DISTED Launches Speechcraft Program: Empowering Students with Confidence and Communication Skills
In July 2025, DISTED College proudly launched its Speechcraft Program, a dynamic learning opportunity designed to enhance students’ communication and leadership skills. Delivered in collaboration with the Great2B Toastmasters Club Penang, this initiative helps participants master public speaking through practical workshops and personalised coaching.
Speechcraft is a blended learning program combining expert-led workshops with online interactive materials. Students learn key aspects of effective communication such as speech writing, structure, vocal variety, body language, and audience engagement. The program is facilitated by seasoned Toastmasters who generously volunteer their time during working hours to mentor DISTED students.
Currently, four students—two from Cambridge A-Level and two from Foundation in Science—are attending the four-session program. Sessions are held weekly on Fridays from 10 AM to 12 PM in Crosby Hall, Room R9. Students engage in real-time practice, peer evaluations, and constructive feedback, creating a collaborative environment where they can grow confidently. The impact is already visible. One student is preparing to deliver a speech at an upcoming Pre-University ceremony with guidance from the mentors. Beyond technical skills, participants are developing poise, clarity, and the ability to present ideas persuasively—qualities that will serve them well in academic settings and future careers.
At DISTED, we are committed to equipping students with essential life skills. The Speechcraft program represents this commitment, offering a transformative experience that builds not just speakers but future leaders.
Jesscia Ang, Registrar
Dear DISTED Community,
Teaching and learning at DISTED continue to evolve to meet the diverse learning needs of our students while embracing technological advancements such as generative AI. All DISTED students now have complimentary access to Microsoft CoPilot, and we are currently exploring the integration of Microsoft Studio as an additional AI tool to support learning and creativity.
With these changes in the educational landscape, our teaching methods must also adapt. Simply delivering information is no longer sufficient in the age of AI. We must not abdicate the learning process to AI-generated content, nor should we allow decision-making to be outsourced entirely to machines.
At DISTED, we expect our students to develop essential soft skills that enable them to engage meaningfully with their community, cultivate the wisdom to make thoughtful decisions, and build resilience to live with the outcomes of those decisions. As we move forward, you will see ongoing improvements in our teaching and learning environment to ensure we remain relevant and responsive to the demands of the times.
Dato’ Lim Si Boon
President
Creative STEM Learning through 3D Design
In collaboration with the Penang Mathematical Platform (PMP), DISTED College staff conducted a series of sessions for secondary school students on 3D and graphic design. This initiative was part of a broader STEM programme aimed at enhancing mathematical understanding through digital creativity and real-world applications. The module introduced students to the basics of 3D design and visualisation, using geometrical concepts such as shape, symmetry, measurement, and spatial reasoning. Web SketchUp, an accessible online modelling tool, enabled students to explore and manipulate 3D objects digitally.
Centred on the theme of designing a drone for delivering medical supplies, the project encouraged students to engage with real-world problems, particularly the role of technology in healthcare and emergency response. After learning basic design techniques, students created drone models addressing issues such as efficiency, payload space, and aerodynamics. The hands-on, project-based approach helped students link mathematical principles with purposeful design. The programme culminated in a design competition, where students presented their models and explained their technical and conceptual decisions.
Beyond technical skills in 3D modelling, students gained insight into how mathematics and design thinking can be applied to practical challenges. The module highlighted the value of integrating STEM with creative learning to foster innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This approach offers a meaningful and engaging way to promote STEM education aligned with current and future needs.
Luqman Aliff Bin Abdul Rashid
Lecturer, School of Communication, Arts and Multimedia
Building Language Skills through a Hands-On Approach
The methods of teaching English are changing rapidly to suit the evolving needs of students. At DISTED College, the focus has shifted towards a hands-on, interactive approach that makes language learning more practical, engaging, and enjoyable. Rather than depending solely on textbooks or passive learning, students are actively involved in using the language in real-life scenarios. Activities such as role-playing, group debates, interactive games, and creative presentations enable students to practise speaking and listening in meaningful ways. These interactive lessons help bridge the gap between theory and practice, encouraging learners to step outside of their comfort zones.
One of the most significant benefits of this approach is its impact on student confidence. By providing a supportive and low-pressure environment, students are more willing to experiment with language, learn from mistakes, and develop a natural command of English. Beyond improving proficiency, the hands-on method fosters vital soft skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving—skills that are essential in both professional and everyday settings.
