Celebrations and Gratitude
Warm congratulations to the Pre-University Class of 2025 on completing the Cambridge A Levels, the South Australian Certificate of Education, or DISTED’s Foundation in Arts or Science. You now stand at the threshold of your undergraduate journey, and we couldn’t be prouder.
We marked this milestone together on Saturday, 20 September at the Completion Ceremony. What made the occasion truly memorable was the sincere gratitude expressed by our student speakers. On behalf of their peers and themselves, they thanked the academic staff, the dedicated support teams, and their families for their unwavering encouragement throughout their studies.
Many of you have set bold and inspiring goals for the future. We are proud of each and every one of you and all that you have achieved.
Wishing you continued success in all your future endeavours.
President,
Dato’ Dr. Lim Si Boon
Celebrating our Pre-University Graduation Ceremony 2025
DISTED College held its Pre-University Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, 20 September 2025, at the Heritage Hall, celebrating a proud milestone for its Pre-University students.
Graduates from the Cambridge A Level (CAL), South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), Foundation in Arts (FIA) and Foundation in Science (FIS) programmes were recognized for their dedication, perseverance, and achievements throughout their academic journey at DISTED.
The ceremony began with an address by DISTED College President, Dato’ Dr Lim Si Boon, who congratulated the students on their accomplishments and reminded them that while the event marked the completion of their programmes, the final challenge of examinations still lies ahead. He encouraged them to remain focused and confident as they prepare for this important stage.
Three students also spoke on behalf of their peers, sharing reflections and words of gratitude: Matthew Alexander Ong, a recipient of Dato Seri Stephen Yeap Scholarship from the CAL programme; Rasvini Subramaniam from the SACE programme; and Parthasarathe a/l Jayashanker from the CAL programme.
Family members, lecturers, and friends gathered to witness the celebration, cheering on the graduates as they received their certificates. The atmosphere was filled with pride, encouragement, and optimism for the future.
As the students now move forward to sit for their final examinations, the DISTED community extends its best wishes for success, confident that they will rise to the challenge and continue to excel in their academic pursuits.
Geong Chooi Peng
Head, School of Pre- University Studies
DISTED’s Top Scorer Chesney Cha Su Tian to Study Computer Science at Warwick
DISTED College is proud to announce that Chesney Cha Su Tian, the top scorer in the May/June 2025 Cambridge Examination, has been offered a place to study Computer Science at the University of Warwick.
Chesney is an exceptionally gifted and driven student whose academic journey stands out for both its speed and excellence. She completed her A Levels in just 14 months—a significantly accelerated timeframe—achieving 4A*s in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics. This rare feat is a testament to her intellectual capability, strong work ethic, and outstanding time management skills.
In preparation for her future, Chesney took time to reflect carefully on her academic and career goals. Through this process, she made a well-informed and confident decision to pursue her true passion—Computer Science. Her clarity of purpose and determination have been key to her success.
Recognized by her lecturers as one of the most capable and resilient students they have encountered, Chesney combines academic strength with a natural analytical mindset and exceptional discipline. Her ability to think critically and tackle complex challenges makes her particularly well-suited for a rigorous programme like Computer Science.
Chesney’s achievements were further recognised when she became the first recipient of the SiWu Scholarship at DISTED College—a prestigious award that acknowledges academic excellence, character, and promise. DISTED College also offers other merit-based scholarships such as the I.K. Meek Scholarship and the DISTED Alumni Scholarships, demonstrating its strong commitment to supporting outstanding students.
Chesney is not only expected to excel academically at Warwick but also to make meaningful contributions to the university community. DISTED College congratulates her on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to her continued success in the exciting journey ahead.
Geong Chooi Peng,
Head, School of Pre-University Studies
Psychology in Action: EEG Demonstration Brings Classroom Learning to Life
As part of the Introduction to Psychology subject, students at DISTED College recently explored the science of the brain and brainwave activity through a live demonstration of electroencephalography (EEG). The session was led by Ms. Teoh Ker Hsin, Programme Lead of the School of Psychology, who explained the principles behind EEG and showcased how
different brainwave patterns reflect mental states such as relaxation, concentration, and alertness.
This demonstration offered students a unique opportunity to experience psychology in action. Rather than learning about brainwaves only through lectures and readings, they were able to witness first-hand how psychological concepts are studied in practice.
Looking back on the session, what struck me most was how important it is to connect theory to everyday life. To me, psychology is not just something we read in textbooks, it is present in how we understand our own emotions, communicate with others, and make sense of the world around us. That is why I value hands-on experiences like the EEG demonstration or cross-cultural activities. When students see how these ideas play out in real life, learning suddenly feels personal and meaningful. And for me, that is the moment when true learning really begins.
