25 Years’ Passion in Educating Minds The Story of DISTED, ’s Premier College Editorial Publication Jayaeswari Sangaralingam (Editor-in-Chief) Tan Kok Teong Team Lucy Chin Soon Sim Norhiza Mohd Noor Fairunizan Akhbar Malik

Production Prisca Ting Mee Lan Zaki Zakaria

Publisher DISTED College 340 Macalister Road, 10350 Penang, Tel: +604-229 6579 E-mail: [email protected] Website: disted.edu.my

Copyright 2012, DISTED College All rights reserved.

2 Contents 2Publication Team 4Foreword by DISTED President

7A Passion Ignited

9The DISTED Founders

14Reflections of a Founder

16On the Move to Permanent Campuses

28Kaleidoscope of Course Offerings

51Shining Stars of DISTED

65Money Matters in Assisting Students

75The Extra Mile Initiatives

87The President’s Musing: The Way Forward

92The Founders and the Present Board of Directors

3 Foreword by “Dr. Koo, please write a foreword love, dedication and spirited devotion for the DISTED 25th Anniversary to duties of all those people, past and Dr Koo Wee Kor Publication” so commanded Jaya, our present, which make DISTED possible. President and CEO lovely and bubbly editor-in-chief. You DISTED College This is our first publication and I hope must also write a piece on all you want this inaugural edition will be the about DISTED, be interviewed and progenitor of many more to come. videoed”, and with a hint of, be an ox, a horse and a monkey, all at the same DISTED is open to all students, at all time; the animal thing is all my own. levels and of all kinds of abilities. We “Here is some Panadol” she said. “Yes provide an opportunity for young sir” I said. people, ask them to do their best and be their best; some, not asked, It is with such spirit that DISTED excelled all the same, thanks to them embarked on this celebration of for elevating DISTED. Others elected 25 years, which involved piling up to take up the challenge and in activities and events, involving all one way or another managed to constituents, that will culminate in this make themselves competent, while 25th Anniversary publication as well as others made do, bumbling through the Commemorative and Recognition nevertheless. All in they recognized Dinner at the end of the year. My the importance of spending time in an sincere pleasure and thanks to the institution, learning and playing, finding

4 their way into the future. Whatever history and memories, a combination they become, we will be proud to be of the old and new that blends well part of their journey in life and would with our ethos of heritage outside and continue to nurture that bond that is modern inside. I would like to express so precious, and yet can so easily be my sincere pleasure and thanks to all forgotten if no action is taken. of them. My special thanks goes to Ms. Jayaeswari and her team of huskies, The Success of DISTED owes largely working hard but hardly noticed, to to the community that gives its chase articles and deadlines and unrelenting support despite the made such a wonderful publication many ups and downs that we have possible. experienced. The students and their parents’ confidence and trust in DISTED Finally, our sincere thanks go to all have given much encouragement the staff and students who have and consolation in moments of trials participated one way or another and tribulations. The staff, with all to make the 25th year celebration their flaws and idiosyncrasies, have a success. Many of them have put always risen above all else to give in tremendous effort to write, video their best to the students. The Board shoot, edit and done many other of Governors, with their penchant things that have left their marks in this for proper governance and financial commemorative publication. sustainability, has given the College a Viva DISTED! wide berth to carry out its work. We want once again especially to thank the Wawasan Education Foundation, the Yeap Chor Ee Charitable Trust and other well-wishers who have given from their funds for teaching and education enhancement provided scholarship grants for our students.

There are many interesting stories in this 25 Anniversary publication. Many people have contributed to the many pages within, and many have given personal accounts of the College

5 6 DISTED College, Penang’s very Australian continent were Adelaide own first private tertiary institution, was College of TAFE, Murdoch University founded by a group of 3 distinguished and the Warrnambool Institute of and committed Malaysian Advanced Education (now part of educationists comprising Tan Sri Deakin University). Emeritus Professor Gajaraj Dhanarajan, During the incipient stage, DISTED Dr Hulman Sinaga and Dato’ Dr Services served mainly as an Sharom Ahmat. instrument for offering off-campus It all began in early 1985 when they courses. However, the interest of SPM put together their enthusiasm and and STPM school leavers brought on experience to ignite a passion for an ardent demand for on-campus establishing a private educational learning. institution. Responding to the increasing demand The time seemed right as there was a for full-time study, an application was popular and growing trend towards made to the Ministry of Education overseas education in the country. to start DISTED College, which was granted on 16 July 1987. A Passion The location too appeared fertile as all the private institutions offering In January 1988, DISTED admitted its Ignited split-location degree programmes first cohort of full-time on-campus and matriculation courses were in the students to its bungalow building on Klang Valley. Hargreaves Road with Dr Gajaraj Dhanarajan as its CEO until May 1989 They formed a company called DISTED when he accepted an invitation to Services Sdn Bhd in August 1985, where join the Open University of Hong Kong. DISTED is the acronym for ‘Distance Education’, and the search began for In an interview with the DISTED suitable overseas partners with whom Yearbook 1989 editorial board, Dr Raj, linkages could be made for advanced as he is more popularly known, shed education. light on the emergence of the college.

By 1987, contracts were signed with “The original intention of DISTED was to 4 major institutions from 2 countries. provide an alternate route to higher Representing the North American education for adults who could not region was the British Columbia Open get into universities, colleges or other University of Canada and from the places of higher education. The

7 opportunity for such people actually A prominent member of the college’s pioneered the offering of the South was even more limited than for Form Board of Governors said to me: Look Australian Matriculation and the British 5 or Form 6 school leavers who were Dr Raj, don’t bother. Begin to plan A-Level in Penang. going on to higher education. forward to satisfy the needs of younger It also offered one of the first twinning people. Potentially, they’re the leaders “That was in fact the principal reason programmes in Malaysia, working of this country.” for even calling the place DISTED, with the Warrnambool Institute of which is the acronym for ‘Distance So DISTED changed its direction. Within Advanced Education (now Deakin Education’,” he revealed. 6 months we were able to turn our University Warrnambool Campus) to course from an adult-oriented college provide the opportunity for Malaysian Nevertheless, it was a circumstances- to that of a younger person’s. students to gain an Australian alter-cases experience for DISTED in undergraduate business degree. This moving forward. How did DISTED go about forming eventually developed into the Deakin collaborations with overseas institutions “We failed in that original objective 3+0 Bachelor of Commerce which has at that time? because in 1986 we worked on the become one of the most successful assumption that there were lots of “DISTED had the advantage of programmes conducted by the distance education providers outside knowing a few persons who were College. Malaysia in the UK, and reasonably well-known in the Founding Mission Statement Canada. They were making available education arena, who in some of DISTED courses for adults at low prices such as ways had made some mark outside AUD20 for a semester unit course. Malaysia. We also attended forums on Aim educational issues and we put forward To be a premier post-secondary We were planning something similar for this idea individually and collectively. private educational institution in the Malaysia. However, some 13 months state of Penang. later by July 1987 the Australians “People began to show an interest in were offering courses at AUD450 to what we were planning. We talked Mission AUD460 per semester. It meant costing to a number of institutions and finally • To provide students from the various somebody RM1,000 (at 1987 exchange chose 4 which we considered to have socio-economic backgrounds rate) for 1 whole semester unit and for the potential to offer help to Malaysian with equal opportunity to avail that person to graduate would require students who are not very proficient in themselves of the educational RM30,000. English,” Dr Raj shared. offerings of the institution.

So things went beyond our ability to From that change of direction, DISTED • To meet the educational and control and there was no way we began its noble mission of bringing industrial training needs of the could have brought this down to make higher education for full-time study at nation in general, and that it easily available to working adults. an affordable price to young people of northern Malaysia and the in northern Malaysia. The college surrounding region in particular.

8 VIDEO Tan Sri Emeritus Professor Gajaraj Dhanarajan

Gajaraj Dhanarajan He holds BSc and MSc degrees from the University of Madras, a Diploma of Tan Sri Emeritus Professor Gajaraj The DISTED Imperial College and an MSc from the Dhanarajan is a former vice- Imperial College of the University of of , former Founders London and a PhD in Biology from the president of the Commonwealth of University of Aston in Birmingham. Learning, former deputy director of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Centre From 1995 to 2004, he was president for Distance Learning (off-campus of the Commonwealth of Learning, an programme) and former director of inter-governmental agency. the Open Learning Institute of Hong He is acknowledged as one of the Kong (now the Open University of world’s leading advocates and Hong Kong). experts on open and distance He joined the newly established Open learning, for which he has served Learning Institute of Hong Kong in as a consultant for the World Bank, 1989 as associate academic director, the Asian Development Bank, the and served as director from 1991 to African Development Bank and 1995. He was honoured in 1992 by the the Inter-American and Caribbean institute with the title of Professor, and Development Bank. then Emeritus Professor in 1995. 9 10 Among the international development He is a man of wisdom and his agencies that he has worked with are astuteness flows to motivate others to UNESCO, UNICEF, ILO, WHO, UNHCR, better themselves. Dr Raj’s gentle and ITU and the International Federation fatherly stature is his trademark which of Red Cross Associations. Other is loved by all. development agencies that have Sharom Ahmat used his experience include CIDA, DFID, AusAID and NZODA. Dato’ Dr Sharom Ahmat, a former president and CEO of DISTED, has He holds honorary doctorates from 10 more than 40 years of distinguished universities in the Asia-Pacific region, service in higher education in Europe and North America. , Malaysia and . At the 45th USM convocation In recognition of his services to higher ceremony, the university’s chancellor education, the University of Sheffield H.R.H. Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al- (UK) conferred him the Honorary Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail Doctorate of Letters. conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education to Dr Raj for his Dato’ Dr Sharom, a trained historian, contribution as the leading pioneer of received a first class honours degree distance education. from the University of Singapore (1962), MA in American history from Brown As one of the world’s leading University (1963) and a PhD in South- advocate and expert on open and East Asian history from the School of distance Learning, Professor Gajaraj Oriental and African Studies, University has contributed to global discussion on of London (1969). the subject and further associated with the work of international development He started his academic career as agencies. an assistant lecturer in history at the University of Singapore in 1963 rising Dr Raj is a soft spoken academician through the ranks to become senior and a purposeful man, dedicating his lecturer and deputy dean of the life for education. He is very passionate Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. In with his crusade to provide an equal 1973 he became a professor of history opportunity to education for everyone, and the dean of humanities at USM. In young and old. 1975 he was appointed the university’s

