Lights, Camera, Creativity: DCMP Screening Day Showcases the Future of Storytelling at DISTED
On 11 July 2025, DISTED College’s Biz Lab became a hub of excitement and creativity as students from the Diploma in Creative Multimedia Production (DCMP) presented their much-anticipated Screening Day. This annual event celebrates student creativity, giving DCMP students a platform to showcase original films they have produced during the semester.
This year’s screenings featured two standout short films, Adolescence 和 The Whisper. Both were fully conceptualised and produced by students, from scriptwriting to post-production.
Adolescence is a psychological drama that follows the story of a teenage orphan struggling with uncontrollable anger. As the film unfolds, the audience realises his outbursts may not be solely emotional, but possibly the result of something deeper and more haunting. The narrative explores identity, mental health, and the unseen battles young people often face.
In contrast, The Whisper transported viewers into a suspense-filled mystery. When a student hears a voice from the supposedly abandoned school lab, she and her best friend set out to investigate. What starts as curiosity soon escalates into a dark tale of revenge and betrayal, exposing the dangers of unchecked secrets.
The screenings were met with enthusiastic applause and thoughtful discussion. Audience members included students, lecturers, and staff, all of whom praised the originality, storytelling, and technical skills demonstrated in both films.
DCMP Screening Day was more than just a media showcase. It was a moment of reflection on the power of storytelling and the dedication required to bring creative visions to life. For the DCMP students, this event was a stepping stone toward future careers in media and film production, proving that they are not only learning the craft but actively shaping the stories they wish to tell.
Nur Syafiqah
Student, Diploma in Creative Multimedia Production
Something new
This past week, we successfully completed our ISO 9000 compliance audit with ECAAS (the accreditation organization). I commend our ISO Compliance Team and Quality Assurance unit for managing the process smoothly. Thank you to all academic and non-academic colleagues for your strong support and collaboration.
We’re also pleased to share that the new Pickleball court is now open and free for use by all students and staff. I encourage everyone to stay active and make use of this facility as part of a healthy lifestyle on campus.
In addition, Kelab Penyayang has begun work on the Sensory Garden/Corner. I’m proud of the initiative shown by Dr Kam, Ms Caydence, and her team in bringing this proposal to life. It’s encouraging to see our community working together to enhance inclusivity and well-being through nature-based spaces.
Let’s continue building a quality-driven, healthy, and inclusive environment at DISTED.
Dato’ Lim Si Boon
President
Building Community Through Sport: Reflections on the Badminton Tournament's Success
The recent Badminton Tournament at DISTED College concluded on a high note, celebrating not just athletic skill but also teamwork and community spirit. Organised by the Student Representative Council (SRC) in partnership with the Badminton Club, the tournament attracted players from across the institution who competed with enthusiasm, commitment, and mutual respect.
From the initial planning stages to the final match, the collaboration between the SRC and the Badminton Club was instrumental in ensuring the event’s success. The organising team, volunteers, and referees worked behind the scenes to maintain fairness and keep the tournament running smoothly.
The audience’s cheers contributed to the lively atmosphere, creating a sense of togetherness that extended beyond the competition. Whether participants won medals or simply played for the love of the game, everyone contributed to a memorable experience.
More than just a sporting event, the tournament was an opportunity to build friendships, nurture campus connections, and celebrate shared passions. The SRC looks forward to continuing this momentum by organising future activities that unite the DISTED community.
Ooi Ker Min
President, Student Representative Council (SRC)
Bizsquad Builds Leadership Through Pickleball (SBH)
At DISTED College, student clubs are more than just extracurricular activities, they are platforms for practical learning and personal growth. On 5 July 2025, Bizsquad Co., the student business club, held a dynamic pickleball session at PickleSky, Sunshine Central. The event combined fun and fitness with real-world lessons in leadership, teamwork, and event management.
For many students, this was their first encounter with pickleball, an emerging sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Participants quickly picked up the rules, learned the scoring system, and explored the strategies behind this fast-paced, accessible game. The activity highlighted the importance of coordination, communication, and team spirit—skills that are equally crucial in business management and entrepreneurial ventures.
Organising the event provided students with hands-on experience in planning, logistics, and teamwork. By stepping outside the classroom, Bizsquad members learned to navigate challenges, support one another, and build stronger connections as a team. These practical experiences complement their academic studies, helping them become more well-rounded and confident future leaders.
