Remarks from the President
Dear DISTED Community,
Last Saturday, we welcomed the 2026 graduating class of DISTED College diploma and HELP University degree holders at our campus. It was a proud and memorable occasion, made all the more special by the presence of family and friends who came to celebrate alongside our graduates.
Convocation Day is one of the highlights of our college calendar. While the ceremony naturally came with its share of pomp and pageantry, what stood out most were the smiles, the sense of pride and the joy of seeing our graduates reach this important milestone after years of hard work and dedication.
I would also like to mention that the address by our Guest of Honour and alumna, Ms. Nursyarfana Fathima binti Shahul Hameed, was truly inspiring. The message delivered by our Valedictorian, Ms. Chiam Zia Ning, a Bachelor of Marketing (Honours) graduate, was equally memorable and moving.
Once again, I congratulate the Class of 2026. I wish them every success as they embark on the next chapter of their lives and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the world.
Meanwhile, as we celebrate the Festival of Lights this weekend, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all our Hindu colleagues and students. Happy Deepavali!
President
Dato’ Dr (h.c) Lim Si Boon
Welcoming New Faces to the DISTED Community
Ms. Fadzilatul Aqilah binti Zainuddin
Ms. Nuremylia Maisyara binti Rosli
DISTED College is pleased to welcome Ms. Fadzilatul Aqilah binti Zainuddin and Ms. Nuremylia Maisyara binti Rosli to its academic team, joining our School of Communication, Arts and Multimedia as lecturers.
Ms. Fadzilatul Aqilah holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Multimedia from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and a Master of Communication (Media Management) from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM).
During her internship with Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Perak, she gained experience in multimedia design, social media content creation, and media production. Her academic journey also included developing a mobile application for preschool children and conducting research on online fan communities and drama adaptations in Malaysia.
With her background in multimedia and communication, Ms. Fadzilatul Aqilah looks forward to contributing to students’ learning experiences by sharing her knowledge and encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and practical application.
Meanwhile, Ms. Nuremylia Maisyara holds a Master in Communication (Media Management) and a Bachelor in Communication from USIM. She has a strong background in journalism, crisis communication, and media management.
With prior academic experience, she has taught courses including Digital Journalism, Media Law, and General Studies. Her academic interests include research and publication, particularly in crisis communication, media framing, and journalism. She has also presented her research at various local and international conferences.
Before embarking on her academic career, Ms. Nuremylia Maisyara gained practical journalism experience through her internship at Malaysiakini. Drawing on her academic knowledge, research expertise and practical media experience, she looks forward to fostering student engagement through interactive and data-driven learning, while contributing to the academic community at DISTED College.
We extend a warm welcome to both of them and wish them a meaningful and rewarding journey with DISTED College.
So, What’s Next After Graduation?
Congratulations, you have finally graduated! After years of classes, assignments, exams and deadlines, you are celebrating a major achievement having received your certificate.
Then comes the question almost every graduate hears:
“So, what are you going to do next?”
Perhaps you already know. Maybe you are ready to start your first job, continue your studies, enrol in a professional certification or take some time off to travel and recharge. Or perhaps you have absolutely no idea yet.
And that is okay.
There is no single right answer to what you should do after graduation.
Some graduates may choose to take a short break after years of studying. Others may jump straight into the workforce to gain experience and discover what career path suits them. Some may continue with a degree, postgraduate programme or professional certification to strengthen their knowledge and qualifications.
Every path is different, and every path has value.
It is easy to feel pressured when you see your friends announcing new jobs or university offers on social media. You may wonder, “Am I falling behind?”
Remember: it is not a race.
Your journey does not have to look like anyone else’s. You may start working today and discover a new career direction tomorrow. You may continue studying and find an opportunity you never expected. You may take a break and return with a clearer sense of what you really want.
What matters is making choices that move you forward — at your own pace.
So, as you celebrate graduation, do not worry about having your entire future figured out. Take a breath. Celebrate how far you have come. Explore your options, stay curious and be open to opportunities.
Your certificate marks the completion of one chapter, but it also opens the door to many more.
So, what’s next?
Whatever you choose, make it your journey.
Your next chapter starts now.
Nur Aisya Najwa Amerrudin
Lecturer/Programme Leader, School of Business and Hospitality
Behind the Lens: Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory
Learning extends far beyond the four walls of the classroom when real-world storytelling comes into play. Recently, senior media students of DISTED College embarked on an immersive field trip to the iconic Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory in Balik Pulau as part of their hands-on coursework for Documentary Production. The outdoor assignment offered students a practical opportunity to bridge camera theory with field production, turning a heritage site into an active production set for the day.
Tucked away in the serene valleys of Balik Pulau, the Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory provided a vivid backdrop rich with culture, history, and texture. Established back in 1953 and currently guided by third-generation guardian Mr. Chang Kun Ming, the family run institution offered the perfect subject for a student documentary. Armed with cameras, audio gear, and visual storyboards, the production teams set out to capture the essence of a legacy spanning over seven decades.
Throughout the session, the students actively managed every stage of field production under real world conditions. Production crews set up equipment across the factory grounds to conduct on camera interviews, gathering authentic oral histories about how raw nutmeg fruits are harvested and crafted into oils, jams, teas, and signature juices. Alongside formal sit-down setups, student camera operators worked quickly to capture dynamic B roll footage, framing shots of product demonstrations, ambient factory movements, and the scenic surrounding landscape.
Beyond honing technical skills like framing, lighting, and tracking outdoor audio, the trip gave students a deeper appreciation for media as a tool in cultural preservation. Documenting the family perseverance and craftsmanship behind Balik Pulau’s local spice industry allowed the teams to experience the true essence of storytelling from the ground up. The footage and interview recordings collected during the visit will now be edited into complete student documentary projects, showcasing both Penang’s rich heritage and the creative talents of emerging content creators.
Naviin Raj Jaya Ganesh
Student, Bachelor of Communication (Media Studies) Hons