11 VIDEO Dato’ Dr Sharom Ahmat first deputy vice-chancellor (student the opening of its own facilities, the affairs), followed by portfolios in Yeap Chor Ee Campus in 1995. He was academic affairs (1978) and research committed to ensuring that DISTED and development (1980). delivered quality programmes in a caring atmosphere. Based on his experience in all facets of university administration, he was He advocates that educators need seconded to Brunei in 1985 to assist in to be passionate in their profession as the establishment of the University of only with the enthusiasm and the love Brunei Darussalem. He spent 9 years to teach can they make teaching and in Brunei as an academic advisor at learning fun and effective. the University of Brunei. He returned to Dato’ Dr Sharom has a charming Penang in August 1994 and assumed personality that leaves a lasting the position of DISTED president in impression on everyone around him. September that year. Hulman Sinaga Dato’ Dr Sharom has played a leading role in the development and Dr Hulman Sinaga was the first expansion of DISTED culminating with principal and a former deputy vice-

12 VIDEO Dr Hulman Sinaga president for academic affairs of Community, and Teachers). The Dr Sinaga is passionate about igniting DISTED. He is a former associate project was developed by a group the reading culture among teenagers. professor at the USM School of of educators in South-East Asia to He stresses that the refined culture of Education as well as the University of reverse the trend of conventional reading is lost among youths these Brunei. educational components with days and educators should take the programmed instruction and learning, responsibility of making greater efforts Dr Sinaga was a senior teacher at student and community volunteers to stimulate and nurture the reading Sunny Hill School before leaving to the and instructional supervisors to bring culture in young people. United States in 1968 under a Fulbright a wholesome approach towards scholarship to study at Wayne State He is a man who loves music and learning and knowledge acquisition. University where he received both his dedicates his life to community Master of Education and Doctor of He worked closely with IDRC services. He has a heart that is gentle Philosophy degrees. Upon his return to (International Development Center and loving with a fervor to educating Malaysia, he joined USM as a lecturer. Research) and was appointed director all. for the Project InSPIRE (Integrated In 1975 Dr Sinaga started working System of Programmed Instruction for on a reivised version of IMPACT Rural Environment). (Instructional Management by Parents,

13 Tan Sri Emeritus Professor Gajaraj 2. A vision to make higher Reflections of Dhanarajan, a founding father of education accessible to as DISTED, reiterates the fundametal many young people in Penang noble mission of DISTED in as is possible at a minimal cost. a Founder educationg young people: 3. A mission to serve the purposes DISTED was founded on 3 guiding of higher education to mould principles: young minds with learning and values of respect, tolerance and 1. A belief that all young people care for others including our if given an opportunity and a fragile environment. caring learning environment can successfully meet the 25 years later since its founding in challenges of higher education. 1987, it is important that we reflect

14 on those founding principles and as a will continue the values of a caring promoted all these 25 years and as community inquire if they still hold true learning environment, under the one of its 3 founders, my hope is for it for the college and higher education. ownership of a charitable foundation to continue to do so. After all, higher 25 years have passed on like a blink committed to education. education is about being a good but it is last century. Into the second human in a well functioning ‘good The second principle of DISTED’s vision decade of a new century, do those society’. to make higher education accessible principles of 1987 have any value? to all, will require adjustments in A simple answer will be a resounding this new century. The adjustments YES, as those principles reflect a good may mean relooking at ‘higher society. education’ and its purpose in our But unlike 1987, Malaysia today is full country. Our utilitarian environment of opportunities for higher learning for demands that young people exit almost all young people regardless from higher education with skills to be of their socio-economic background. economically productive. Some of them have to pay a higher The challenge for the college, under cost and others, especially those these circumstances, is in shaping privileged enough to get into highly the curriculum in a manner that does subsidized public institutions, at not make its graduates total ‘robots’ a much lower cost but there are but citizens with skills and equally, a opportunities for all. responsible sense of humanity. This is Putting the cost issue aside, higher a demand that lecturers, more than education is reachable for many others in the college community, must but a caring learning environment is bring to their vocation. not. Private higher education, in our The last of the principles is about our country especially, is motivated by the common humanity which has been size of the bottom line and that means there since the dawn of civilization cutting costs and increasing returns. and will continue to be there till the DISTED to a great extent has not been end of our civilization. overly driven by bottom lines though Valuing our environment, respecting the pressure to be ‘profitable’ is others and helping all those who always present. It is my hope that we need help are values that DISTED has

15 DISTED at Hargreaves Road (1987)

From its beginning in 1987 at a partnership between the college and On the bungalow on Hargreaves Road, DISTED the charitable body. made its sojourn to RECSAM and 2 years later in 1997, the permanent Kelawei Road before being housed in campus was further expanded to a 5.5 Move to a permanent campus on Macalister acres site when the college acquired Road 8 years later in 1995. an adjacent piece of land where the Permanent In realizing its own purpose-built library building is now situated. campus, DISTED is indebted to In 2012, the college carved another Campuses an institution, the Yeap Chor Ee expansion landmark when its School Charitable Trust, for its foresight in of Hospitality began operations in a sharing resources to further education brand new campus on China Street opportunities for the community, and Ghaut in the heritage enclave of to an individual, its former deputy the UNESCO World Heritage City of chief executive officer Dato’ Saleena George Town. In the same year the Yahaya Isa, for galvanizing the building of the new hostel began.

16 DISTED at RECSAM (1988-1989)

It is scheduled to be completed in British Columbia Open University Science and Mathematics) in February late 2013 and by that time young distance education programme 1988. and vibrant resident students will be to Australian matriculation and SEAMEO RECSAM trains teaching staff introduced into the heritage enclave. twining arrangements with Australia’s from the ASEAN member countries as Warrnambool Institute of Advanced With the emergence of the new well as conduct pedagogical research Education (now part of Deakin hospitality facility, the college now is and development in the field of University). made up of 2 campuses, the DISTED science and mathematics. Yeap Chor Ee Campus and the DISTED This promising growth of academic However, the DISTED base at RECSAM Hospitality Campus. offerings meant that the original base in was not sufficiently big on Hargreaves Road was inadequate, enough. giving rise to a pressing need for the DISTED at RECSAM college to find more suitable premises. Hence, although all academic activities were transferred there, the (1988-1989) A tenancy agreement was signed with administrative unit of the college had Under the dynamic leadership of Dr SEAMEO RECSAM (South-East Asian to remain at Hargreaves Road. Gajaraj Dhanarajan, the college’s Ministers of Education Organization, academic sector grew from the Regional Centre for Education in

17 DISTED at Kelawei Road (1989-1994)

DISTED at Kelawei park known as Gurney Paragon). Extensive renovations were carried Road (1989-1994) out and on 15 April 1989, the new By 1989, increasing student enrolments premises were officially opened by led to the urgent need to locate to then Governor of Penang Tun Datuk bigger and better premises in order (Dr) Haji Awang Hassan. to provide centralized and enhanced The campus at Kelawei Road services and facilities. had classrooms that were fully air- An intensive search for a new location conditioned and equipped with audio- ended when a tenancy agreement visual systems. was signed with the Uplands School In the computer lab, a range of (now the International School of microcomputers, printers and Penang in ) to sub-lease software were available for hands-on then St Joseph’s Training College and application in the areas of accounting, school premises (which are now part of commerce, science and technology. the high rise retail and luxury residential

18 VIDEO Mr R Padmanathan

Two multi-purpose labs served the badminton in the local recreational needs of the natural sciences students. centres.

It had a comprehensive library that The Kelawei Road campus, which was catered to the needs of students and more than adequate in 1989, soon staff. The library contained over 2,000 became increasingly cramped for any volumes of books in various disciplines further expansion. Once again without with 3 librarians on hand to advise doubt, there was the pressing need to and assist students on referencing and relocate to new premises. information search. So, 5 years after moving to Kelawei The campus grounds had an all- Road saw DISTED, under the purpose field where students could leadership of its principal then Mr enjoy soccer, hockey, volleyball and R Padmanathan, enthusiastically field events. preparing for yet another historic move - its relocation to the DISTED Yeap Chor Arrangements were made for students Ee Campus on Macalister Road. to play squash, basketball and

19 DISTED Yeap Chor Ee Campus (1995-Present) 20 VIDEO Dato’ Seri (Dr) Stephen Yeap

DISTED Yeap university twinning concept in the venture also led to the provision of northern region, was found to be a scholarships to deserving students with Chor Ee Campus suitable channel to promote that financial need. particular objective. (1995-Present) The partnership empowered DISTED to The commitment to enter into a joint further its mission to open up tertiary The DISTED Yeap Chor Ee Campus was venture with DISTED was made in May education opportunities at affordable the fruition of the vision of the college’s 1991 and culminated with the signing cost to the widest student population. founders and the late Towkay Yeap of a formal agreement in August 1992. Chor Ee whose legacy included the A key member of the DISTED Board of Yeap Chor Ee Charitable Trust. The joint venture provided a Directors responsible for the realization permanent campus for the college of this new campus complex was The involvement of the Yeap Chor known as the DISTED Yeap Chor Ee Dato’ Saleena Yahaya Isa, who Ee Charitable Trust resulted from its Campus in memory of the late Towkay subsequently became the college’s foresight to balance charitable acts Yeap Chor Ee, one of Penang’s deputy chief executive officer. She with educational promotion. best known tycoon, banker and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to DISTED, as a progressive college set up philanthropist. engage the involvement of the Yeap and managed by people who were Chor Ee Charitable Trust. In addition, to emphasize the educationists at heart and being the twin vision of charitable work and Dato’ Saleena (known as Ms Christina first Penang-based private institution educational promotion, the joint Lee Kooi Jong before her conversion of higher education to introduce the

21 to Islam in 1966), originally a nurse at the Penang Hospital, is a well- known community leader and former educationist who was the principal of the pioneer deaf school in Malaysia, SMK Pendidikan Khas (formerly, the Federation School for the Deaf), from 1961 to 1987.