Bizsquad Co. is committed to offering more innovative and engaging activities in the coming months. Students from all academic backgrounds are welcome to join the club and participate in real-world learning opportunities that build both business skills and personal confidence. Whether you are interested in leadership, event management, or simply trying something new, Bizsquad Co. offers a supportive environment to grow and succeed.
By Tong Pei Sun
Senior Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
DISTED College Supports Penang’s AI Vision Through Education
As Penang advances its vision of becoming Malaysia’s premier hub for artificial intelligence, DISTED College is committed to supporting this goal through focused education and talent development. The School of Computing and Engineering is actively evolving its curriculum to match the demands of a rapidly changing tech landscape.
In line with this commitment, I recently pursued the Pearson IT Specialist Artificial Intelligence certification to strengthen my knowledge and teaching practices. This certification has enhanced my understanding of machine learning, natural language processing, and the ethical considerations tied to AI development. It also underlined the importance of aligning academic content with industry trends and the Penang State Government’s strategic direction.
At DISTED, our programmes—including the Diploma in Computer Science, Diploma in Information Technology, and Bachelor of IT (Data Analytics) (Hons) equip students with a solid foundation in technology while encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving. We emphasize hands-on learning and real-world application, preparing students to meet industry expectations with confidence and competence.
As educators, our role extends beyond teaching theory. We must continuously upgrade our own skills to nurture the next generation of AI talent. By integrating global certifications and current industry practices into our teaching, we help students bridge the gap between classroom learning and the practical demands of the workforce.
Penang’s ambition to become a leader in AI is both bold and necessary in today’s digital economy. At DISTED, we are proud to contribute to this journey, helping students build future-ready skills and advancing the state’s broader digital transformation.
By Adibah binti Riduan
Lecturer, School of Computing and Engineering
Balancing Progress and Preservation: Rethinking Development for Greener Cities
Urban development often forces cities to choose between expanding infrastructure and preserving green spaces. In Penang, this issue has sparked renewed debate. After nearly 200 trees were lost to heavy storms in September 2024, the removal of an additional 240 trees for the Air Itam–Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass and the Penang Hill cable car project has further intensified public concern. While infrastructure expansion supports economic growth, reduces traffic congestion, and improves public transport, it comes at a significant environmental cost.
Trees represent decades of growth, providing shade that cools city streets, reducing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. They also lower stress levels, encourage outdoor activity, and contribute to attractive, healthy neighbourhoods. Replacing mature trees is not a quick solution, as young saplings take years to reach the same ecological contribution.
At DISTED College, we recognise the importance of environmental stewardship. Our campus maintains its mature trees and has recently introduced a Sensory Garden, initiated by Kelab Penyayang, as part of our commitment to creating a green, calming space for students and staff. The decision to cut or conserve trees should not be seen as an obstacle to progress but as a challenge to find balance. Sustainable urban planning must consider both human development and the natural environment. Greener, healthier cities are not built by choosing one over the other, but by integrating thoughtful conservation into the blueprint of progress.
Dr. Kam Yew Chee
Senior Lecturer, School of Pre-University Studies
Understanding Our Emotions: A Key Step to Mental Wellness
Nowadays, many people struggle with mental health issues, often because they cannot identify their emotions. While this may seem minor, it significantly affects how we manage our thoughts, relationships, and overall well-being. Recognising our emotions is a critical first step toward self-awareness and self-care.
A helpful tool in this process is the emotion wheel, which was designed to help individuals better understand and label their feelings. It typically begins with core emotions like anger, fear, love, joy, surprise, and sadness at the centre, expanding outward to more nuanced feelings. This makes it easier to articulate what we are truly experiencing.
In my experience working with clients, when I ask them to describe their emotions, many simply say they feel “OK”—without knowing what that means. I often introduce the emotion wheel to guide them in identifying specific emotions, which then allows for deeper exploration and understanding.
At DISTED School of Psychology, students are exposed to practical tools such as the emotion wheel, alongside evidence-based approaches to emotional regulation, allowing them to better understand human behaviour and support mental well-being in real-world settings. Emotional awareness is a vital step in improving mental health. Let us all learn to name our feelings—because when we can name them, we can tame them.
Chew Yong Peng
Lecturer, School of Psychology
