Reflecting on 2024 and Aspiring for 2025
As 2024 draws to a close, it is a fitting time to reflect on DISTED College’s accomplishments and chart our aspirations for 2025. This year has been transformative, marked by efforts to rebuild strengths, solidify foundations, and progress toward our vision of becoming Penang’s premier institution serving industry and community needs.
In 2024, our students and staff achieved remarkable success across various domains. Our SACEi top student attained an impressive ATAR score of 83.65%, with 14% scoring above 80%, 28% above 70%, 52% above 60%, and 83% receiving an ATAR score. The top subjects with an average score above 50% were for Language Studies, English as an Additional Language, Physics, Psychology and Arts. Our CAL students for 2024 were as impressive, with 33% of the students scoring A*/A across multiple subjects with top performing subjects in Accounting, Psychology, Further Maths, Maths, Chemistry, General Paper, Maths, and Physics. 43% of our students scored A*/A in Maths and Sciences. For our Tracer Studies, more than 80% of our Diploma and Degree students are employed or continuing their studies in 2024.
For the Convocation Class of 2024, 113 students graduated; 50 with a Bachelor Degree and 63 Diplomas. At the Pre-University completion of studies event, 78 of them received their completion letters. 13 students were offered full scholarships from our generous sponsors. The Foundation in Science programme also received full MQA accreditation, reinforcing our commitment to academic excellence.
We expanded our offerings with new degree programmes in collaboration with HELP University, including Accounting, Marketing, and Communication (Media Studies), with IT (Data Analytics) set for January 2025. Additionally, we launched DISTED’s Diploma in Mass Communication in 2024. Infrastructure enhancements, such as a state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio and renovated labs, elevated our learning environment. Students contributed to meaningful initiatives like establishing the national-level “Kelab Penyayang” and showcased creativity at the Excite Hackathon 2024. Notably, 84% of our academic staff hold postgraduate qualifications, with 17% possessing PhDs.
DISTED’s partnership with Pearson’s PTE and British Council’s IELTS registered 619 and 506 students respectively for 2024. Further, DISTED Discourse released an impressive 50 issues of its weekly newsletter in 2024.
Looking ahead to 2025, our focus will include enhancing course offerings, teaching quality, and alumni engagement while prioritising sustainability through resource optimisation and alternate revenue streams. Together, we will step into 2025 with confidence and determination to achieve even greater heights.
Remarks from the President
As we look ahead to 2025, I am filled with optimism about the opportunities that lie before us. Building on the solid foundation we laid in 2024, we will continue to pursue excellence in education, innovation, and community engagement. DISTED College is uniquely positioned to be a beacon of quality and transformation in Penang, and our plans for the coming year reflect this vision.
Our focus in 2025 will centre on three key priorities: revitalising our brand, regaining loyalty, and ensuring sustainability. We will enhance our course offerings to meet evolving industry demands, refine our teaching methodologies to deliver exceptional results, and expand our outreach nationally and internationally. At the same time, we will deepen ties with alumni and community stakeholders to foster a sense of shared purpose and mutual growth.
Innovation remains a cornerstone of our strategy, as we embrace technology to improve learning experiences and administrative processes. Additionally, we are committed to resource optimisation and exploring new revenue streams to ensure long-term viability.
As a united and dynamic team, we will navigate challenges and seize opportunities to solidify DISTED College’s position as a leading institution. Let us step into 2025 with confidence, determination, and the shared goal of shaping a brighter future.
Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair, President
To share or not to share: Tackling Fake News in Malaysia
The problem of fake news has escalated on social media platforms, threatening societal harmony and well-being in Malaysia. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Telegram have become hotspots for sharing unverified information. Examples include fake news on COVID-19 vaccines, 5G technology, scams, and disasters, causing panic and confusion. Fake news often spreads by presenting altered or inaccurate information as legitimate, evoking strong emotions to mislead people. In today’s digital age, many, especially youth, rely on social media for news, making them susceptible to conspiracy theories due to a lack of media literacy. Although AI tools can help detect fake news, they struggle with the complexity of misinformation, leading to serious consequences like health crises, financial losses, and social tensions. To combat this, educational institutions like DISTED College include media literacy in their programs. Courses such as Mass Communication in the Digital Age 和 Digital Journalism 数字新闻学 equip students with critical thinking skills to identify misinformation and foster a well-informed society.
Nadia Jefri, Head, School of Communication and General Studies
Discovering Psychology: A Day with Form 5 Students
On 1 Dec 2024, Disted College’s School of Psychology welcomed Form 5 students for an insightful introduction to psychology. The session aimed to spark their interest by offering brief insights into key psychological concepts through engaging demonstrations.
The students were introduced to three fascinating areas: Electroencephalography (EEG), sand therapy, and art therapy. At the EEG station, they learned how brain activity is measured using this advanced technology. The lecturers explained how EEG tracks brainwaves, helping researchers study mental processes such as focus and relaxation.
During the sand therapy session, students were introduced to how this therapeutic method supports emotional expression. The lecturers explained the significance of creating safe, symbolic representations in the therapeutic process.