The efforts of Dato’ Saleena and the college board members resulted in the historic signing agreement ceremony on 19 August 1992 at Shangri-La Hotel (now Traders Hotel), Penang, between the Yeap Chor Ee VIDEO Dato’ Saleena Charitable Trust and the college. was held on 8 April 1995 at the college administrative offices. The ceremony was witnessed by Toh hall and officiated by then Governor The gracefully restored house acts as Puan Datin Seri Hajjah Siti Zainab of Penang Tun Dato’ Seri (Dr) Haji the departure point for the adjoining Haji Bharuddin, the consort of then Hamdan Sheikh Tahir. Governor of Penang. new blocks whose architectural The new campus, originally with a gross emphasis was on essence rather than Present at the event included DISTED built-up area of 50,000 sq ft, is located exact reproduction of the original Boards of Directors and Governors close to , a commercial heritage building’s features. chairman Datuk Haji Mohamed Yeop suburb of Penang. Abdul Raof, DISTED deputy chief The adjoining 3-storey U-shaped executive officer then Hajjah Saleena The new campus complex was built extension was built to provide lecture Yahaya Isa and trustee of the Yeap around an existing early 20th century and seminar rooms, academic staff Chor Ee Charitable Trust Mr (now double-storey bungalow building, room, science, computing and Dato’ Seri (Dr)) Stephen Yeap Leong whose dignified character and engineering labs, student facilities and Huat. ambience lent itself well for conversion other ancillary rooms as well as a multi- to institutional use. purpose hall that serves as an event Then Penang Chief Minister (now Tan and examination venue and indoor The façade of the 1910 Anglo-Indian Sri) Dr Koh Tsu Koon laid the foundation sports facility. for the new campus in October 1993. style vintage bungalow was renovated to preserve its old splendor while the The needs of the disabled are also The campus official opening ceremony interior had been converted into looked after with the provision of a lift,

22 wheelchair access ramps and special The architectural intention throughout With the acquisition of its own campus, toilets. had been to achieve a harmonious DISTED had the opportunity to make balance between the old and its mark in the educational arena and While the imposing style of the new buildings and the surrounding fulfill its dream of becoming a premier bungalow-turned-administration environment so as to create a tightly college. block projects an atmosphere of knit and integrated complex that establishment and institution, the new The Yeap Chor Ee Campus, which can could enhance student interaction U-wing with its orderly structure is lighter cater ultimately to 2,000 students, has and provide an atmosphere and more open, very much in synergy enabled the college to expand the conducive to studying. with the needs of its present users. scope and variety of its academic In 1997, with the expansion of programmes. The whole college is networked programmes and student numbers, through a central hub that links The Yeap Chor Ee Campus era DISTED acquired a 1.4ha piece of land computers in the college to the cyber witnessed the merger of DISTED adjacent to the campus site which world via broadband and WiFi. with Stamford College Penang and now houses the Learning Resource the emergence of the Wawasan The large college grounds, shaded Centre (library building) and provides Education Foundation as the major by old trees, provide a tranquil and additional land for its long term needs. shareholder of the college. inspiring ambience and beckon the Before 1995, DISTED’s progress had call of environment friendliness. For a decade from 1999 to 2009, been curtailed by limited facilities. DISTED assumed the identity of DISTED-

23 Stamford College as a result of the amalgamation with Stamford College Penang.

Stamford College has been a household name in higher education in the country since the 1950’s while Stamford College Penang was established in 1966 as part of the Stamford Group of Colleges to provide a wide range of professional courses.

The merger in January 1999 between the two most established and very well-known private colleges in Penang VIDEO Dato’ Dr Chin was a frontier milestone and a pioneering progenitor move for private 1 November 2000 and took over the them to pursue higher education. colleges in Malaysia. operations of the college on 2 January The main donors of the foundation Nevertheless, parting of ways 2001. are the Yeap Chor Ee Charitable became inevitable when DISTED Established on 21 March 2000 Trust, other charitable organizations subsequently evolved as a not-for- under the Companies Act 1963, and foundations, multinational profit educational institution under the the foundation is a charitable body corporations, companies, guilds, ownership of the Wawasan Education funded by tax-exempted public associations, the Gerakan Party Foundation whereas its merger partner donations to promote and advance members and supporters as well as Stamford College remained under education. members of the public. the proprietorship of a public listed company. Its key objectives include fostering, The Wawasan Education Foundation developing and improving education appointed Dato’ (now Tan Sri) Dr Chin The key difference in shareholder for all kinds consistent with the National Fook Weng, then a senator, as the new orientation resulted in the merger Education Policy. president and CEO of DISTED. being dissolved in 2009 and the name of the college reverted to DISTED. It seeks to set up of scholarships “The foundation chose DISTED primarily and bursaries and render financial because of the college’s premier The Wawasan Education Foundation assistance in the form of interest-free position in Penang as a well-managed, (originally known as the Gerakan educational loans to needy and caring and environmentally friendly Education Foundation) became the deserving students so as to enable institution whose founders were major stakeholder of the college on

24 educators at heart and who were students to move on to prestigious In 2004 DISTED entered into a motivated to spread education to universities leading to professional management agreement with Global a wider audience through distance careers in commerce and industry. Education Management (GEM) that learning,” Dato’ Dr Chin said. saw the appointment of Dato’ Dr • It also aims to prepare foreign Chong Eng Keat as the President “It runs the college as a charitable students for a successful study in of the College. It was under the and non-profit institution that provides degree programmes in Malaysia stewardship of Dato’ Dr Chong that affordable, quality higher education and abroad. the College established a stronger and training leading to professional • DISTED shall ensure relevance and academic and business foundation, careers in commerce and industry. quality of its programmes of study. building stronger processes and put “As such, DISTED is further strengthened in a plan to make the College more • The college encourages and improved by its policy of sustainable. and supports staff to pursue ploughing back any profits for the professional excellence in their It was in this period of growth that the development of human resources work and continually upgrade their portfolios of the College programme and infrastructure, and the provision qualifications and skills. offerings started to change. of financial assistance to deserving Programmes with Deakin University students,” he explained when helming • It continually improves the level were phased out due to the constraint the college. and quality of support services to of costs. New partners were found in promote excellence in teaching Dato’ Dr Chin consolidated the mission Staffordhsire University of the UK for and learning. of DISTED under the foundation to the business programmes, Multimedia cover a broad range of perspectives: • It continually puts in place University in Cyberjaya for Engineering programmes and strategies to and HELP University College for • DISTED is run as a not-for-profit empower students to become Psychology. institution with a heavy reliance on independent, effective and enhanced ICT facilities. In 2009 the management agreement successful learners, and contribute with GEM lapsed. Dr Koo Wee Kor was • As a non-profit college, DISTED to the development of the then appointed the President and ploughs back any profit to individual intellectually, emotionally brought the the plan for growth and enhance the education and and spiritually. quality to the current state of health welfare of students through lower • The college encourages and with about 1200 students and 15 fees, enhanced ICT facilities and supports the organization of co- programmes on offer to young people financial support. curricular activities and enhances who desired a quality education from • It strives to be a premier tertiary the academic offerings and hones Pre-University studies to degrees in education that provides affordable, the professionalism of staff and Business, IT, Psychology and Hospitality. quality higher education and students. training which will enable its 25 26 DISTED Hospitality 2010/2011 conducted by the Ministry Commissioned by Towkay Yeap of Higher Education. Chor Ee and designed by Messrs Stark & MacNeil, the buildings remain Campus 2012 DISTED School of Hospitality head among the finest examples of a Operational from January 2012, the Susie Khoo remarked: “The state-of- merchant house with accompanying new hospitality campus with state-of- the-art campus facilities, coupled with warehouses. Their historical façade the-art facilities for classroom learning experienced, dedicated and caring features classical elegance and and practical training is poised to lecturers, up-to-date industry-focused monumental strength. Using modern provide excellent and industry-relevant curriculum and high academic quality, construction methods, the new hospitality education. The facilities in make DISTED School of Hospitality godowns were the first buildings in the campus include a contemporary- the smarter choice for a premier Penang to be built with ferro concrete style restaurant, a bakery shop, hospitality education. In the campus or reinforced concrete. professionally set-up food kitchen building, we’ve dedicated a corner and bakery kitchen, a demo kitchen known as the Wall of Industry Partners The DISTED Hospitality Campus cum lecture theatre, a housekeeping for international class hotels who are building was among the godowns mock-up room, classrooms, library and members of our Industry Advisory Panel used by Towkay Yeap Chor Ee for the computer lab. to display their pictorial treasures and dual purpose of a warehouse for his memorabilia, marking a mutual quest mercantile business and a secured Located at 7 China Street Ghaut to train versatile workers and future facility for his valuable tin ingots. in Bangunan Wawasan, Penang, leaders for the hospitality industry. the campus was officially opened In turning the building into the DISTED by Minister in the Prime Minister Like the DISTED Yeap Chor Ee Campus, Hospitality Campus, much of its Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon the DISTED Hospitality Campus reaped structure is preserved to retain the on 28 April 2012. With its new campus, its fortuitous building, which has great vestiges of its glorious past in the history the DISTED School of Hospitality seeks historical significance to Penang, of Penang. to inject young people, study, work from the legacy of the late Towkay and life as part of the college’s efforts Yeap Chor Ee. The hospitality campus to help in the rejuvenation of historic building was originally called the Yeap George Town to live up to its billing as Chor Ee Godown, later renamed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bangunan Behn Meyer and in 2010, Bangunan Wawasan. It used to be With the fabulous facilities in the new part of the row of striking colossal campus, the School of Hospitality is offices and godowns along China set to reach greater heights beyond Street Ghaut during the heyday of the 5-star excellence rating accorded Penang harbour at Weld Quay in the by the Malaysian Quality Evaluation 1930s. System for Private Colleges (MyQuest)

27 The academic programmes they remain a symbolic endeavour offered by DISTED in its first 25 years of significance in the college’s are a spectrum of innovation and history of course offerings and adaptation to stay in line with represent the foresights and the market demand and in tune with well-intended courage in risk taking competition so as to sustain its by its management when treading quest to provide industry-relevant unchartered study opportunities for education at affordable costs. the community.

