Shining Through Service: DISTED Students Volunteer at Luminaria Penang
On 16 May 2025, students from DISTED College had the honour of volunteering at Luminaria Pulau Pinang 2025, an emotionally moving event held at Sunshine Central Mall and organised by the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM). Luminaria is part of the global Relay for Life movement — an evening dedicated to celebrating cancer survivors, remembering loved ones lost, and showing support for those still fighting the disease. I was joined by fellow students Kuuhen Kumaran, Sharvina Balachandran, and Ammar Amsyar bin Azahar as we represented DISTED College through service and compassion.
Our volunteer roles were diverse — from registration support and managing game booths to assisting with crowd coordination and general event logistics. Throughout the evening, there was a strong sense of solidarity, kindness, and emotional reflection. The atmosphere reminded us of the deep impact small acts of service can have. What started as a volunteering opportunity turned into something much greater — a personal journey of understanding, empathy, and connection.
Participating in Luminaria deepened our appreciation for community service and the importance of standing together in the face of hardship. It also reinforced the value that DISTED places on building responsible, socially engaged individuals who contribute meaningfully to society. As student volunteers, we left with hearts full of purpose and a renewed belief that light shines brightest when shared.
Parthasarathe Jayashanker
Student, Cambridge A-Levels
Student Editor, DISTED Discourse
Generosity, achievement and farewell
We are pleased to announce that Yayasan Penyayang has generously endowed five Tun Endon Scholarships. These awards support DISTED students who progress from our diploma programmes to degree studies, and we extend our sincere gratitude to Yayasan Penyayang for its continued trust.
Our community continues to shine. Congratulations to Delwina on her recent success at the Seniors Judo Championship in Cyberjaya.
We also bid farewell to our gifted designer, Tay Hooi Khoon. Her creativity shaped DISTED Discourse and much of our marketing collateral. We thank her and wish her every success. Taking up the mantle is Trinity Tan Xing, an intern from the Diploma in Creative Multimedia Production programme, who will work under the guidance of Ms. Nadia Jefri and Ms. Mehvar Khan. We look forward to her fresh ideas.
Dato’ Lim Si Boon
President
Pre University Step Out for Science: Beaches and Botanical Gardens
We kicked off our biology investigation on microplastics with a hands-on clam digging session. We visited two beaches near Gurney and Wawasan Open University, collecting bivalve samples to study microplastics ingested within the clams. Digging was not easy, but it was rewarding. Along the way, we discovered red sea worms, hermit crabs, jellyfish, wild dogs, and even tiny fish near the shore. We saw how much life thrives in just one stretch of sand — a real lesson in biodiversity. More than just data collection, the experience opened our eyes to the work behind seafood harvesting and the importance of ecological balance.
Meanwhile, Foundation in Science students explored the Penang Botanical Gardens to get a closer look at plant structures. We studied monocots, dicots, gymnosperms, and angiosperms in their natural habitat. It was not just about plants, we also bonded as a group, played by the river, and even tried catching tiny fish and shrimp. Some of us said it felt peaceful, others said it was unforgettable. Either way, it helped us connect textbook science to real-life discovery.
These outdoor sessions showed us how much more engaging learning becomes when it is lived, touched, and experienced together.
Rasvini Subramaniam, Tai Sun Kai, Lean Kai Jie (SACE)
Ashley Ooi Hoay Lynn, Brandon Say Ee H’ng, Kor Hui Hui (Foundation in Science)
Communication Students Reimagine Squid Game for Skill-Building
On 9 April, students from the Degree in Communication program at DISTED College organised a leadership event creatively inspired by the popular Korean TV series Squid Game. Adapting the show’s concept of mentally and physically demanding challenges, the event was designed to test and cultivate leadership and critical thinking skills through a series of engaging, competitive activities.
Unlike the high-stakes narrative of the series, the DISTED version focused on developing core leadership attributes—decision-making, teamwork, communication, time management, and accountability—in a safe and supportive environment. Participants were encouraged to think strategically, collaborate effectively, and demonstrate confidence as they navigated each task.
The event formed part of a course assignment aimed at promoting experiential learning. Recognising that a lack of practical exposure often hinders youth leadership development, the initiative provided students with an active, hands-on platform to build leadership competencies.