At DISTED, the goal is to create learners who are not only competent in language but also capable of using it creatively and confidently. The hands-on approach reflects our commitment to holistic education, where language learning becomes a tool for personal growth, collaboration, and global readiness.
Kesvhinee Ravinthran
Lecturer, School of Pre-University
Active Learning in Cybersecurity: Engaging Ethical Decision-Making Through Movement and Dialogue
At DISTED College, the Cybersecurity Fundamentals course incorporates interactive strategies to enhance engagement, collaboration, and critical understanding of core cybersecurity principles. One such strategy is a physically active “Would You Rather” exercise, aimed at stimulating ethical reasoning and informed decision-making in digital contexts. Students confront dilemma-based prompts such as, “Would you prefer to use anonymous accounts everywhere or always use your real identity online?” or “Would you back up your files on a stranger’s cloud or risk losing them with no backup?” Rather than answering verbally, students physically move to designated areas of the classroom—Option A at the back, Option B at the front—based on their choices.
This movement-based format energizes the session and encourages spontaneous discussion and peer interaction. Students are then invited to justify their positions, linking personal choices to cybersecurity themes such as digital identity, data protection, risk management, and ethics.The activity was conducted during a session on threat environments and user behavior. It served both as a formative assessment and as a way to surface and correct misconceptions. It also provided a low-pressure entry point for quieter students to engage, whether through physical participation or by gradually gaining confidence to speak.
At DISTED College, courses like Cybersecurity Fundamentals emphasise interactivity, relevance, and student-centred learning, ensuring that academic rigour is matched with practical, real-world preparation for digital challenges.
Kaushalya A/P Tinakaran
Lecturer, School of Computing
The Procrastination Trap: A Psychological Perspective
We have all procrastinated — postponing tasks, delaying assignments, or promising ourselves just five more minutes before starting. At its root, procrastination is not about laziness or poor time management. It is a failure of self-regulation. Often, we do not avoid tasks because they are difficult, but because they trigger uncomfortable emotions — anxiety, self-doubt, or fear of failure. In those moments, the brain seeks immediate relief through distractions such as scrolling social media, binge-watching, sleeping, or snacking, even if it comes at the cost of long-term goals.
Procrastination is also strongly linked to perfectionism and low self-efficacy. We wait for the “perfect moment” to begin or question our ability to perform, making it harder to start. In academic settings, where expectations are high and distractions are plenty, this cycle can be particularly hard to break.
One proven strategy to combat procrastination is the Pomodoro Technique. This time management method involves working in focused 25-minute intervals called “Pomodoros,” followed by a 5-minute break. After four Pomodoros, a longer break of 15–30 minutes is taken. This approach reduces mental fatigue, sustains attention, and lowers the emotional burden of starting. By turning tasks into short, manageable intervals, the Pomodoro Technique makes progress feel achievable — and less intimidating.
Indra Sellappan
Lecturer, School of Psychology
Promoting Fun and Fitness: DISTED’s Mini Running Man Event
On 20 June 2025, the spirit of fun, fitness, and friendly competition filled the campus as Diploma in Business Studies students from the MPU2412 Khidmat Masyarakat dan Ko-Kurikulum 社会服务和课外活动 subject organised the Mini Running Man event at DISTED College. As part of their co-curricular and community service initiative, the activity was designed to encourage an active, healthy lifestyle while strengthening bonds within the college community.
The event featured a series of engaging physical and mental challenges that brought together students and staff from different departments. Participants enthusiastically took part in games such as Battle Ladder, which tested agility and reflexes, Balloon Pop Charades, which combined movement with creative expression, and Telepathy, a team-based activity that required participants to align their thoughts and guesses with one another. More than just a day of games, the Mini Running Man event created a joyful and lively atmosphere on campus, promoting not only physical well-being but also connection, teamwork, and communication. It was a reminder that learning and leadership extend beyond the classroom.
The organising students demonstrated excellent planning, creativity, and leadership throughout the process. Their ability to manage the event smoothly and engage participants meaningfully reflects the core values of DISTED College—collaboration, active learning, and holistic student development.
Adznida Md Daud
Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