The early years at the Kelawei Road The kaleidoscope of adaptations campus saw the college focusing and changes in courses over a on classroom-based courses in quarter of a century puts into the 3 main areas of pre-university perspective the endeavours and studies, business and computing challenges encountered by DISTED in collaboration with its overseas as a single-campus private college partners. in northern Malaysia in competing not only with its regional peers With the emergence of its Kaleidoscope but also, in defying the powerful permanent Yeap Chor Ee Campus competition posed by much bigger on Macalister Road in 1995, DISTED of Course educational institutions in the Klang sought to expand to the more Valley. capital intensive programmes of Offerings hospitality, engineering, computer The evolving range of courses science and multimedia besides reflects the versatility and diversifying its original core of steadfastness of DISTED in keeping courses. alive its flame of passion in educating young minds; a passion The Yeap Chor Ee Campus era that has been galvanized as a witnessed changes in strategic community-minded not-for-profit partnerships and programme venture since the taking over of orientation catering to the need for its operations by the charitable a broader range of courses and to Wasawan Education Foundation in adapt to market forces. 2001. While many of the innovative efforts did not survive the test of time,

28 Courses at Kelawei to cope with the international pride at DISTED as it is the pioneering pre-university courses of the South and the oldest course conducted by Road Campus Australian Matriculation and A-Level. the college that is still being offered today in collaboration with the South The courses offered by DISTED in the The foundation was designed in Australian Certificate of Education early years leading to 1994 were consultation with the college’s partners (SACE) Board. intended to facilitate students in in Australia and Canada at that time. obtaining foreign undergraduate When DISTED first introduced the It catered especially to students whose degrees at reduced costs by studying SAM programme in Penang back in performance in the SPM examination a part of the courses in Penang. 1987, the college was linked with the was average and below to help them Adelaide College in South Australia. At the Kelawei Road campus, DISTED to develop the basic skills required to pioneered in northern Malaysia the undertake a tertiary course conducted Besides obtaining direct guidance advantages of gaining a foreign in the English medium. from the SAM administration board, undergraduate qualification that then known as the Senior Secondary The foundation sought to remedy the involved completing a full programme Assessment Board of South Australia lack of English skills for academic work locally or completing a major part (SSABSA), DISTED too benefited from including difficulties in reading and of the tertiary education in Penang the expertise and experience of comprehending in English, and the before transferring overseas. Adelaide College staff in running the inability to write clearly and concisely matriculation programme. Through DISTED, Malaysians could in English. obtain identical qualifications as their There were 2 levels of SAM available at On satisfactory completion of the counterparts who pursued the same the Kelawei Road campus depending programme, students with appropriate degree wholly abroad in Australia, on a candidate’s SPM results. academic credentials had the Canada and USA. automatic admission into the South SAM Year 11 was open to students In addition, a foundation programme Australian Matriculation or A-Level with SPM grade 3 with credit in English was also made available to SPM course. and passes in 3 subjects while direct school leavers who needed an entry into SAM Year 12 required SPM 5 academic boost to cope with tertiary South Australian credits with at least credit 4 in English studies. Matriculation (SAM) or equivalent qualifications such as SPMV, O-Level and Senior Middle DISTED Foundation The South Australian Matriculation Three. (SAM), which is recognized for The DISTED Foundation was not a entry into degree studies by tertiary Initially, the SAM Year 12 subjects university entry preparatory course institutions throughout Australia and offered were Accounting, Economics, per se but an academic enrichment overseas, takes a special place of English as a Second Language, programme to prepare students Malaysian Studies, Biology, Chemistry,

29 Physics, Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 admission into an undergraduate and Mathematics 1S. programme locally and overseas.

The course was popular and the subject menu was subsequently British Columbia Open established to comprise Accounting, University Programme Economics, English as a Second The British Columbia Open University Language, Malaysian Studies, Legal (BCOU), a constituent part of the Studies, History, Biology, Chemistry, Open Learning Agency of British Physics, Mathematics 1 and Columbia in Canada, has a unique Mathematics 2. place in the history of DISTED.

At that time, to obtain a full It was the first and only Canadian matriculation certificate, students were university that DISTED has had twinning required to take at least 5 subjects in affiliation in the 25 years of the one examination sitting. college’s existence.

AEB A-Level Arts For a study pathway leading to an American or Canadian degree, DISTED The first A-Level programme ran by favoured BCOU as the university’s DISTED was from the UK’s Associated courses and degrees were recognized Examining Board (AEB) catering to only by almost all the universities and arts stream students. colleges in North America as well as their governments. Subjects offered in the programme were Accounting, Economics, History, Furthermore, credits from BCOU were Law and Statistics. also transferrable to universities in Australia, United Kingdom and New Like SAM, the AEB A-Level provided the Zealand. alternative pre-university qualification for SPM holders to gain an edge in The DISTED-BCOU linkage allowed university entry that was becoming Malaysians to study the first 2 years increasingly more competitive. of the university’s Bachelor of Arts in Administration Studies in Penang Passes in 3 A-Level subjects, with and continue for a further 2 years in evidence of competence in English, institutions abroad. would enable students to seek

30 Starting July 1987, Murdoch University offered Malaysian students through DISTED its off-campus programmes of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Computing. It represented the first of its kind of a twinning degree via first a distance learning mode in Malaysia followed by a transfer arrangement to universities in Australia.

In the Murdoch University programmes, DISTED offered the first VIDEO Mr Himanshu Bhatt year of study which shared subjects of a generic nature. To graduate, 120 credits equivalent to University of Wisconsin, University of On completion of the first year in 40 subjects over 4 years of study were South Alabama, Kent State University, Penang, students could apply for required. Students could transfer up to University of Texas at el Paso and advanced standing into second 60 of these credits (20 subjects) to most University of Denver. year at Murdoch University as well as colleges and universities in USA and Those heading for Canada could Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Canada. opt for University of Winnipeg, Wilfred Education, Deakin University and Students of the BCOU split degree or Laurier University, University of New Queensland University of Technology. credit transfer degree programme Brunswick, Bishops University, University It had the flexibility for students to had a wide choice of North of Ottawa, Laurentian University, combine studies in computer science American universities to earn their University of Prince Edward Island, with studies in another discipline such undergraduate qualification. University of British Columbia, Simon as chemistry, education, mathematics, Fraser University, University of Victoria At USA, they could seek to transfer to physics, psychology and mineral B.C. and Capilano College B.C. complete the final 2 years of studies science. at Indiana Institute of Technology, The Bachelor of Science in Indiana University, North Dakota State Murdoch University Mathematics with Computing University, University of South Illinois, Programmes was designed to provide sound North Dakota University, University of One of the 2 maiden partners of background knowledge of the Northern Illinois, University of Western DISTED from Australia was Murdoch most important and useful parts Illinois, University of Western Michigan, University.

31 of mathematics, statistics and The Bachelor of Business majoring computing. in Applied Economics prepared graduates for employment in fields It allowed students to combine their which required collection and analysis interest in mathematics with related of data related to financial and subjects such as computer science, economic matters. physics and economics. The Bachelor of Business with WIAE and Deakin University Accounting specialism geared Programmes graduates to take their place in public practice, commerce and industry as The most significant Australian linkage professional accountants. of DISTED was with the Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education WIAE accounting major graduates (WIAE) (now Deakin University were eligible to apply for Associate Warrnammbool Campus). Membership of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Warrnambool is a beautiful provincial Accountants (now CPA Australia). city, 260km west of Melbourne. The city For full membership, the society is situated on the coast that boasts of required completion of a professional some of the world’s most spectacular development programme and sceneries. specified practical experience.

Malaysian students could commence The Bachelor of Arts in Management their 3-year undergraduate studies Communication was recognized at DISTED before transferring to WIAE by the Public Relations Institute of for the final 1 or 2 years to obtain a Australia, and graduates of the course Bachelor of Business, a Bachelor of satisfied the educational membership Arts in Management Communication requirements of the body. or a Bachelor of Social Science. This also represented one of the earliest The Bachelor of Social Science twinning programmes in Malaysia. opened employment opportunities in tourism administration and Initially, the Bachelor of Business promotion, school teaching, welfare students had the choice of majoring in administration, banking, trade, Applied Economics or Accounting. personnel and retail management.

32 The programme, recognized by the Australian Computer Society, was designed to prepare graduates whose interests lied in the application of computers and data processing, equipment to commercial, technical and scientific problems for positions in computer programming, systems design or computer centre management.

