Remarks from the President
Dear DISTED Community,
Last week, students from the Schools of Business & Hospitality, Media, and Computing organised the “Charity Pop-Up Market – Little Act, Big Hearts.” Despite rain, the event ran smoothly, drew a good crowd, and achieved its social goals. Well done to chairperson Ms. Chiam Zia Ning and her team—more insights in next week’s issue.
This week, our student leaders and marketing students met with the Malaysia Qualifications Agency for a feedback session. The assessors praised them for being prepared, respectful, and articulate—music to any educator’s ears.
Next week, I’ll be meeting our international students. More to come. Until then, have a great weekend.
President
Dato’ Dr (h.c) Lim Si Boon
Speechcraft 2026 Begins: Building Confident Student Speakers
Speechcraft 2026 officially commenced on 3 July 2026, welcoming eight students eager to strengthen their public speaking and communication skills through the internationally recognised Toastmasters programme.
Led by Mr Wilson Loo, President of the Great2B Toastmasters Club, the programme attracted a diverse group of participants, primarily from the Cambridge A-Level programme, with additional students from the Diploma in Computer Science programme. Organised in collaboration with the Registry, the initiative reflects DISTED College’s ongoing commitment to developing confident and effective communicators.
The opening session focused on one of the most important elements of public speaking—choosing the right topic. Drawing on his own experiences, Mr Wilson shared practical insights on selecting meaningful subjects and incorporating personal stories to create stronger connections with audiences. His guidance provided participants with a solid foundation for crafting engaging and impactful speeches.
Students were also introduced to impromptu speaking, an essential skill for effective communication. Under the guidance of Mr EK Khor, Vice President Education of the Great2B Toastmasters Club, all eight participants successfully delivered their first impromptu speeches and received constructive feedback to improve their confidence, clarity, and presentation skills.
The second session, held on 10 July 2026, focused on body language and vocal variety—two key elements of effective speech delivery. Additional sessions are scheduled throughout July and August, culminating in a final presentation event on 14 August 2026, where participants will deliver prepared speeches and be evaluated by Toastmasters volunteers.
Speechcraft continues to receive strong support from DISTED College management, recognising its positive impact on students’ confidence and communication abilities. Through guided practice, mentorship, and constructive evaluations, participants will continue to develop valuable skills that will benefit them both academically and professionally.
Jesscia Ang
Registrar
Experiential Learning Visit to EPF Strengthens Financial Awareness
Our visit to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF/KWSP) was a valuable learning experience that helped us gain a deeper understanding of real-world financial practices.
During the visit, EPF officers introduced us to the concept of provident funds and explained their importance in helping individuals build financial security for retirement. To make the session more engaging, we also participated in a Kahoot quiz based on the information shared during the talk.
One of the most interesting things I learned was that EPF membership is not only for working adults. Malaysian citizens aged 14 and above can register for an EPF account and start saving early through voluntary contribution programmes. This allows students to begin earning dividends and benefit from long-term savings growth.
The visit provided valuable insights that complemented what we learned in our Human Resource Management class. More importantly, it highlighted the importance of developing good saving habits and planning for the future from a young age.
Overall, the educational visit was both informative and enjoyable, giving us a better appreciation of financial planning and the role EPF plays in supporting a secure retirement.
Jessica Kaur
Student, Diploma in Business Studies
Nurturing Future Tech Talent at the Gami-Code Challenge 2026
Serving as a judge for the Gami-Code Challenge at the Penang State STEM Carnival 2026 was a highly rewarding experience. Organised by the Penang State Education Department (JPNPP) and hosted at SMJK Jit Sin II, Seberang Perai Selatan, the competition brought together talented secondary school students from across Penang to showcase their programming and digital innovation skills.
As a member of the judging panel, I had the opportunity to evaluate a wide range of projects that reflected the students’ creativity, technical abilities, and problem-solving skills. Using Scratch, a visual programming platform, participants developed interactive games that demonstrated how coding and computational thinking can be applied to create engaging digital experiences.
One of the most impressive aspects of the competition was the creativity behind the game concepts and storylines. Students incorporated programming elements such as sequencing, loops, conditionals, variables, animations, and user interaction to bring their ideas to life. Many teams also demonstrated strong debugging and problem-solving skills, reflecting the growing emphasis on STEM education and digital literacy in schools.
Beyond the technical aspects, I was encouraged by the confidence and professionalism displayed by the participants. Students presented their projects with enthusiasm, clearly explained their development process, and responded thoughtfully to questions from the judging panel.
