential life skill that contributes to stronger relationships, leadership development, and greater self-awareness.
The enthusiasm, openness, and willingness of students to learn from one another were key highlights of the session. Through initiatives such as Speechcraft, DISTED College continues to support the development of confident communicators, collaborative learners, and future leaders who understand the value of constructive communication in both personal and professional settings.
Dr Alicia Kang
Facilitator, Speechcraft Session 3
Dr Alicia
Sam
Dorothy
Jian Zhe
Yong Min
George
Every Hero Begins as a Student
With the release of the latest Spider-Man movie, many of us will once again follow the story of Peter Parker as he protects his city and overcomes extraordinary challenges. Yet before he became Spider-Man, he was something far more relatable, a student trying to navigate the complexities of everyday life.
Peter Parker’s journey resonates with many students because it reflects experiences that are both familiar and universal. He worried about assignments, struggled to balance responsibilities, made mistakes, and often questioned whether he could succeed. Like many young people, he faced uncertainty about his future and learned important lessons through trial and error.
Students often assume that successful individuals have everything figured out from the beginning. However, Peter Parker’s story reminds us that growth often starts in moments of uncertainty. His strength was not defined by superpowers alone, but by his resilience, determination, and willingness to keep moving forward despite setbacks.
While most students will never battle fictional villains, they encounter challenges of their own. Procrastination, fear of failure, self-doubt, financial pressures, and the expectations of others can sometimes feel overwhelming. These obstacles may not appear dramatic, but they require courage, discipline, and perseverance to overcome.
Every leader, entrepreneur, professional, and changemaker begins somewhere. Success is rarely achieved overnight but is built through daily actions, consistent effort, and a commitment to personal growth.
As students continue their educational journey, it is important to remember that every hero starts as an ordinary person with aspirations and challenges. The decisions made today, both big and small, play a significant role in shaping the future.
Ng Wei Xian
Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