Vocational and Professional Programmes

VIDEO Mr Mohan & Leena For vocational and professional programmes, DISTED collaborated In 1990, WIAE merged with Deakin It aimed to develop a common core with the Penang Skills Development University to become the university’s of paradigms, skills and techniques Corporation (PSDC), an industry-led Warrnambool Campus. necessary for information processing in skills training centre set up in 1989 and a wide range of applications. The amalgamation heralded the start located within the Free Industrial Zones of the DISTED-Deakin partnership which It was designed to meet the academic (FIZ) of Penang. lasted for 2 decades and was noted requirements of membership with the Offered in collaboration with PSDC, for conducting the most popular Australian Computer Society. the Foundation Technical Skills and Australian business degree programme The Deakin University course offerings Specialized Technical Skills aimed at in northern Malaysia. at DISTED were subsequently upgrading the skills of experienced Through the Deakin University augmented to include the Bachelor of production staff in FIZ firms who had Warrnambool Campus, DISTED Science (Computing). Form 4 and Form 5 qualifications. continued to offer the 3-year Bachelor The science degree in computing The Foundation Technical Skills also of Business with Computing as encompassed major studies in functioned as a preparatory course for additional major choice to Applied computer science, information those wishing to proceed to the UK’s Economics and Accounting. systems, mathematics, statistics and City & Guilds (C&G) Part I examination. The computing major was an inter- operations research, which could The Specialized Technical Skills course disciplinary course which included be taken in conjunction with units in was crafted for those who needed to computing as the main component. electronics and communications. acquire new skills for promotion or who

33 34 wanted to prepare for the C&G Part II It sought to promote practical examination. competency in the use of English in the workplace. In the area of professional accountancy, the ACCA (UK) Sandwich Course was a tripartite Courses at Yeap venture of PSDC, the Malaysian Institute of Accountants and DISTED. Chor Ee Campus Of the courses that sprouted at the Conducted at DISTED for full-time Kelawei Road campus, only 3, SAM, and part-time study, the sandwich A-Level and the Deakin University course was intended for school leavers business degree programmes, made who were sponsored by local firms it to the portals of the Yeap Chor Ee to study for the ACCA professional Campus which began operations in accountancy qualification. January 1995.

English Language Courses The other earlier courses had been discontinued in the streamlining and To complement its core menu of consolidation process to align with twinning degree programmes, DISTED market demands. also offered English enhancement courses for study and work to students After moving into the new Yeap Chor and working adults Ee Campus, DISTED re-strategized its course offerings to include homegrown It conducted the USA’s Test of English diploma programmes for articulation as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) into its twinning degree courses as well Preparatory Course, a 2-month as for credit transfer arrangements with intensive programme to prepare universities in Australia, New Zealand, students for higher studies in twinning UK and USA. programmes and abroad in English- speaking countries. The Yeap Chor Ee Campus era saw significant changes in foreign Introduced in 1993, the Cambridge partnerships, expansion of course Certificate in English for Business and portfolios following the merger with Trade was designed for the clerical Stamford College Penang and and technical staff of factories in the establisment of new collaborative FIZ and other business organizations. tie-ups with 2 nationally well-known

35 36 private higher education institutions and new subjects were introduced Since then the Cambridge namely, and comprising Economics, Information A-Level programme, touted as HELP University. Stamford College Technology Studies, Malay for the gold standard of pre-university brought with it partners like University Background Speakers and Psychology. qualifications, has remained a core Science Malaysia and American Hotel pillar in the programme offerings by In 2011, the South Australian Certificate and Lodging Association. DISTED. of Education (SACE) Board adjusted Course expansion went beyond the weightage for coursework and From 1995 to 2007, the college offered pre-university studies and business to examination in the SAM assessment only the Cambridge A-Level Science engineering, hospitality, psychology, system. programme. computer science, IT and multimedia Coursework now accounts for 70% It made a landmark history by being and a short course in paramedical instead of the previous 50% of the the first college in Malaysia to conduct science. final marks while the impact of the the Cambridge A-Level on a fast-track examination, which is set and marked route of 1 year, leading to cost savings PRE-UNIVERSITY by the SACE Board, has been reduced and the opportunity of earlier entry EDUCATION from 50% to 30% of the overall marks into university for SPM holders. for a subject. Besides the 1-year intensive option, South Australian The greater emphasis on coursework students can choose to complete the Matriculation (SAM) invigorates the exciting experience Cambridge A-Level Science in the and practical approach of SAM to regular pace of 18 months with choice At DISTED, SAM has withstood the test learning through group classroom of subjects in Biology, Chemistry, of time and challenging market forces teaching, discussions, research Physics, Mathematics and Further to remain a viable programme until projects and oral-aural activities, Mathematics. today. leading to students gaining not only The Cambridge A-Level Arts While the number of subjects taken academic knowledge but also, soft programme was started in 2008 by students remains unchanged at 5 skills in communication, presentation which now can be completed in 1 subjects, the subject menu has seen and interpersonal relations. or 1½ years with choice of subjects changes in terminology. For instance, in Accounting, Business Studies, Mathematics 1 and Mathematics Cambridge A-Level Economics, Law, Mathematics and 2 are now known as Mathematical In 1995, DISTED renewed its A-Level Psychology. Studies and Specialist Mathematics programme by adopting the variant respectively. Like SAM, the Cambridge A-Level governed by the University of is a gateway to a degree course Malaysian Studies and History were Cambridge International Examinations worldwide in Malaysia (private dropped from the subject listing (CIE).

37 38 universities and colleges), Singapore, At the same time, they were taught Students who preferred to study the Australia, New Zealand, India, the short integration courses in sciences first 2 years at DISTED and the final year United Kingdom, the European Union, and Russian language to amalgamate at Deakin University (known as the 2+1 the United States, Canada and Russia. the Cambridge AS Level Science with option) had the choice of majoring in the Russian medical education system. Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Commercial Law, eBusiness, Russian Pre-Medical The students would then leave Finance, Financial Planning, Human Programme for Russia in July to undertake an Resource Management, Interactive additional 2-month intensive Russian DISTED carved a mark in the history Marketing, Management, Marketing or language course prior to commencing of local higher education institutions Quantitative Business Analysis. in 2003 when it offered the first ever their degree studies in October. Russian Pre-Medical Programme In the 1+2 option, students were specifically for students intending BUSINESS & required to study the first year at DISTED and the remaining 2 years to take up medical, dentistry and ACCOUNTING pharmacy studies in Russia. at Deakin University with major EDUCATION options in Accounting, Accounting Conducted for a couple of years in Information Systems, Commercial collaboration with Russian Resources Deakin University Law, Business Information Systems, Sdn Bhd, the pathway led to degree Programme eBusiness, Economics, Finance, studies at 2 renowned Russian Financial Planning, Human Resource universities, Nizhny Novgorod State The Deakin University business degree Management, Interactive Marketing, Medical Academy and Volgograd programme, by then called the International Business, International State Medical Academy. Bachelor of Commerce, continued to Trade, Management, Marketing, flourish in the first decade since DISTED The 2 Russian universities offer the Quantitative Business Analysis or Sport moved to the Yeap Chor Ee Campus. attraction of comparatively more Management. affordable costs of study and their The development of the programme Another distinctive feature of the medical degrees are fully recognized brought about positive changes of Deakin University business programme by the Malaysian government and flexible study modes and wider range was the opportunity to study through medical regulatory bodies. of major options. the year-end break for students who In the fast track and intensive pre- There was the 3+0 option of did now wish to take the long holiday. medical programme, SPM holders undertaking all the 3 years of study in The intensive ‘Summer Programme’ (10 undertook the UK’s Cambridge Penang to obtain the Deakin University weeks from November to February) Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level Bachelor of Commerce with major enabled students to take particular Science for 6 months from January to in Accounting, Management or courses to accelerate progress or to June at DISTED. Marketing. make up for certain units.

39 40 As a twinning degree programme, the With a much higher cost of study They have the choice to complete the Bachelor of Commerce conducted at making the programme increasingly programme entirely at DISTED or with DISTED had salient features of quality uncompetitive in the local market, 1 or 2 years of study option in Britain assurance and keeping students in DISTED decided to phase it out and at to gain a closer touch with the university. took in the final batch of students for BA(Hons) Accounting and Finance, the programme in 2007. BA(Hons) Management, BA(Hons) The curriculum and syllabus, which had International Business Management or been developed to meet the needs of With the cessation of the programme, BA(Hons) Marketing Management. the professions and industry, was the the 20-year long fruitful partnership same as that studied on campus at with the Australian tertiary institution Staffordshire University business Deakin University. ended up in the treasure chest of the degrees have pivotal advantages for history of DISTED and the history of students seeking a high quality career- The degree and testamur conferred pioneering twinning programmes in driven qualification. were identical for both offshore Malaysia. students at DISTED and on-campus The university provides excellent students in Australia. British business degrees that are well- Staffordshire University recognised in Malaysia and abroad for Programme delivery was of high Programmes job opportunities in a wide variety of standards with visits from Deakin business areas. lecturers to conduct lectures and The discontinuation of the Deakin tutorials and counsel students apart University Bachelor of Commerce The curriculum has been designed from the provision of the University’s programme marked a turning point to be career-relevant based on high quality courseware. in the quest of DISTED for an overseas Staffordshire University’s strong partnership. The college no longer and close links with industry and Students at DISTED also had access looked Down Under but instead commerce. to Deakin University’s online network sought to find a better pasture of services and electronic learning collaboration with an UK institution. There are quality control, supervision resources via the Deakin Studies and validation visits by Staffordshire Online. In 2008, a new era of business degree University to ensure that academic studies at more affordable costs standards and integrity are maintained Despite its attractions of high quality, began at DISTED with the introduction at appropriate levels in all aspects of flexibility in study modes and industry of UK’s Staffordshire University twinning teaching and learning. recognition, the Deakin University programmes. Bachelor of Commerce eventually Staffordshire University and their lost its edge locally due to high The collaboration now provides 4 external examiners moderate all yearly increase in tuition fees by the specialisms for students to shape their coursework and examinations university. business degree course to suit their conducted at DISTED. The university needs and career aspirations.