The experience offered valuable insights into the potential of young learners and their capability to become future innovators in technology-related fields. More importantly, it highlighted the critical role that STEM initiatives play in nurturing digital talent and fostering creativity, innovation, and problem-solving among students.
It was a privilege to be part of an event that celebrates and encourages the next generation of programmers, developers, and technology leaders.
Nurul Annisa Azhar
Lecturer, School of Computing and Engineering
Connecting with Nature Through Biology Fieldwork
Understanding ecology requires more than studying concepts in a classroom—it involves observing nature firsthand. As part of the Cambridge A-Level Biology curriculum, students recently participated in a fieldwork activity that allowed them to apply sampling techniques in the college backyard.
Sampling techniques are an important tool used by biologists to identify plant species and estimate the abundance and distribution of organisms within a specific area. During the practical session, students learned how to collect data systematically while ensuring that sampling locations were selected objectively to minimise bias. For example, students were reminded not to choose locations based on personal preference, such as selecting only shaded areas or avoiding dense vegetation, as this could affect the accuracy and representativeness of their findings.
Using quadrats and marked sampling lines, students observed and recorded various plant species found within the study area. They worked collaboratively to identify plants with the help of reference images and digital resources, bringing ecological concepts to life through direct observation and investigation.
The activity also emphasised the importance of safety during fieldwork. Students wore appropriate clothing, including long pants and covered shoes, to reduce potential risks from insects and plant-related skin irritation.
Beyond strengthening their understanding of sampling techniques and ecological principles, the fieldwork provided opportunities to develop key scientific skills such as observation, data collection, critical thinking, and analysis. Students also demonstrated strong teamwork by sharing responsibilities, supporting one another, and working inclusively throughout the investigation.
By connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world experiences, the activity fostered a deeper appreciation of biodiversity and highlighted the value of field-based learning in biological sciences.
Dr. Tan Sze Huey
School of Pre-University Studies
Celebrating Penang Heritage Day and DISTED's Legacy of Excellence Approaching 40 Years
Penang Heritage Day is a celebration of the state’s rich cultural diversity, historical significance, and enduring traditions that have shaped generations. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our heritage while embracing innovation and progress for the future.
In conjunction with this meaningful occasion, DISTED College proudly celebrates its journey towards 40 years of excellence in higher education. For nearly four decades, the College has remained dedicated to delivering quality education, fostering academic excellence, and contributing to community development. Throughout this time, DISTED has nurtured graduates who are not only knowledgeable and adaptable but also equipped with the values and skills needed to make meaningful contributions to society.
The spirit of Penang’s heritage and DISTED’s educational journey share many common values. Just as Penang’s story is built on resilience, diversity, cultural harmony, and continuous progress, DISTED’s success has been shaped by a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and student achievement.
Over the years, the College has evolved alongside the changing educational landscape while maintaining its unwavering dedication to excellence in teaching and learning. Through new programmes, industry collaborations, and student-centred approaches, DISTED continues to prepare learners for the opportunities and challenges of the future.
As Penang celebrates its rich heritage, DISTED College reflects pride on nearly 40 years of educational excellence and impact. Together, we honour the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to many more years of empowering future generations through education.
Noriah Kallanjiam
Lecturer, School of Communication, Arts and Multimedia
Doomscrolling: Why We Do It and How to Stop
Have you ever opened your phone to check a notification, only to find yourself still scrolling through social media half an hour later? This behaviour, commonly known as doomscrolling, is a habit many people experience without even realising it.
Our brains are naturally wired to seek information and stay informed about what is happening around us. Social media platforms are designed to satisfy that curiosity by offering a continuous stream of news, videos, posts, and updates. As a result, what begins as a quick check can easily turn into prolonged and unintentional scrolling.
The good news is that breaking the habit does not necessarily mean giving up technology. Instead, it can be helpful to replace scrolling with an alternative activity that is both enjoyable and beneficial. Reading is one popular option, and some people are turning to dedicated e-readers to create a more focused reading experience without the distractions of notifications and social media apps.
Other simple alternatives include taking a short walk, exercising, journaling, or spending time on a hobby. Even replacing just 15 minutes of scrolling each day with a more mindful activity can have a positive impact on focus, productivity, and well-being.
Ultimately, the aim is not to eliminate screen time completely, but to become more intentional about how technology is used. By making small adjustments to our daily habits, we can create a healthier relationship with our devices and regain greater control over our time and attention.
Teoh Ker Hsin
Programme Lead, School of Psychology
