Outstanding Success in DISTED College's Cambridge A-Level Oct/Nov 2024 Results
The much-anticipated release of the Cambridge A-Level (CAL) October/November 2024 examination results on January 9, 2025, marked a moment of immense pride and celebration for DISTED College. This year’s results highlighted remarkable achievements and the unwavering dedication of students, parents, and educators.
Achieving a stellar 100% pass rate in six key subjects—Accounting, Economics, Further Mathematics, Law, Physics, and Psychology—showcases the extraordinary efforts and perseverance of both students and teachers throughout this rigorous programme. Among the many high achievers, several students stood out as Top Scorers:
- Zenith Yap – 4A*
- Yeoh Chun Xiang – 3A* 1A
- Edwin Chuah Wei Han – 3A*
- Chan Xian Hong – 4A
These exceptional students have set a new standard of excellence, reflecting their dedication and the supportive learning environment provided by DISTED College.
Looking at the overall performance for the 2024 CAL cohort, the results were equally impressive. A notable 33% of students scored A*/A across multiple subjects, with top-performing disciplines including Accounting, Psychology, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Chemistry, General Paper, and Physics. Additionally, 43% of students achieved A*/A grades in Mathematics and Sciences, further emphasizing their exceptional aptitude in these challenging fields.
This year’s achievements reaffirm DISTED College’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic education. Congratulations to all CAL students for their outstanding results, and heartfelt gratitude to the educators and families who supported them. We are confident these achievers will continue to shine as they embark on their next academic and professional journeys. Well done, and may your futures be as bright as your achievements!
Geong Chooi Peng,Head, School of Pre-University Studies
Remarks from the President
At DISTED College, academic excellence is a defining principle and a reflection of our dedication to nurturing well-rounded, high-achieving individuals. Our unwavering focus on quality education ensures that students are prepared to excel academically and equipped with the skills and mindset to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
This commitment to excellence is evident in the consistent achievements of our students, whose accomplishments demonstrate the strength of our teaching methods, the dedication of our faculty, and the supportive environment we cultivate. These successes are not just numbers; they are the stories of ambition, perseverance, and the transformative power of education.
At the heart of our approach is a belief in holistic development. Beyond academic results, we aim to inspire every student’s intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for lifelong learning. We also recognise the vital role of parents, educators, and the broader DISTED community in fostering an ecosystem that drives success.
As we celebrate the achievements of our students, we remain committed to maintaining and enhancing this culture of excellence. Together, we will continue to empower future leaders and changemakers, ensuring that DISTED graduates make meaningful contributions to society and the world.
Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair , President
Nurturing Talent: A Recipe for Success in Visual Art
In education, nothing is more satisfying than seeing students excel. Recently, one of my students achieved outstanding success in her visual art project for SACE Visual Arts-Art, earning well-deserved recognition nationally for her work. Her classmates also performed remarkably well. Reflecting on their year-long journey, their success stemmed from a combination of their dedication, a student-centred teaching approach, and a supportive learning environment. I would like to share the “recipe” that contributed to their achievement.
Every successful project starts with a solid foundation in the fundamentals. I guided my students through core artistic concepts like composition and colour theory and introduced them to various art movements which we explored further during a visit to an art exhibition. To enhance their technical skills, we explored a range of mediums, including painting, mixed media, and digital art, allowing them to discover where their passions and strengths aligned. This process equipped them with the confidence and tools to express their ideas effectively.
One of the most valuable lessons I emphasised was the importance of storytelling in visual art. Powerful art doesn’t just look good; it evokes emotion, shares a story, or challenges perceptions. I often asked them, “What do you want your work to say?” This simple yet thought-provoking question encouraged them to reflect on their thoughts, experiences, and values. I firmly believe that every student has unique ways of expressing themselves. By connecting their work to their identities, their art became more authentic, meaningful, and impactful.
Reflections on the Social Psychology Journey
As we conclude this semester’s social psychology module, I reflect on the incredible growth and engagement shown by our students. This course explored how our thoughts, behaviours, and emotions are influenced by social forces such as group dynamics, cultural norms, and stereotypes. Watching students connect these concepts to their own lives has been truly inspiring.
Topics like conformity, social identity, and persuasion sparked deep reflection, helping students better understand themselves and their interactions. Many shared personal insights, from recognizing the influence of peer pressure to understanding the role of group affiliations in shaping their self-concept. These discussions created a safe space for intellectual and emotional growth.
The classroom was vibrant with energy, particularly during debates and activities. Role-playing exercises and case studies brought abstract concepts to life, helping students apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios like media influence and decision-making. Projects on topics like the psychological roots of prejudice further demonstrated their ability to engage critically with societal issues.