41 42 too approves the final examination Studies in 16 months, and the 3-year the Staffordshire University business results. Higher Diploma in 2 years. degree programme at DISTED or credit transfer to foreign universities to obtain The degree and testamur are This meant that a student could gain a business degree. conferred by Staffordshire University. a business degree within 4 years from SPM by completing the Diploma in ACCA Programme Business Diploma Business Studies in 16 months before Programmes proceeding to the Deakin University At the Yeap Chor Ee Campus, the Bachelor of Commerce at DISTED or a initial attempt to re-offer the UK’s In 1996, DISTED introduced its own link overseas university for a further 1 ACCA professional accountancy Diploma in Business Studies and Higher to 2 years of study. programme was through an alliance Diploma in Business Studies, which with forged in 1988. were designed to provide a broad- The first cohort of 67 students were based business education covering an presented with the Diploma in Business The ACCA programme in collaboration extensive range of subjects that are Studies on 5 July 1997 by then Penang with Sunway College, which was the crucial to the effective and efficient Governor Tun Dato’ Seri Dr Haji country’s first joint venture between 2 management and success of a Hamdan Sheikh Tahir. local private colleges, was managed by DISTED Sowers Sdn Bhd, the now business enterprise. The pioneer batch of 55 students of defunct associate company of DISTED Besides articulating into the twinning the Higher Diploma in Business Studies which had extensive experience in business degree course conducted graduated on 14 February 1998. They conducting accounting and finance at DISTED, graduates of the diplomas received their awards from Dr Toh Kin courses. were able to transfer with advanced Woon, then Penang State Executive standing to a number of link universities Councillor for Education, Economic The first 2 years of the ACCA course overseas in New Zealand, Australia, Planning and Information. was run at DISTED while the final year was done at Sunway College in Kuala UK and USA to complete a business To conform to the Malaysian Lumpur with a tuition fee discount of 5%. degree in 1 to 2 years. Qualifications Agency (MQA) The diploma courses, which were qualifications framework, the Higher The alliance was to encourage quality assured by UK’s Staffordshire Diploma in Business Studies was greater cooperation and coordination University, were designed to afford discontinued with the final group between local colleges to reduce considerable time and cost savings in graduated in 2001. duplication, wasteful competition and resultant loss in productivity and the quest for a business degree. The Diploma in Business Studies underutilization of physical, human By implementing a full trimester system, continues on which is now conducted and other resources. students then were able to complete over 2 years with the option of a normal 2-year Diploma in Business articulating into the second year of Nevertheless, the DISTED-Sunway

43 44 ACCA collaboration was short lived Holiday Inn, Marriot Hotel and Hilton Campus on China Street Ghaut, due to insufficient market demand. Hotel. which is equipped with the state- of-the-art facilities for classroom Years later in 2008, DISTED once again The Educational Institute of AH&LA learning, practical training and re-offered the ACCA programme in Michigan, USA, has the world’s and entrepreneur development along with its foundation, the Certified largest resource and research centres training. By the end of 2013 the Accounting Technician (CAT), which is for the lodging industry. The AH&LA School would have new and modern now part of the ACCA’s Foundations in programmes were gradually phased accommodation as part of its facilities Accountancy (FIA). out and replaced with the college’s for practical and operational training. own Certificate in Hotel Operations DISTED still offers the ACCA course The School aspires to offer Staffordshire and Diploma in Hospitality Business that opens doors to a world of University’s Tourism Management and Management. careers in accountancy, finance and Events Management at the Bachelor management including becoming The existing homegrown hospitality degree level in 2013. a professional accountant of the programmes allow the college The School hopes to recruit more highest standard. The CAT course is to promote a hybrid curriculum students, inject them into the UNESCO discontinued in favour of the new combining both hospitality heritage enclave of George Town, Diploma in Accountancy programme management and business and to play its rightful role in the to be introduced in 2013. management for wider job prospects, rejuvenation and regeneration of provide greater practical learning George Town. BUSINESS, HOSPITALITY exposure to students and conform to the MQA qualifications framework. & TOURISM EDUCATION HEALTH & Besides the accreditation of quality PSYCHOLOGY Hospitality Programmes assurance by MQA, the DISTED hospitality education attained another EDUCATION The hospitality programme was hallmark of achievement when it was brought over to the Yeap Chor Ee accorded a 5-star excellence rating Health Programmes Campus in 1999 by Stamford College by the Malaysian Quality Evaluation Penang during its merger with DISTED. System for Private Colleges (MyQuest) In the mid-1990s, when paramedical 2010/2011 conducted by the Ministry science and nursing courses were The Certificate in Hospitality Operations of Higher Education. unheard of in local private higher and the Diploma in Hospitality education institutions, even among Management were franchised Another salient development is that the big private colleges in the Klang from the American Hotel & Lodging from January 2012, the hospitality Valley, DISTED took the pioneering Association (AH&LA), whose members courses are fully conducted at effort in facilitating the offering of are leaders of leading international the brand new DISTED Hospitality courses in those areas of study. hotel chains such as Sheraton Hotel,

45 DISTED and the Penang Medical was not a twinning programme. programme in the ASEAN region. Practitioners’ Society jointly organized The curricula, distance education It will not only provide students in the the Certificate in Paramedical materials, assessment and northern region with a broader range Science programme conducted accreditation of courses and on- of tertiary courses but also foreign by experienced local medical site teaching staff were the sole credit transfer options at the same professionals. It was the first of its kind responsibilities of Edith Cowan time. It will contribute to making in the country and was designed University while DISTED acted Penang a centre of higher education to provide non-professionals in as an agent and provides local to both regional and overseas healthcare institutions with knowledge administrative support. As the response students. and skills in basic medical sciences was not encouraging the offering and medical office procedures lasted for only a few years. towards achieving total quality ENGINEERING In 2008, as a result of the collaboration management in health care delivery. with the local HELP University, DISTED EDUCATION The course pioneer group of 29 began conducting the university’s students participation came from Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) Engineering Programmes private hospitals, private and industrial programme. In keeping with the Digital Age health clinics and other healthcare where electrical and electronic Initially, the first year of the psychology establishments such as nursing homes, engineering is the cornerstone degree programme was conducted graduated in July 1996. However the technology underpinning the ever- at DISTED and followed by the final 2 paramedical science programme ran growing use of countless industrial years at HELP in . With for 4 years before it was discontinued and consumer goods, and that many favourable demand for the course, in 1999. MNC electronics companies are sited beginning 2011 only the final year of in Penang, the Silicon Valley of the On the other front, the collaborative study for the Bachelor of Psychology East, DISTED made a few attempts to efforts of DISTED and Australia’s Edith (Hons) needs to be completed at the play a role in providing engineering Cowan University led to the provision host university. education. of continuing professional education The psychology students at DISTED are for health professionals In 1997, it started to offer the 18-month also able to transfer their credits to top generic Diploma of Higher Education In 1997, DISTED made available to the universities in Australia, the UK, New in Engineering, which was designed local community the Edith Cowan Zealand and the USA which are linked and awarded by the University of University Bachelor of Nursing course, to HELP. Abertay Dundee in Scotland, one of which was managed by the college’s HELP is an ideal and significant choice United Kingdom’s leading universities now defunct associate company, for strategic partnership in psychology for industry. DISTED Sowers Sdn Bhd. as it has the distinction of conducting Catering to pre-university students, The distance learning arrangement, the largest undergraduate psychology 46 it originally led to the degree transfer to the neighbouring University “The addition was an important shift in programmes in electronics, of Dundee to read a Bachelor of DISTED’s strategy to introduce as more mechatronics and civil engineering Engineering (Hons) in Electronic and industry-relevant programmes to the conducted at the University of Abertay Electrical Engineering, Mechanical college to support the industries and Dundee. Engineering or Civil Engineering. the changing human resource needs in the state and the country.” In 2000, the specializations pathway With the eventual phasing out of the changed when the university re- Scottish engineering progamme in It also was “very much in line with structured its programmes where it 2002, came the Multimedia University Penang’s drive to encourage both ceased to offer engineering degrees 1-year Foundation in Engineering and multi-national companies and local and instead, began to conduct the 4-year Bachelor of Engineering industries to move up the value chain technology degree courses. (Hons) Electronics courses resulting and engage in more engineering from a partnership between DISTED design and development activities to As such, holders of the Diploma of and the university forged in 2004. complement the strong manufacturing Higher Education in Engineering, with 2 base established over the past 30 further years of study in Scotland, had The programmes were fully taught years.” the choice of obtaining a Bachelor in Penang at the college with close of Science (Hons) in Electronics, supervision and quality control by However, as the programmes did not Mechatronics or Civil Engineering at Multimedia University to ensure parity gain the momentum of demand, the the University of Abertay Dundee or of academic standards. Multimedia University engineering

