Penang Physics Olympiad 2025: DISTED Advances 20 Students to National Camp
On 29 April 2025, DISTED College proudly hosted the second round of the Penang State Physics Olympiad 2025, bringing together 60 bright young minds from secondary schools across Penang. The day was marked by excitement, experimentation, and exceptional promise as students competed for a chance to represent the state at national-level competitions.
Despite a delayed notification from the Penang State Education Department (JPNPP) that caused several participants to arrive late, fairness remained a priority. A separate screening session was conducted to ensure that every student had an equal opportunity to perform.
During the screening, students engaged in a series of hands-on challenges designed to test their analytical thinking and experimental skills. Tasks included measuring the focal lengths of biconvex lenses, analysing diffraction and polarisation patterns, and observing magnetic braking systems. These practical exercises reinforced their theoretical foundations while nurturing problem-solving abilities.
Twenty outstanding students were selected to join the Physics Olympiad Camp, which will also be hosted at DISTED College on 27–28 May 2025. This camp will serve as the training ground to prepare them for national competitions and, potentially, the International Physics Olympiad 2025.
In addition to the assessments, students were given a motivational talk by Dr Tan Fuyi, Senior Lecturer at the School of Pre-University Studies and Malaysia’s Team Leader for the International Physics Olympiad 2025. His words of encouragement aimed to fuel their curiosity and strengthen their dedication to the sciences.
This event underscores DISTED’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young scientific talent. With the support of JKOFM and participating schools, the Olympiad initiative highlights the college’s role in driving academic excellence and STEM innovation in Malaysia.
“Their excitement and curiosity reminded me why we do this — to empower a generation of thinkers who will shape our world,” said Dr Tan.
Dr Tan Fuyi
Senior Lecturer, School of Pre-University Studies
Remarks from the President
Continuity, curiosity and community
Established in 1987, DISTED has been a premier institution of higher education in Penang, with over 15,000 graduates to date. Today, many of our earliest alumni are sending their own children to DISTED — a testament to the trust and legacy we are proud to uphold. We are deeply grateful for your continued confidence in us.
At the heart of DISTED’s mission is a commitment to curiosity and self-discovery. Whether it is fostering future scientists through the Penang Physics Olympiad or sparking digital exploration via platforms like Kaggle, we remain dedicated to learning in all its dimensions.
This semester, our students have shown exceptional creativity and compassion — from dynamic psychology sessions to meaningful volunteer work at Luminaria.
Finally, I would like to extend a warm welcome to several new colleagues who have joined the DISTED community.
Dato’ Lim Si Boon
Interim President
Life After Degree: The Ups, Downs, and Journey to Entrepreneurship
On 16 May 2025, DISTED College proudly welcomed Mr Jason Lim Kim Sim, a member of the Class of 2015 and current Industrial Advisory Panel (IAP) member, to share his professional journey and insights with students. Jason began by fondly recalling his time at DISTED, reflecting on the academic challenges that shaped him and the unexpected joy of meeting his wife on campus. After graduation, he entered the manufacturing sector and quickly climbed the corporate ladder, gaining valuable experience on the ground.
However, like many, his career took an unexpected turn during the pandemic, when the company he worked for was forced to cease operations. Instead of seeing this as a defeat, Jason viewed it as a chance to start again. He ventured into the café business, pursued a Master of Business Administration, and became a certified HRDF trainer. Today, he is a key business partner with H&H Healthgroup, leading a growing digital marketing team. His goal is to expand from seven members to thirty in the near future.
Jason encouraged students to embrace challenges and commit to continuous growth. He reminded them, “Once you put your goals in writing, you’re already halfway there.” The session was particularly meaningful for students in the Diploma in Business and SACE programmes, who left feeling motivated to explore entrepreneurship and adopt a resilient, proactive mindset. Jason’s return to campus was not just a reunion, but a reaffirmation of DISTED’s lasting impact on its graduates. We look forward to his continued involvement as an IAP member and mentor to our future business leaders.
Elaine Chan Senior Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
Full Circle: A SACE Alumna’s Journey Back to DISTED as a Parent
When Madam Beh Yee Khee completed her SACE programme at DISTED between 1998 and 2000, she knew the college had left a lasting impact on her life. Today, she has returned, not as a student but as a parent entrusting the same institution with her daughter Vivian Lai’s education.
Vivian, who achieved excellent results in her SPM, was awarded a scholarship from DISTED, a gesture that reflects the college’s continued dedication to rewarding student excellence. Madam Beh also noted the modern facilities, improved campus resources and availability of hostel accommodation as meaningful upgrades from her time.
Her decision to send Vivian to DISTED was rooted in both personal experience and confidence in the institution’s evolving commitment to student growth. It is a testament to the enduring value of education that builds not only careers but trust across generations.