This journey was not just academic; it was transformational. Students developed critical thinking skills and greater self-awareness, equipping them to navigate relationships, workplaces, and communities with empathy and intention.
As their instructor, it has been a privilege to guide them through this journey. The principles of social psychology will undoubtedly continue to shape their perspectives and decisions in the years to come. I look forward to seeing how these insights empower them in their personal and professional lives.
Indra Sellappan, Lecturer, School of Psychology
Justice without a Legal Representation
People are permitted to argue their case in court in Malaysia; This procedure is known as litigant in person. According to this legal principle, anyone can represent themselves in court if they so want. The majority of people choose this path if they can handle their case on their own or cannot afford an attorney.
However, this means that you have to be able to understand what the laws are, what the court processes entail, and be capable of presenting your case properly. Malaysian courts do attempt to assist litigants in person in conducting their cases fairly, but it is ultimately the plaintiff’s responsibility to comply with the court’s procedures.
The most typical use is in less complex matters such as small claims, traffic offenses, or family issues. When the case is complex and involves many legal subtleties or significant financial stakes, it is usually wise to engage a legal professional.
One notable case is Hashimah Ismail, Ketua Pensyarah Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awak (2015), where a retired civil servant successfully reinstated her pension rights without a lawyer.
When you choose to appear for yourself, you can seek assistance from legal aid clinics, online resources, or volunteer lawyers. While it is a challenging process, it offers an opportunity for everyone, regardless of their financial capacity, to pursue justice.
At DISTED College, students are exposed to the application of such legal principles in their academic programmes, equipping them with foundational knowledge of court procedures and legal frameworks. This prepares them to understand and navigate real-world legal scenarios effectively.
Rishindran A/L Paramanathan, Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
My Journey at DISTED: A Window to Growth and Resilience
I still remember how I felt on my first day at DISTED—it was like stepping into uncharted territory. I had enrolled in the Cambridge A Levels program, a decision that now feels bold and daunting in hindsight. Of the three subjects I chose, two were completely unfamiliar to me, and I had no prior background in them. This meant facing a steep learning curve right from the start.
The idea of tackling subjects I had never studied before was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. A Levels is renowned for its rigorous nature, and I often wondered if I had made the right choice. Yet, in the end, it was all worth it.
The teachers at DISTED played a pivotal role in shaping my journey. From Accounting to Economics, Statistics to Mathematics, every class was engaging and enriching. Their guidance, encouragement, and teaching transformed my initial uncertainty into determination. Without their support, I might have given up on the subjects I initially found intimidating and missed out on the immense satisfaction of mastering them.
Beyond academics, the vibrant community at DISTED left a lasting impact. The campus was a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, ensuring every interaction was unique and enriching. The camaraderie among students created a warm and welcoming environment that made my college experience even more memorable. Looking back on the past year and a half, I can see how much I’ve grown, both academically and personally. Tackling unfamiliar subjects taught me resilience and perseverance, lessons that extended beyond the classroom. The support of the teachers and the lively student community made my time at DISTED truly unforgettable.
So, if someone were to ask me, “What’s it like at DISTED?”
I would say, “They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. At DISTED, those windows are wide open, revealing not just a soul but a heart.”
Tan Kay Jern, Alumni of Cambridge A-Level
DISTED Students Learn Financial Planning Through ‘Moolahpoly’ Event
A group of degree and diploma students from the Accounting and Communication courses from DISTED College took part in an event known as ‘Moolahpoly’ on 14th Jan 2025. The event consisted of a budget planning competition that allowed students to partake in a hands-on experience for planning, saving and managing finances.
The event was a part of a larger movement known as The Mindful Moolah Movement led by the final year communication students of Universiti Sains Malaysia with the intention to improve the financial literacy of the Malaysian youth. The term Moolah is an American slang used to describe money and serves as evidence for the movement’s amusing approach towards social issues.
DISTED students didn’t want to miss the opportunity to take part in the event. They believed that initiatives like these can help shape the younger generations approach towards managing their finances in an informed way more suitable for today’s world. According to them, the challenge set up in Moolahpoly did not only seem out of the box but interesting as well. The students also within the campaign found relevance with UNs’ Sustainable Development Goals of “No poverty, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production”.
The event was even more successful and meaningful with the presence of financial experts from Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja, Bank Simpanan Nasional, Great Eastern Takaful Tabung Haji, and Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara, who shared their wealth of knowledge and practical strategies on financial planning, emphasizing the importance of early savings and smart money management.
Nadia Jefri, Head, School of Communication and General Studies
Wishing you a prosperous and joyful Chinese New Year and Happy holidays! 🎉🍊
The Editorial Board members will take a week’s break to celebrate Chinese New Year, and we’ll be back with more updates on 6th February. See you soon!