Beyond developing leadership instincts, the experience fostered self-awareness, collaboration, and personal growth. Participants left with enhanced confidence and a clearer understanding of how to apply their skills in academic, professional, and personal contexts. The event underscores DISTED’s commitment to holistic, student-centered learning—equipping graduates not only with academic knowledge but with essential life skills for future success.
Nadia Jefri
Head, School of Communication, Arts and Multimedia
Chasing Gold: A Dream Realised at National Seniors
On May 17–18, I proudly represented my state at the National Senior Championships held at MMU Cyberjaya—and finally clinched the gold medal in the -57kg category. This victory was especially meaningful after two years of coming up short in the same competition. My category was one of the most competitive, with many experienced athletes. I advanced past the first round against last year’s national senior champion and then went head-to-head with a former SEA Games player in the semifinals. Every match pushed me to my limit, but I kept going with determination and heart.
This competition will always be my most memorable—not just because I won gold, but because of the mental challenges I overcame. I’ve struggled with self-doubt and confidence over the years, especially after my past losses. But this time, I learned to believe in myself and trust in my preparation. National Seniors is a big stage, often seen as the platform that determines the top players in Malaysia. It took everything I had—physically and mentally—to stand on top. This win reminds me that setbacks don’t define you; how you rise from them does.
I’m incredibly grateful for my family and my team, who have supported me through every tough training session, injury, and emotional low. Their encouragement gave me strength when I needed it most. Hard work truly pays off in the end, and I’ve learned that it’s just as important to stay humble and keep improving, no matter how far you’ve come. This is only the beginning, and I will continue to work hard for my dreams.
Delwina Cheah
Student of Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)
ISO 9001:2015 – A Commitment to Quality at DISTED College
ISO 9001:2015 is the internationally recognised standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS), widely adopted across industries. It provides a structured framework for organisations to monitor and manage quality, ensuring consistent and reliable outcomes.
While many companies have achieved ISO 9001 certification, its purpose is often misunderstood. Consumers generally associate ISO-certified organisations with higher quality and reliability. However, a common misconception is that ISO is merely about documentation. In truth, ISO certification requires organisations to implement effective operational processes aimed at delivering excellent service and achieving high levels of customer satisfaction.
DISTED College has been ISO 9001 certified since 2014, a testament to our ongoing commitment to meeting and exceeding the expectations of students and parents. Continuous improvement is central to our quality culture, driving better performance and enhancing student satisfaction. Innovation in programme design plays a key role in developing future-ready graduates and contributing to national growth.
In 2024, we launched four new degree programmes in collaboration with HELP University: Bachelor of Accounting (Honours), Bachelor of Marketing (Honours), Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours) in Data Analytics, and Bachelor of Communication (Media Studies) (Honours). We also introduced Micro-Credential programmes to provide greater flexibility for diploma students and are actively developing new diploma offerings aligned with industry needs.
At DISTED, ISO 9001:2015 applies institution-wide. All departments adhere to established policies and procedures to uphold high service quality. Our commitment to regulatory compliance—ISO, MQA, and MOHE—ensures that all programmes are rigorously designed, aligned with national standards, and fully accredited.
We continue to refine our systems and processes in line with evolving industry demands, 21st-century trends, and innovative educational strategies to serve the next generation of learners.
Tan Pei Shi
Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
The Future of Computer Science: Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
Computer science continues to drive innovation and transform industries globally. As we look ahead, areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and big data will shape the future. However, few domains are advancing as urgently — and as critically — as cybersecurity and data privacy. The digital age brings increasing threats: cyberattacks, identity theft, and data breaches are now common risks for both individuals and institutions. In response, cybersecurity is evolving rapidly. AI-powered systems are being developed to detect and block threats in real time, while quantum encryption holds the potential to make data virtually unhackable.
Further developments include the implementation of zero-trust security models and biometric authentication methods, which will significantly reduce the chances of unauthorised access. Simultaneously, governments are pushing for stronger data protection laws to ensure individuals have greater control over their information. These changes signal a global movement towards more responsible data handling and highlight the importance of digital ethics.
At DISTED, we prepare students to meet these challenges head-on. By embedding cybersecurity fundamentals and data privacy awareness into our computing curriculum, we help students become not just skilled professionals, but responsible digital citizens. As the need for robust digital security grows, so does the demand for experts who can protect critical systems and ensure information safety. Cybersecurity is no longer a niche — it is a foundation for the future of computer science.
Nurul Annisa Azhar
Lecturer, School of Computing and Engineering
