Remarks from the President
Dear DISTED Community,
Last week, I shared that lectures are gradually winding down as the semester draws to a close. However, learning does not stop when classes end. In fact, some of the most meaningful learning takes place when students apply their knowledge in real-world situations and demonstrate the outcomes of their learning through action.
This weekend marks the culmination of that journey with the Charity Pop-Up Market: Little Acts, Big Hearts, an event organised by students from the School of Business & Hospitality, School of Media and School of Computing.
The event showcases students’ ability to plan, manage, and execute a community-based project, applying skills developed throughout their studies. From project management, operations, finance, marketing, and event execution to community engagement, students have taken ownership of every aspect of the initiative.
The event also shows DISTED’s commitment to values-based education. Through this project, students are embracing the principles of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and contributing towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) through meaningful community engagement and social responsibility.
Come and support the Charity Pop-Up Market: Little Acts, Big Hearts this weekend at DISTED College’s Heritage Campus on Macalister Road.
We look forward to seeing you there!
President
Dato’ Dr (h.c) Lim Si Boon
Malaysia Makes History at ISPhO 2026
Malaysia celebrated a landmark achievement at the International Scientific Physics Olympiad (ISPhO) 2026, making history by fielding two teams for the first time—one under the Jawatankuasa Olimpiad Fizik Malaysia (JKOFM) and another representing DISTED College.
Held virtually from 21 to 30 June 2026, the competition brought together some of the world’s brightest young physics talents. Malaysia’s nine participants delivered an exceptional performance, earning a total of nine awards: two Silver Medals, three Bronze Medals, and four Honourable Mentions.
Adding to this achievement, DISTED College proudly served as the host and co-organiser of the international competition. Successfully managing a global event in a virtual format reflects the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and its growing role within the international science education community.
This success was built upon months of dedication and preparation. Participants first underwent a rigorous national selection process before attending intensive training programmes. The journey included the OFM National Training Camp held at DISTED College in March 2026, where 43 selected students participated in advanced theoretical learning, hands-on experimental work, and collaborative problem-solving. A final training camp in June further strengthened their skills and prepared them for the challenges of international competition.
Reflecting on the achievement, Dr. Tan Fuyi, Senior Lecturer from the School of Pre-University Studies, highlighted the collective effort behind the success.
“This historic achievement reflects the dedication of our students, trainers, mentors, and organisers. It demonstrates that Malaysian students can compete confidently on the global stage and excel among the world’s best young physicists.”
DISTED College extends its congratulations to all participants, trainers, and organisers whose commitment made this remarkable accomplishment possible. The success marks another important step in nurturing future scientists and strengthening Malaysia’s presence in international science competitions.
Dr Tan Fuyi
Senior Lecturer, School of Pre-University Studies
Lead, Link & Lift: DISTED College Empowers Student Leaders Through Annual Leadership Camp
DISTED College’s annual Leadership Camp, Lead, Link & Lift, brought together Student Representative Council (SRC) members, scholarship holders, and club leaders for a transformative three-day experience at Meru Valley Resort, Ipoh. Organised in collaboration with the School of Psychology, the camp focused on developing young leaders through meaningful connections, self-discovery, and teamwork.
Throughout the camp, participants engaged in leadership workshops, team-building exercises, and outdoor challenges designed to strengthen communication, adaptability, strategic thinking, and collaboration. Students were intentionally grouped with unfamiliar peers, encouraging them to build new relationships while working towards shared goals.
A highlight of the programme was the leadership workshop conducted by trainer Ms Wen Yi, where students explored leadership styles, problem-solving techniques, and practical tools such as the Fishbone Diagram.
For SRC President Isabelle Yeoh Xin Ern, the camp reinforced the importance of shared leadership.
“My biggest takeaway from this camp was understanding that leadership is a give-and-take responsibility. Sometimes, the best way to lead is to step back, trust others, and allow different voices to be heard.”
Dea Sofea Binti Saswandi, President of Kelab Penyayang, found the experience deeply inspiring.
“Anyone can be a leader—it is just a matter of mindset. This camp changed my perception of what it takes to be both a leader and a follower.”
For Yeoh Soon Meng, a recipient of the SI WU Educational Trust Scholarship, the camp offered valuable personal growth.
“I learned that leadership is not only about setting goals and managing tasks, but also about building genuine connections with people.”
Beyond leadership skills, participants forged lasting friendships, gained greater self-awareness, and created memories that will continue to shape their leadership journeys.