By combining academic knowledge with experiential learning, DISTED College aims to nurture students who are not only well-prepared for their careers but also equipped with qualities such as curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking—skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Chew Yong Peng
Lecturer, School of Psychology
Mastering the Skills That Drive Success in Computer Science (SCE)
Computer science is a dynamic and multifaceted discipline, and success in the field requires a broad range of skills that extend beyond coding. At its core, programming knowledge in languages such as Python, Java, and C++ equips learners to develop and maintain software solutions. However, technical expertise must be complemented by algorithmic thinking, which involves formulating efficient and logical strategies to address computational challenges.
Equally important are analytical and problem-solving skills. Practitioners must be capable of breaking down complex issues, applying abstract thinking, and using creative
approaches, especially in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science. Precision and attention to detail are essential, as even minor errors can have major consequences. A strong mathematical foundation, particularly in discrete mathematics and logic, further strengthens innovation and understanding.
Beyond technical skills, the technology industry increasingly values soft skills such as effective communication, adaptability, and teamwork. The ability to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences, collaborate across teams, and adjust to rapid technological changes is indispensable.
At DISTED College, we recognise the importance of balancing technical expertise with professional competencies. Our programmes are designed to equip students with both the technical and interpersonal skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global technology landscape.
Kaushalya A/P Tinakaran
Lecturer, School of Computing
Hari Malaysia: A Celebration of Unity and History
Every year on 16 September, Malaysians celebrate Hari Malaysia, a day that holds deep historical and cultural importance. On this date in 1963, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore came together with Malaya to form Malaysia. Although Singapore separated in 1965, the day continues to mark the true beginning of our nation. Hari Malaysia is often confused with Merdeka Day on 31 August, which celebrates independence from British rule in 1957. While Merdeka represents freedom, Hari Malaysia symbolises the formation of a united federation—two different but equally meaningful milestones.
Hari Malaysia was only declared a national holiday in 2010, despite its central place in our history. Back in 1963, the spirit of celebration filled the air when the Negaraku was played on the radio every hour. The Malaysia Agreement granted special rights to Sabah and Sarawak, including control over immigration and religion, reflecting the unique identities of these states within the federation. Interestingly, 16 September also coincides with the birthday of Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister.
For Malaysians today, Hari Malaysia serves as a reminder of the strength we draw from unity in diversity. It encourages us to honour our multicultural heritage, respect one another, and appreciate the shared journey that continues to shape Malaysia’s identity as a nation.
Nur Aisya Najwa Amerrudin
Programme Lead, School of Business and Hospitality
DC Live and SCM Students Showcase Professionalism at Pre-U Convocation
The Pre-University Convocation held on 20 September 2025 at DISTED College was a proud moment for graduating students and a defining one for those behind the scenes. The event’s live broadcast was expertly managed by DC Live in collaboration with students from the School of Communication, Arts, and Multimedia (SCM), who demonstrated remarkable professionalism and adaptability throughout the ceremony.
SCM students were entrusted with a range of responsibilities, including stage management, photography, videography, audio direction, and camera monitoring. Each role required technical skill and quick thinking, especially when faced with unexpected challenges. The convocation offered a real-world platform for students to apply classroom knowledge, reinforcing the value of experiential learning.
One of the key takeaways was the ability to handle technical errors with composure and critical thinking. Despite the pressures of a live event, the students worked seamlessly to ensure a smooth broadcast. This reflected their growing confidence and capability in the media and communication field.
The success of the event reaffirmed the commitment of both DC Live and SCM students to excellence. Beyond technical execution, the experience nurtured essential soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. These qualities will serve them well in their future careers.
Voon Jia Ting, DC Live Crew Member,
Diploma in Creative Multimedia Production 创意多媒体制作专业文凭
Welcoming New Faces to DISTED College
We are pleased to welcome three new members to the DISTED College family.
Shakirah Sufaira Sulaiman joins the Finance Department. A graduate of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in Chemical Bioprocess Engineering, she previously worked in Quality Assurance within the medical device industry. Transitioning into finance marks an exciting new chapter for Shakirah, where she looks forward to applying her strengths in accuracy and documentation. Outside of work, she enjoys reading fiction and watching Turkish dramas—her interest in the language has even inspired her to start learning Turkish.
Ng Juo Yen (Joan) joins the Marketing and Communications team. With a background in International Business Management and experience running her own online pastry business, Joan brings creativity and energy to her role. She will be supporting the promotion of the college through social media, events, and other marketing activities, while also building connections with students and parents.
Dr. Eric Cheah joins the academic team in Computer Science and Information Technology. With extensive teaching and research experience, he is passionate about simplifying complex concepts and fostering an engaging learning environment. Dr. Eric has published widely in instructional design and pedagogy, and looks forward to inspiring students to pursue innovation and excellence in technology.
Let us extend a warm welcome to Shakirah, Joan, and Dr. Eric as they begin their journey with us at DISTED College.
Raziah binti Ehia Mohd ,
HR and Admin Executive
