A New Chapter for DISTED Discourse – Now in a Digital-Friendly Format!
Dear DISTED Community,
Since our first issue on 24 February 2023, DISTED Discourse has proudly published 131 consecutive editions in the traditional e-newsletter format. Today, we are thrilled to share that DISTED Discourse now has a fresh new look and feel. Starting today, you can enjoy it in a modern, digital-friendly magazine format through Microsoft SWAY, making it easier and more enjoyable to read wherever you are.
This change reflects our effort to stay current with digital trends and embrace the AI-driven future. While the format may look different, our commitment to delivering quality content and meaningful stories remains the same, thanks to our dedicated editorial team and contributors.
We would love to hear what you think of the new format. Whether it is a quick “like/dislike” or detailed feedback, your input is always welcome at feedback@disted.edu.my.
A special thank you goes to Ms Mehvar, our Editorial Board, and Ms Trinity, our designer, for leading this exciting transition. Alongside this upgrade, DISTED Communication now includes DC Live Podcasts and a growing presence on Facebook, Instagram, Xiao Hong Shu, WeChat and LinkedIn.
Upcoming Events: We will be at the Malaysian Education Fair on 2–3 August and hosting an Open Day on both days at our campus. Do visit our booth or drop by for a personal counselling session and guided tour of our facilities.
We look forward to connecting with you, both digitally and in person.
Dato’ Lim Si Boon,
President
Leadership & Team Building Camp 2025: From Me to We
Reflections by the Student Representative Council (SRC)
Our 3-day Leadership & Team Building Camp in Ipoh was a meaningful journey of connection, learning, and shared experiences. Upon arrival, we headed to Meru Resort, checked in, and gathered for dinner at The Dome Restaurant—Aglio Olio and Roasted Chicken set the tone for a warm start. The evening continued with a round of Werewolf, bringing laughter and bonding, followed by an Art Therapy session where we expressed our thoughts through drawing—an unfamiliar yet surprisingly enjoyable experience.
The second day began with a full-day workshop facilitated by Ms. Wen Yi. We explored four core areas: identifying leadership styles, setting realistic goals, teamwork and communication through the Pathfinder Challenge, and a creative Design Thinking session where we pitched ideas to improve campus life. Lunch featured Chinese Ja Jiang Mian—a highlight for many, especially those trying chopsticks for the first time. The day ended with water polo at the resort pool and a short excursion to explore Ipoh’s lively nightlife after dinner.
On the final day, we played outdoor games like Dodgeball and a giant volleyball match under the hot sun. Despite the heat, spirits stayed high. After freshening up and checking out, we explored Ipoh town before returning to Penang by train. This trip was not just about leadership—it was about growing together as a team. We’re already looking forward to the next one.
Ooi Ker Min
President, Student Representative Council
Leadership & Team Building Camp 2025: Reflections from the Team
Jace Wong Lyn Lyn
This trip transformed our team dynamics. We’re no longer just “hi-bye” acquaintances—we’ve built real friendships. The Pathfinder Challenge taught us how critical communication is in teamwork. I also learned to adjust leadership styles to suit different people, making collaboration smoother. I believe we’ll work even better together now.
Lee Jia Sheng
As my final year at DISTED, I’m grateful for this camp. It helped me understand that leadership must adapt to situations. The session with Mr. Yong also helped me ref
Gabriel Ong Yu Ze
I had a lot of fun and learned many new things. Looking forward to joining the next camp if I get the chance!
Hassan Hisham Sharifdeen
This camp helped me improve my leadership and social skills while learning more about my teammates. It was also a great stress reliever.
Ng Jun Hao
The camp was great, but I wish we had more free time to enjoy the surroundings. The outdoor activities were fun but quite hot—I suggest more indoor options next time.
Amber Ch’ng
It was a meaningful 3-day camp with great food and an amazing resort. However, the schedule was a bit rushed between sessions. I hope the next camp is longer so we can create more memories.
Abby Lim
I learned new skills and got to know my teammates better. Although the schedule was tight, I enjoyed the activities. I hope next time we have more time to relax and chat.