Through initiatives such as Lead, Link & Lift, DISTED College remains committed to nurturing capable, compassionate, and future-ready leaders who are ready to make a positive impact within their communities and beyond.
Tan Jia Huey
Head, Student Experience
Cyberbullying Awareness Workshop Encourages Responsible Online Behaviour
On 24 June 2026, Diploma in Mass Communication students from DISTED College successfully organised the Post with T.H.I.N.K. Cyberbullying Awareness Workshop at SMK Georgetown in collaboration with HOPE worldwide Malaysia.
The workshop was designed to raise awareness about cyberbullying among secondary school students while promoting responsible and ethical online behaviour. As digital communication continues to play an increasingly significant role in young people’s lives, the programme sought to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate online spaces safely and respectfully.
Throughout the workshop, participants explored the various forms of cyberbullying, its emotional and social consequences, and practical ways to respond to and prevent harmful online interactions. Through engaging group discussions, interactive activities, and real-life case studies, students were encouraged to reflect on their online habits and the impact of their digital footprint.
A central theme of the workshop was the T.H.I.N.K. framework, which encourages individuals to consider whether their online content is True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind before posting or sharing it. By applying these principles, students learned how to make more responsible decisions when interacting on social media and other digital platforms.
The workshop also provided an opportunity for DISTED’s Mass Communication students to apply their communication and community engagement skills while making a meaningful impact on younger audiences.
DISTED College extends its sincere appreciation to HOPE worldwide Malaysia for its valuable partnership and continued support. Special thanks are also extended to the administration, teachers, and students of SMK Georgetown for their warm hospitality, active participation, and commitment to promoting positive digital citizenship.
Together, we can build a safer, kinder, and more responsible online community—one thoughtful post at a time.
Nur Erlia Nadhirah Binti Mohd Erwan
Final year student, Diploma in Mass Communication
Finding Direction Through Interests and Values
Students often ask themselves, “What if I choose the wrong course?” 或 “How do I know what career is right for me?” While there may not always be a clear answer, understanding our interests and values can provide a meaningful sense of direction.
Exploring different interests is an important part of personal growth. Joining clubs, volunteering, taking on leadership roles, or trying new hobbies can help us discover activities that energise and motivate us. Rather than viewing every experience solely as preparation for a future career, these opportunities can also serve as valuable moments of self-discovery.
Equally important is understanding our values—the principles and qualities that matter most to us. Values may include learning, creativity, kindness, achievement, family, personal growth, or contributing to society. Unlike goals, which can be achieved and completed, values remain with us throughout life and guide the way we make decisions.
When we are clear about our values, we are often better equipped to navigate uncertainty and make choices that align with what truly matters to us. While challenges, setbacks, and difficult decisions are an inevitable part of life, our values can provide a stable foundation that helps us move forward with purpose and confidence.
Finding direction is not about having all the answers. Instead, it begins with curiosity, reflection, and a willingness to explore new experiences. By understanding our interests and staying connected to our values, we can make decisions that lead not only to personal success but also to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Tan Wei Jun
Lecturer, School of Psychology
From Logic to Instructions: The Role of PEP/9
While learning to write code is an important skill, understanding how a computer executes a program provides an even deeper appreciation of computing fundamentals. For students in the Bachelor’s in Information Technology programme, the PEP/9 system serves as a valuable educational tool for exploring the relationship between programming logic and computer hardware.
High-level programming languages such as Python, Java, and C are designed to be intuitive and accessible for programmers. However, before a computer can execute these programs, the code must be translated into a language that the machine can understand. PEP/9 allows students to examine this process by working directly with assembly language and observing how instructions are processed step by step.
Through practical exercises, students learn to convert programming logic into assembly instructions, gaining experience with essential concepts such as registers, memory addressing, instruction formats, and data movement. Tasks that may appear simple in a high-level language—such as adding two numbers—become opportunities to understand the sequence of operations that occur behind the scenes.
The learning experience also strengthens analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. By breaking complex tasks into smaller instructions, students develop a systematic approach to programming while gaining a clearer understanding of how data flows through a computer system.
In addition, PEP/9 introduces students to the principles of program optimisation, encouraging efficient use of memory and processing resources. These skills are particularly relevant in fields such as software development, system design, and computer architecture.
By making the inner workings of a computer visible, PEP/9 bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application, providing BITDA students with a strong foundation for future studies and careers in computing.
Aina Syazwani Binti Shaharin
Lecturer, School of Computing and Engineering