47 programmes at DISTED were phased IT & MULTIMEDIA in 1999. The smart partnership between out in 2008. USM and the college which was EDUCATION started to create more educational DISTED too offered the Diploma in opportunities and encourage more Electronic Engineering catering to Computer Science, IT and Malaysians to obtain higher education students with 3 SPM credits. Multimedia Programmes beyond the boundary of the USM The electronic engineering diploma campus. The full degree programme As the college aligned to industry sought to provide a strong foundation had been implemented in January relevance, DISTED seeks to contribute for working as semi-professionals or 1997, long before the Education its part in addressing the continuing technicians in a variety of industries Ministry coined the phrase ‘3+0’ for demand of the industry for skilled or progressing to degree studies in private colleges. personnel in software design and IT electronics engineering locally or applications by conducting computer The first batch of 14 3+0 computer abroad. science and IT courses. science bachelor degree graduates The engineering diploma was received their scrolls on 10 December It inherited the Diploma in Computer revamped and re-offered as the 2000 from then USM vice-chancellor Science and IT and the Universiti Sains Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Prof Dzulkifli Abdul Razak. Malaysia (USM) Bachelor of Computer Engineering beginning March 2012. Science (Hons) programmes from its The USM Bachelor of Computer merger with Stamford College Penang Science (Hons) programme is no

48 longer offered by DISTED now but the university’s 3+0 Bachelor of IT (Hons) business degrees conducted at DISTED Diploma in Computer Science and IT Data Communications in 2005. i.e. BA(Hons) Business Management, is still available but known only as the BA(Hons) International Business However, the data communications Diploma in Computer Science. Management and BA(Hons) Marketing degree course failed to take off Management. In early 2013 an Data communications has become as at that time, students seeking a additional Staffordshire University BSc a significant field of study with computing qualification at DISTED (Hons) Business Information System the merging of computing and preferred the USM computer science Management will be offered to the telecommunications technology programme. students. involving multi-faceted data The existing Diploma in Business IT, transmission ranging from broadband For students with keen vocational another homegrown programme by channels to microwave and satellite preference for computer-based DISTED, moulds computing expertise systems. media production, starting March 2012 for the business enterprise by providing DISTED offers the Diploma in Creative To assist students to take advantage a sound understanding of the role Multimedia Production. of the bright career prospects as of technology in business strategy, computing specialists in the booming management and operations. The course is aimed at moulding electronic, ICT and multimedia multi-skilled personnel with a thorough Students of the programme are able industries, DISTED collaborated with knowledge of interactive and digital to articulate into the second year of Multimedia University to offer the media production techniques as the 3+0 UK’s Staffordshire University

49 well as professional practical skills for LANGUAGE & 15-month Certificate in Intensive working in creative and multimedia English and the English Enrichment communications in art and design, GENERAL STUDIES Programme. entertainment, business, education EDUCATION The English Enrichment Programme and related fields in an increasingly is available on a 4-week or 12-week digitally merged world. English Language segment to students intending to The ample job opportunities in creative Programmes enhance their English proficiency multimedia include being graphic and communication skills for different English proficiency course has been a designers, multimedia designers, web settings in study and living. staple offering by DISTED from its early designers, print publishing designers, period at the Kelawei Road campus to To help students acquire an video editors, audio editors, modellers, the present day at the Yeap Chor Ee international English proficiency 3D/2D animators and artists, games Campus. qualification, the IELTS Preparatory developers, TV, radio and educational Course is available at DISTED. creative content developers, digital The English improvement programmes filmmakers, advertising designers and at DISTED cater to both local and It is designed for improving English marketing personnel. foreign students who need better competency to an IELTS score English skills for study, work and living. acceptable for entry into universities in New Zealand, Australia and United For the purpose, DISTED still runs the Kingdom.

50 DISTED prides itself in offering In the setting sun, the architectural high quality education that marvel is delivered by qualified, Reddens with blushes among the experienced, dedicated and tinted leaves caring lecturers whose guidance It is another day of active life and encouragement provides the coming to take a break impetus for students to achieve And in the clasp of the setting rays, and excel academically. the staff ponder of the day’s events In their desire to bring out more the This sacred mission of the college’s next new light lecturers to educate young minds to sparkle excellence in As the night slips in, the whites turn the architecturally aesthetic to shades DISTED Yeap Chor Ee Campus, Shades of whites laced with silver and now extending to the DISTED and yellow silk Hospitality Campus, is embodied in A replica of royalty and maturity a poem written in August 1988 by Found in abundance with the key then DISTED lecturer and Deakin players of the college Shining Stars University Bachelor of Commerce Who in patience and presence of programme coordinator M K mind molded the white clay of DISTED Mohanaadass. Into fine, new and vibrant young generation Mission in DISTED The whole-hearted efforts of The whites of the structure lecturers, supported by excellent On a bright sunny morning programmes, infrastructure and Shines its grandeur and majesty educational partnerships, have For long as its existence produced students who shone a In education it outshines cut above the rest and blazed a glorious trail of distinctive On any one day achievements for DISTED. At any range of humidity It can boast of its harmony and Deakin University (Australia) tranquility Bachelor of Commerce Among the greens, the whites Blend magnificently the freshness of Sieving through the numerous high youth and their future achievers of the Deakin University

51 52 Bachelor of Commerce programme which was sponsored by the National Krishna’s impressive array of brilliant that was conducted over 20 years at Bank Australia. achievements: DISTED, 2 students, Tan Chin Tee and S In 1998, Chin Tee bagged the Deakin • Alfred Deakin Medal for Krishna N Srinivasan, stood out for their University Best International Student Outstanding Academic par excellence achievements. (Twinning Programme) Scholarship Achievement naming him the top The very bright Chin Tee did worth AUD4,000 for his final year of on- 10 graduating student of Deakin exceptionally well in his Bachelor campus study in Australia. University among 5,500 graduates of Commerce studies with highly in 2001. He also won three academic prizes impressive 21 high distinctions and including an award from a global • Faculty of Business and Law - 3 distinctions, and won coveted accountancy company for excellence DISTED-Stamford Prize for the academic awards from the university in accounting studies: Most Outstanding Graduating and the international accounting firm International Student in the Ernst and Young. • Australian Society of Certified Bachelor of Commerce. Practising Accountants (now Deakin University conferred on CPA Australia) Prize for the Most • Australian Society of Certified Chin Tee the 2000 Bowater School Outstanding Student in First Year Practising Accountants Awards Graduate of the Year (Undergraduate Accounting which carried a cash for Excellence in Second Year Studies), for which he received the award of AUD500. Accounting and Third (Final) Year prestigious Bowater Medal. He was Accounting. the first international student to win the • Ernst and Young Prize for the Most accolade. Outstanding Student in First Year • Faculty of Business and Law - Economics. DISTED-Stamford Prize for the The citation said the selection panel Most Outstanding Student in agreed that Chin Tee was a very • D Madden Memorial Prize for Systems Analysis and Design, articulate and confident graduate, the Most Outstanding Student in Small Business Systems, Business and one who had an abundance Business Law. Information Systems and Database of the attributes needed to be an S Krishna N Srinivasan performed very Management Systems. ambassador for the Bowater School of well in the Bachelor of Commerce Management and Marketing. • Accountants Prize for the Most and carved a niche as one of the top Outstanding Student in Second Chin Tee also won another prestigious most high flyers of Deakin University Year Accounting award naming him the most graduates. outstanding third year computing • Pola Young, Chartered He completed the entire Deakin student at Deakin University. He Accountants Edward Wild Prize for University degree at DISTED via the 3+0 competed against more than 1,400 the Most Outstanding Student in study option. Deakin students to win the award Financial Accounting 1.

53 • D Madden and Co Memorial Law In 2008, when Deakin University Hard work and the determination to Prize for the Most Outstanding introduced the new meritorious excel culminated in apex honours for Student in Business Law. award of Bachelor of Commerce with DISTED golden girl Alicia Lim Jia Ping. Distinction, 5 DISTED students were Krishna was a recipient of the Yeap She not only completed the Deakin among the inaugural recipients. Chor Ee Charitable Trust scholarship University Bachelor of Commerce for the Bachelor of Commerce and a The university conferred the Bachelor with Distinction in 2009 with majors in Rakan Muda Ambassador to Canada. of Commerce with Distinction on accounting and management but Aaron Tan Hsing Jian, Cheryl Ng Sze also, won the university’s coveted In 2001, Mehrunishah Begum Bathusa Mun, Lim Hooi Leng, Leong Chin Alfred Deakin Medal, which by Hamid beat some 1,250 Deakin Chin, and Lynette Ooi May Shen in then was awarded to the 8 most University Bachelor of Commerce recognition of their feat in achieving outstanding undergraduate students international students to win the an average grade of distinction in their graduating each year from Deakin university’s most outstanding studies. University. graduating international student in the Bachelor of Commerce. Aaron Tan was also the inaugural and In the span of 2 decades, Alicia was 3-time consecutive recipient of the the second DISTED student to be After completing the college’s DISTED Honour Scholarships which were bestowed the Deakin University top Diploma in Business Studies, introduced in 2005 to reward students accolade. The other brilliant student Mehrunishah moved on to the with outstanding achievement in who received the medal in 2001 was S Bachelor of Commerce and semester examinations and active Krishna N Srinivasan. completed the entire degree at the extracurricular involvements. college via the 3+0 mode, specializing in marketing and management.