At the art therapy station, students gained insight into how creative expression can enhance mental well-being. Through examples and guided explanations, they discovered how colors and artistic elements help individuals communicate emotions and reduce stress.
By sharing these brief yet impactful ideas, the School of Psychology encouraged curiosity and interest in the field. The event highlighted how psychology helps people better understand themselves and others, inspiring potential future psychologists among the students.
Teoh Ker Hsin, Programme Lead, School of Psychology
Nature’s Palette: Exploring the Art and Sustainability of Natural Dyes
Natural dyes, derived from plants, insects, and minerals, have been used for centuries to colour textiles, materials, and even food. Recently, they have gained renewed attention as a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes, which are often detrimental to the environment. Synthetic dyeing processes, reliant on petroleum-based chemicals, release harmful substances into water bodies, leading to significant water pollution, ecosystem damage, and adverse effects on local communities.
One of the key advantages of natural dyes is their eco-friendliness. Unlike synthetic dyes, which contribute to toxic waste and water pollution, natural dyes are biodegradable and have minimal environmental impact. Their production and disposal involve a significantly smaller carbon footprint. Plants such as indigo, madder, and turmeric, as well as insects like cochineal, produce vibrant dyes that are safer for the environment while aligning with sustainability goals.
As global awareness of environmental and health issues grows, natural dyes offer a promising alternative to synthetic options. Beyond their ecological benefits, natural dyes provide aesthetic appeal, offering rich, earthy tones that celebrate tradition and nature’s beauty. Their use represents a meaningful connection to heritage and sustainability, resonating with individuals seeking greener lifestyles.
However, natural dyeing does come with challenges. The process is often time-intensive and requires expertise to achieve consistent and desirable results. Additionally, natural dyes may lack the colourfastness of synthetic dyes, causing them to fade over time. Despite these limitations, their unique appeal continues to inspire innovation and creativity.
This enthusiasm for natural dyes has sparked the interest of the SACEi Southern Hemisphere students (Class of 2024), who are embarking on an exploration of nature’s colour palette as part of their Investigation Folio. Through this journey, they aim to delve into the science, tradition, and artistry of natural dyeing, embracing sustainability and the timeless allure of natural colours.
Dr. Kam Yew Chee, Senior Lecturer, School of Pre-University Studies
Beyond the Books: How DISTED’s Accounting Program Transformed Learning in 2024
In 2024, DISTED College’s Accounting programme made significant strides by offering students enriching learning experiences that extend beyond traditional classroom settings. These initiatives highlighted skills far beyond the usual pen-and-calculator work.
Students embarked on an educational trip to Taiping, where they visited Antong Coffee, Spritzer, mushroom, and charcoal factories, gaining insights into diverse industries. They also engaged in practical learning at McMillan Woods and ZW Packaging, bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.
Beyond academics, students participated in experiential activities, such as the Urban Wetland Explorace at the Botanical Garden and a greening project at SJKC Yeok Hua. Their dedication to community service was evident as they volunteered their time and skills at Pusat Pendidikan Autism Pulau Pinang.
Leadership opportunities also came their way, with students taking on the role of emcees at college events, including the Deepavali lunch celebration. They showcased their competitive edge by participating in the prestigious National Inter-Varsity Accounting Quiz (N-IVAQ) 2024, reflecting their academic rigor and teamwork.
DISTED’s Diploma and Bachelor of Accounting programmes aim to deliver a holistic education, equipping students with practical skills, industry exposure, and a strong sense of social responsibility. With 2025 on the horizon, even more exciting initiatives await!
Adznida Md Daud, Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
Innovating Career Paths: DISTED Hackathon 2024 Empowers Student Creativity
The DISTED Hackathon, held online over four weeks in October, brought together students with a mission to design a subject-based career exploration site. Partnering with Creador Foundation, the event focused on their Schola website’s user-centred design, aiming to innovate career-matching processes for secondary students.
Participants, divided into two teams, navigated through weekly tasks that included user research, prototyping, and user testing. Week 1 emphasised qualitative user research, followed by quantitative surveys in Week 2. In Week 3, students translated findings into user stories and brainstormed web designs. The final week culminated in prototyping, where students demonstrated creativity and technical prowess.
Both groups excelled with their scientific experiment concept. Their prototype, which matched careers to multiple subjects through an engaging and interactive interface, featured dynamic elements such as a drag-and-drop beaker interaction and an uplifting “No Results” page that showcased fun facts. Their intuitive user flow and adherence to Schola’s branding further underscored their commitment to quality design.
Feedback highlighted both groups ability to empathise with users, creating practical navigation options and a seamless journey from subject selection to job matching. Judges praised their detailed, interactive prototype and thoughtful features, such as multiple user paths and clear screen annotations.
Students described the experience as challenging yet rewarding. Words like “informative,” “fun,” and “intriguing” reflected their enthusiasm, with many noting improved skills in prototyping, user research, and collaboration.
This hackathon showcased the talent and innovation of DISTED students, preparing them to tackle real-world challenges while fostering teamwork and creativity. It was an inspiring journey of learning and accomplishment.
Seethai Subramaniam, Head, School of Computing and Engineering
