Remarks from the President
Dear DISTED Community,
It’s been an eventful week for us all at DISTED College with our lecturers and students participating in two major events in Penang and Kuala Lumpur simultaneously.
We had the pleasure of hosting the NAWEM Penang Health Carnival 2026 at our campus last Saturday. Held in support of the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia’s efforts to promote health awareness, encourage preventive care, and inspire healthier living, the event was part of our many community outreach and engagement programmes.
Meanwhile, our School of Psychology students attended the Malaysian Psychology Student Assembly (MAPSA) hosted by HELP University in Kuala Lumpur. There, our students presented their papers as well as discovered the latest developments in psychology through lectures and presentations.
Both events reflect DISTED College’s Learning Impact Approach to our Community, which brings students, faculty members and the wider community together to learn from one another, share experiences and grow in an environment where we can live, learn, work and play in harmony.
For our students, especially, they had the opportunity to widen their horizons by attending a conference to both share and learn from experts and aspiring students. I hope the success they had in presenting their papers will spur them on to be better and bolder in their journey in psychology after this.
We have also gained valuable insights from hosting the NAVEM Penang Health Carnival and exploring the many opportunities available to women in entrepreneurship, an area that is a key focus at DISTED.
As always, have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
President
Dato’ Dr (h.c) Lim Si Boon
The First Isn't Always the Winner
Apple has finally entered the foldable smartphone market. On 9 September 2026, Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first-ever foldable iPhone. Meanwhile, Samsung has already reached its eighth generation of foldable smartphones. To some, Apple may seem years behind. But does arriving later always mean losing?
Not necessarily. Samsung was among the pioneers of foldable smartphones, taking the early risks and learning from each generation. Apple entered later, with the opportunity to observe the market, learn from existing technology, and develop its own approach. This shows us that being first is not the only path to success.
As students, we often compare ourselves with others. Someone may score higher, speak more confidently, get an internship earlier, or take a leadership role before us. It is easy to think, “I’m already behind.”
But everyone has a different starting point. What matters is what you do with the time you have. Instead of comparing your progress with others, learn from them. Ask questions, accept mistakes, and keep improving.
You don’t have to be first. You just have to keep moving forward.
Ng Wei Xian
Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
Staying Healthy During The Haze
The haze is a recurring environmental concern in Penang that can affect the health and well-being of our community. Poor air quality caused by smoke, dust, and airborne particles may lead to coughing, eye irritation, breathing difficulties, and other respiratory problems. Children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable.
As members of the DISTED College community, we can take simple but important steps to protect ourselves during hazy conditions. Everyone is encouraged to monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) through official sources and reduce outdoor activities when air quality deteriorates. Lecturers, students, and staff should all consider conducting activities indoors and avoid strenuous outdoor exercise during periods of unhealthy air quality.
Wearing a well-fitting face mask is also necessary to help reduce exposure to fine particles when outdoors. Keep windows and doors closed when outdoor air quality is poor, maintain good indoor ventilation where possible, and drink sufficient water throughout the day. Individuals experiencing breathing difficulties, chest discomfort, or persistent coughing should promptly seek medical advice.
Beyond personal protection, the DISTED community can promote environmental awareness by practising responsible waste management, avoiding open burning, and supporting sustainable habits.
By staying informed, taking precautions, and looking out for one another, we can create a healthier and safer campus environment. Together, let us breathe wisely, stay healthy, and care for our DISTED family.
Noriah Kallanjiam
Lecturer, School of Communication, Arts and Multimedia
Lemme Celebrate: Marking A Decade of Empowerment at LemmeLearn
Our School of Psychology recently partnered with the LemmeLearn Empowerment Center – a vocational training programme specially designed to include people with special needs into the community and provide them with the required skills for employment and functional living – to mark the latter’s 10th anniversary.
Held at the Heritage Hall at DISTED College, the Lemme Celebrate event celebrated a decade of empowering individuals, fostering personal growth, and building stronger communities.
Made possible through the collaborative efforts of one of our alumni and colleagues from the LemmeLearn Empowerment Center, who worked closely with the School of Psychology to organise the celebration, the event saw six of our Psychology students actively assist in coordinating activities, facilitating group engagement, and promoting teamwork among participants throughout the celebration.
The interactive sessions encouraged communication, collaboration, and reflected key psychological principles in practice, which gave our students a valuable opportunity in experiential learning.
The partnership between alumni, industry professionals, and current students also showcased the importance of community engagement and lifelong learning with the event serving as a testament to the power of collaboration in creating meaningful experiences and empowering future generations.
Ambalakalidachayini Devi A/P Ravi
Lecturer, School of Psychology
A Lesson in Compassion: DISTED Students Connect with the Community
Members of our Kelab Penyayang recently experienced a truly enlightening visit to the Fo Yi – NKF Dialysis Centre run by the Penang Fo Yi Haemodialysis Society.
The visit helped our members better understand what patients go through during dialysis and how important kidney health is. They also learnt how long each treatment lasts and how much it costs.
In learning about the experiences of the patients, our students gained a deeper appreciation of the importance of compassion, empathy and kindness.
During the visit, Kelab Penyanyang also presented a donation of RM1,500 to the society. The money was raised through the club’s Mooncake Festival Fundraising Project 2026, which was made possible with the support of the entire DISTED community.
Alisha Saffana Binti Ahmad Taiff
Student, School of Pre-University Studies