Samantha Lau
The camp taught me to collaborate, share ideas, and be a supportive team member. The art therapy session was eye-opening, and the outdoor games showed me the value of teamwork. I left feeling more confident and connected.
Lee Xin Yen
This camp was a personal growth journey. I learned that leadership isn’t always about leading—it’s about listening, supporting, and growing together. I came away with closer friendships and a better sense of myself.
Caryn Ng Shi Qi
Teamwork is about trust, not just working together. I really enjoyed this camp and the bonds we created.
Sameera
Every activity—from Werewolf to dodgeball—taught me something about leadership and myself. We learned, laughed, and supported each other throughout, making this trip both fun and meaningful.
Syahirah
I grew as a leader and as part of a team. Our communication improved, and I had so much fun learning and playing together. Huge thanks to Ms. Jia and Mr. Yong for their care and guidance.
Rasvini
The camp taught me how to communicate better, trust my teammates, and refine my leadership style. The Art Therapy and SMART goals sessions were especially impactful. Thank you to our teachers and organizers for making this an unforgettable experience.
Arhnee
This camp struck the perfect balance between learning and fun. Werewolf was hilarious, art therapy was unexpectedly revealing, and the Pathfinder Challenge pushed our teamwork to new levels. Late-night talks and games strengthened our bond as a team. Thank you to everyone involved.
Averille Tan
Before the camp, we were just teammates. Now we’re a real team. I learned that leadership is about growth—not just leading or following, but setting achievable goals and moving forward together. It was a fun, exciting, and eye-opening three days.
Final Note
This camp was more than just a leadership exercise—it was a shared journey of discovery. We left Meru Resort not just as better leaders, but as a stronger, united SRC team.
Sowing Seeds of Sustainability: The Sensory Garden Project
At DISTED College, we believe that meaningful learning often begins outside the classroom. On 6 June 2025, that belief took root — quite literally — with the launch of our Sensory Garden, a collaborative green space cultivated by staff, students, and members of our college community.
Spearheaded by Dr Kam Yew Chee, Ms Elaine Chan, and Ms Tan Pei Shi under the banner of Kelab Penyayang, the project was a labour of love and collective effort. From repurposed milk cartons turned into planting beds to herbs and flowering plants donated by staff and students, the garden stands as a living example of how sustainability, creativity, and community spirit can come together.
Importantly, no one on the team had formal gardening experience. But that did not deter them. With hands-on effort and genuine care, they transformed a patch of space behind the cafeteria into a sanctuary of growth and learning. It is a space that now engages the senses — the scent of lemongrass, the texture of basil, the colours of blooming marigolds — and serves as a daily reminder that growth, whether in education or nature, requires time, patience, and consistency.
More than just a garden, this initiative promotes environmental awareness, mental well-being, and campus cohesion. It also reflects our broader commitment to experiential learning, where small acts of stewardship lead to larger lessons in responsibility and empathy.
The Sensory Garden will continue to flourish — nurtured by the community that created it and enriched by the values it represents. We invite everyone at DISTED to stop by, contribute a plant, or simply enjoy a quiet moment surrounded by nature.
Tan Pei Shi
Lecturer, School of Business and Hospitality
Silent Defense: What We Learn from Plants
We feel pain when we are hit, cut, or bitten because our nervous system and brain transmit and interpret pain signals. Plants, on the other hand, do not experience pain as we do because they do not have a nervous system or brain. However, when their leaves are eaten, stems are cut, and they do not simply stay passive. Instead, they fight back silently and effectively. The way plants respond to physical damage is an automatic biological reaction called a “distress call”. Unlike pain in animals and humans, it is not a conscious feeling.
Over time, plants have evolved sophisticated defense mechanisms to protect themselves against threats. For example, they can release chemicals that their leaves are unappealing to herbivores or even produce toxins that can sicken or kill the attackers. One such example is the release of tannins, which bind to proteins and disrupt the herbivore’s digestive system. In addition, plants can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to deter herbivores directly or serve as a signal to attract predators that feed on these herbivores, which then attack the herbivores. Some plants defend themselves by producing “extrafloral nectar” nectar that is produced outside the flower. This is to attract ants and other insects to guard the plants from herbivores. These chemical signals can also serve as an alarm, warning the neighbouring plants of the presence of threats so they can prepare their own defenses. We, as humans, can learn the silent strength of plants. Plants do not fight with force but use subtle, unseen strategies to survive. True strength does not always come from physical power; sometimes, it lies in quiet, intelligent actions.