Madam Beh Yee Khee SACE Alumni 1998-2000
Old School, Still Cool: Why Print Media Still Matters
In an increasingly digital world, print media continues to prove its relevance, especially in creative and academic spaces. At DISTED College, the School of Design and Communication encourages students to embrace both digital fluency and the timeless value of print.
Print offers a tangible and immersive experience that digital screens simply cannot replicate. It invites readers to slow down, reflect, and engage more deeply with content. Research has shown that reading from printed materials enhances comprehension and memory retention, making print an essential tool in education and learning.
For design and multimedia students, print is a practical, hands-on medium that teaches more than just aesthetics. Elements like layout, typography, colour calibration, and even paper texture provide real-world lessons in design thinking, user experience, and visual hierarchy. A well-designed print piece—be it a magazine spread, brochure, or packaging—is not just informative but inspiring.
In the professional world, designers are expected to create across both print and digital platforms. At DISTED, we believe that understanding the strengths of both formats helps students become more versatile, thoughtful, and industry ready. Whether it is developing a brand identity, producing editorial layouts, or creating impactful print ads, our students learn to think critically about how design functions across mediums.
Khairu Nisa Binti Wazir
School of Communication and General Studies
Kaggle’s Just for Coders? Think Again.
At first glance, Kaggle might appear to be a space reserved for data scientists, machine learning experts, and professional coders. But look a little closer, and you will discover that Kaggle is a tool for every student regardless of discipline. At DISTED College, we see platforms like Kaggle as essential bridges between theory and the real world, supporting our mission to develop adaptable, data-literate graduates.
Kaggle, a platform developed by Google, offers access to millions of real-world datasets and a built-in coding environment that supports Python, R, and SQL, all via your browser. More importantly, it provides free micro-courses designed for beginners. No advanced setup is required, and students can begin learning and experimenting right away.
What makes Kaggle so powerful is its relevance across academic disciplines.
- Business students can analyse sales trends, market data, or consumer behaviour.
- Psychology and Sociology students can explore survey data, sentiment analysis, or social trends.
- Environmental Science students can model climate change, map pollution patterns, or study natural disasters.
- Literature and Journalism students can apply Natural Language Processing (NLP) to explore language use, bias in reporting, or historical shifts in writing style.
At DISTED, we promote curiosity-driven learning and interdisciplinary thinking. Kaggle aligns with these goals by allowing students to build data literacy at their own pace, within their area of interest. It is not about becoming a professional programmer overnight, but about becoming a more informed, capable, and critical thinker — a skill set every 21st-century learner should have. In an era where data shapes every field, tools like Kaggle are no longer optional. They are essential.
Nurul Annisa Azhar
Lecturer, School of Computing and Engineering
Hanif Joins DISTED as Science Lab Officer, Enhancing Research and Learning
We are pleased to welcome Muhamad Haniff Iryani Bin Adnan to DISTED College as our new Science Lab Officer. With an academic background in Biology and currently pursuing a Master’s in Biotechnology, Hanif brings both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to the role. He previously worked as a research assistant at Universiti Sains Malaysia, where he was actively involved in molecular biology research, focusing on environmental DNA (eDNA) studies. This experience equipped him with a strong understanding of lab-based techniques and scientific protocols, including DNA extraction, PCR, and data analysis. His meticulous approach to laboratory work and enthusiasm for scientific discovery make him a valuable addition to our academic team. At DISTED, Hanif will play a key role in supporting lab classes, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety and accuracy in all experiments. We are confident that his expertise and dedication will enhance our science education offerings and contribute positively to student learning and research activities.
Raziah binti Ehia Mohd
Human Resources & Administration
Colouring Emotions: A Creative Approach to Emotional Awareness in Psychology Class
In DISTED’s Psychology class on understanding and managing emotions, participants engage in both emotional exploration and hands-on creative activities. Each week, the class adopts a theme colour representing a specific emotion—such as red for anger, blue for calmness, or yellow for happiness. This colour-emotion association supports deeper emotional reflection and helps students develop strategies for emotional regulation.
During the week focused on stress, participants created their own stress balls—an engaging, therapeutic activity designed to channel emotions constructively. As they shaped the stress balls, they also learned about the physical signs of stress and how tactile materials can aid in relieving tension. The process encouraged mindfulness, helping participants stay present while gaining insight into how stress affects their bodies.
By incorporating creative, sensory-based activities, the class fosters practical coping skills. The weekly colour themes serve as visual cues, prompting participants to reflect on emotional patterns and build healthier responses—offering a holistic approach to emotional well-being.
Indra Sellappan
Lecturer/ Rehabilitation Psychologist
心理学学院