These strategies remind us that strength is not always loud or visible. Silent resilience, strategic thinking, and cooperation are powerful tools in both nature and life. At DISTED College, we strive to cultivate this quiet intelligence—encouraging students to grow with curiosity, purpose, and thoughtful strength.
Dr. Tan Sze Huey
Senior Lecturer, School of Pre-University
Teaching Tech That Connects to the Real World
In an age of AI tools, automation, and digital transformation, teaching technology means more than delivering content — it means helping students see how computing connects to the real world and shapes the way we live, work, and interact.
In my Introduction to IT and Information Systems classes at DISTED College, I use real-world tech to make learning relatable and engaging. One of our interactive classroom activities, “If I Were a Computer…”, encourages students to explore the diverse roles computers play across sectors. Each group selects a specific type of computer — such as a gaming PC, embedded system, or supercomputer — and presents its core function, key strengths, and societal relevance. Through this activity, students learn to appreciate that computing is not confined to desktops and laptops but is embedded in everything from entertainment and transportation to scientific discovery and healthcare. It is a fun and thought-provoking way to develop both technical understanding and social awareness.
Beyond hardware and systems, we also bring digital ethics into the classroom. Tools like Mentimeter and Quizizz are used not only for quizzes and polls, but to facilitate real-time discussions on critical issues such as digital privacy, algorithmic bias, and the responsible use of data. These platforms help students voice their views and confront ethical dilemmas in a collaborative setting.
At DISTED, we aim to nurture students who are not just competent users of technology, but responsible and reflective thinkers. Our approach equips them with the confidence to navigate and contribute to a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Technology is not just a subject; it is a dynamic lens through which students can understand their role in shaping the future.
Adibah Binti Riduan
Lecturer, School of Computing and Engineering
Art in Action: Live Portrait Drawing Fundraiser
On 24 June 2025, the DISTED Art Club successfully organised a live portrait drawing fundraiser at the college canteen. Guided by advisor Ms Khairu Nisa, the event aimed to raise funds for the club’s future activities and to purchase new art materials and equipment. The club set up a booth complete with flyers, a donation box, and small handmade items for sale. The main attraction of the day was the live portrait drawing session, where three of the club’s members—Teh Yi Sheng, Yung Hun Sung, and Abirhami—created personalised sketches for students and staff using coloured markers on A6 paper.
The event was met with enthusiasm from the campus community, drawing participation from students and staff alike. Beyond raising funds, the portrait session encouraged creative expression and served as a fun and interactive way to build community spirit on campus.
The Art Club is grateful for the support received and looks forward to organising more initiatives that blend creativity with community engagement. Events like this highlight how art can make a meaningful contribution to campus life while supporting student-driven projects.
The Yi Sheng, Secretary
DISTED Art Club
Psychology Club Charts Its 2025/2026 Vision
The Psychology Club at DISTED College has launched its 2025/2026 term with a renewed vision and a dedicated new committee. During their first meeting, student leaders—ranging from the President and Vice President to Secretary, Treasurer, and other supporting leads—came together to map out the club’s direction for the academic year. The session focused on operational planning, mental health advocacy campaigns, and activities aimed at enhancing psychological awareness and student engagement across campus.
More than just a student organisation, the Psychology Club functions as a dynamic platform for applying theoretical concepts in real-life contexts. It nurtures leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while placing empathy and inclusivity at its core. As the club’s advisor, I am proud to support a team that leads with intention and creativity, and I am excited for the impactful initiatives that lie ahead. Together, we look forward to building a campus culture that prioritises mental well-being, growth, and connection.
Thiresyinie A/P Tamil Chelvam
Lecturer, School of Psychology