54 Staffordshire University (UK) major student Cheok Huey Ing and The Institution of Mechanical Business Degrees international business major student Engineers (IMechE) bestowed on Cynthia Ng Yi Xyann. him the Frederic Barnes Waldron Best The first cohort of Staffordshire Student Prize for being the best overall University business degree graduates Staffordshire University vice-chancellor Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical from DISTED included 5 students with Prof Michael Gunn presented Engineering graduate from the first class honours. the scrolls to the graduates at university. The IMechE award carried a the university’s Penang conferral They were BA(Hons) Accounting cash prize of £100 and a certificate. ceremony held at the G Hotel on 27 and Finance graduates Agneslin November 2011. For attaining the best grade Toh Mei-Yin, Oo Khong Tjin and Yeoh point average in the subjects of Chun Yoong, BA(Hons) Business University of Abertay Dundee Manufacturing Systems and Business Management graduate Fahima Thyiba (Scotland) Bachelor of Functions, Alvin Hong was awarded and BA(Hons) Marketing Management Engineering the John Nicolson Low Prize by the graduate Teh Huey Ying. Institution of Incorporated Engineers DISTED student Alvin Hong Ang Hai (IIE). The IIE prize comprised a cash The second cohort of graduates from received a Bachelor of Engineering award of £50 and a certificate. DISTED had 4 students excelling with with Distinction in Mechanical first class honours. Engineering from Scotland’s University Alvin Hong completed the university’s Graduating with the flying colours of Abertay Dundee and won Diploma of Higher Education in were accounting and finance major outstanding performance prizes from 2 Engineering at DISTED before furthering students Amy Lim Hui Ying and Ang engineering professional bodies in the his studies in Scotland to obtain the Poay Lim, business management United Kingdom. mechanical engineering degree.

55 In the same year, 2 other DISTED The MMU Dean’s List award was They were among the only 4 Malaysian engineering twinning programme bestowed on students who excelled students offered an industrial training students at the University of Abertay in a trimester examination with at least opportunity in the US by the company Dundee, Ng Chin Boon and Lim GPA 3.67/4.0. that year. Yean Shong, obtained the Bachelor During the four-year period until 2008, Their work stint in the US was to fulfil the of Engineering (Hons) degree in civil 30 students did the college very proud industrial training requirement in the engineering with first class honours. by attaining the honour totalling 120 degree course. For being an outstanding third year times. Loo Wei Khee and Tang Chee Hung student, he was awarded the John Of the lot, 6 outstanding students with obtained first class honours in the Currie Prize by the university and a MMU Dean’s List status every trimester MMU Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) scholarship worth £800 under the were Ivan Yeoh Li Chuen, Khor Li-Fen, Electronics, with Loo achieving CGPA British-Malaysian Scholarship Scheme. Loo Wei Khee, Teng Wei Jian, Kelvin 3.80/4.0 and Tang 3.82/4.0. The 2 top achievers were among Tang Seng Ban and Lim Zhe Xi. They both received DISTED scholarships the pioneer batch of 7 students who As for Ivan Yeoh, he completed the for the 4-year MMU engineering left for Scotland in 1997 to complete MMU Foundation in Engineering degree programme of which they their degree studies after completing with a perfect CGPA of 4.0/4.0. He were the college’s pioneer cohort of the university’s engineering diploma then went on to finish the first year students. programme at the college. of the MMU Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Electronics programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Multimedia University (MMU) Bachelor of Computer Science Engineering Programmes the college with a CGPA of 3.97. He then discontinued his degree studies (Hons) Academic excellence was the an electrical engineering degree In the history of the Universiti Sains hallmark of DISTED students who at Oklahoma Christian University in Malaysia (USM) Bachelor of Computer pursued the Multimedia University the United States on a USD80,000 Science (Hons) conducted at DISTED, (MMU) Foundation in Engineering and scholarship given by the US university. Lim Chia Yean stood tall with excellent the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) In 2010, bright engineering students CGPA 3.78/4.0. Electronics. Kelvin Tang Seng Ban and Christine She had completed the DISTED From the inception of the programme Oo Tjin Voon secured competitive Diploma in Computer Science and IT in the college in 2005, in every trimester internships with National Instruments, a before going on to the USM computer there had always been DISTED leading US manufacturer of industrial science degree studies at the college. engineering students been placed on software and measuring instruments the MMU Dean’s List. and a Forbes top 100 company for 11 Chia Yean, who upon graduation consecutive years. found a job as a research and

56 development software engineer with Cambridge A-Level Teo Jin Yao, read a medical degree Agilent Technologies in Penang. (MBBS) at the National University of DISTED students had consistently Singapore and is now a senior registrar She was a DISTED Student achieved academic excellence in surgery at Singapore General Representative Council member for 2 of world-class standard in the Hospital. years and the project leader for an IT internationally renowned Cambridge camp for secondary school students. A-Level programme. 5 straight As scorer Goh Jo Ling She is a recipient of the DISTED-Star emerged the first DISTED student to In the Cambridge A-Level Science Education Fund scholarship. win a national top award in the 2004 2000 November examination, shining Cambridge A-Level examination. Other students who had excelled bright were Jimmy Yeap Soon Yoong included Everett Chan Chee Wai with and Teo Jin Yao who each scored She received a University of an excellent CGPA of 3.72/4.0 in 2003, 5 straight As, the first such best Cambridge International Examinations Chong Yew Choon, with a CGPA achievement recorded by the college Brilliance Award in Malaysia Award for 3.60/4.0, in 2002 while, a bright beauty since starting the programme in 1995. being the top scorer in General Paper queen, Jolene Lim Wei Li, graced the in Malaysia in 2004. Jimmy Yeap went on to pursue an corridors of DISTED on a DISTED-Star engineering degree at Monash In the 2005 November examination, Education Fund scholarship with CGPA University, Australia, and is now a senior Chin Jun-Xing excelled with 5 straight 3.58/4.0 in 2008. engineer. As in the Cambridge A-Level Science and progressed to engineering and

57 business studies at the Hong Kong studies in pharmacy at the University of That examination also saw Lau Yen University of Science and Technology. Tasmania in Australia. Chern being top in Malaysia for General Paper under its Cambridge Yeoh Cheng Xun emerged the top In the 2008 June Cambridge AS Brilliance in Malaysia Awards. scorer in Malaysia in General Paper in examination, Ng Yon Hon triumphed the June 2006 Cambridge Advanced as the first DISTED student to win Yen Chern’s achievement marked Subsidiary (AS) examination. a global award in the British pre- the third consecutive year DISTED had university course. groomed a top scorer in the country The following year, Chee Beng Tatt for General Paper. was honoured as the national top The University of Cambridge scorer in General Paper in the 2007 International Examinations placed Chuah Chian Yeong received, the June Cambridge AS examination. Yon Hon, who eventually attained 5 good news of his scoring 4As in the straight As, as the world top achiever Cambridge A-Level international Beng Tatt, who obtained 5 straight As for AS Mathematics. examination, followed by a Malaysian in the Cambridge A-Level, furthered his

58 government full scholarship for further Chan Wai Yen became the second Choo Chui Lynn made a yet studies in Australia. DISTED A-Level student to achieve 5 unchallenged mark of par excellence straight As with 4 high distinctions (A*) by bagging the maximum 6 As (she 2 DISTED students attained brilliant in the Cambridge A-Level 2011 June took 6 subjects instead of the typical achievements in the Cambridge examination. 5) besides scoring TER 99.2 in the SAM A-Level 2010 June examination. examination. She scored the par excellence results The University of Cambridge in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, That year too, DISTED students also International Examinations placed Further Mathematics and an A in won 5 SAM Certificates of Merit for Monil Tejani Kirti Kumar as the world General Paper and is now undertaking achieving the perfect score of 20/20 in top achiever for AS Mathematics and a degree in science at the University of individual subjects. Loo Jen Leen as top in Malaysia for Hong Kong. General Paper. The subject merit scorers were Choo Soon Wei Shyan too excelled in the Chui Lynn for English for Second The success of Monil and Jen Leen Cambridge A-Level 2011 November Language Studies and Biology, Teoh marked the second time DISTED examination with five straight As Soon Beng for English as Second has groomed a world high flyer and including 4 high distinctions (A*). Language Studies, Rachael Khor Ai the fifth time a national top scorer Ling and Celyn Goh Yi Chern for in the Cambridge A-Level, which He achieved the outstanding results of Malay Specialist. has an international reputation as high distinctions in Biology, Chemistry, the gold standard of pre-university Physics and Mathematics and an A Chui Lynn blazed a trail of academic qualifications. in General Paper and is now reading excellence from being the top SAM a medical degree at the University of student of DISTED to becoming In the 2010 November examination, Tasmania in Australia. the best pharmacy graduate of Ong Qi Jia bagged 5 straight As in Western Australia’s Curtin University of the fast-track 11-month Cambridge South Australian Matriculation Technology. A-Level course with the honour of (SAM) being the first DISTED A-Level student to Being a brilliant student, she won obtain 4 high distinctions (A*) in a row. 1997 was an exceptionally good scholarships for her pre-university year of achievements in the South and undergraduate studies. DISTED He achieved the par excellence Australian Matriculation (SAM) for awarded her a Yeap Chor Ee results in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, DISTED with 39 students scoring TER Charitable Trust scholarship for the Mathematics and General Paper and (Tertiary Entrance Rank) 80 and above. SAM course. She was bestowed is now pursuing medical studies at the a Curtin University international University of Newcastle in UK. 14 of them attained TER 90 or better, student scholarship to undertake the ranking them among the top 10% of pharmacy degree. SAM high flyers in the world.

59 Chui Lynn consistently won the Certificates of Merit for perfect scores Mayor of Adelaide for perfect score university’s achievement prizes in Accounting and Economics. in the English as a Second Language each year and made it to the Vice- subject. In 2009, SAM students Jo-ey Toh Kar Chancellor’s List. Yien (TER 91.25) and Lee Chang Thai At the Virginia Commonwealth She added yet another milestone to (TER 94.60), who were ranked within University, Emilyn excelled in her mass her track record by graduating with the top 10% of outstanding SAM communications and biology double a bachelor of pharmacy first class achievers in the world in 2008, won the major studies and was placed on honours in 2002. JPA scholarships to study pharmacy the university’s Dean’s List of Fall 2010 at Nottingham University Malaysia semester. Her achievements as a scholar were and medicine at Monash University recognised beyond the university She was also awarded the university’s Malaysia respectively. campus. The Pharmaceutical Society merit scholarship worth USD5,000 a of Western Australia awarded her the 2009 SAM high flyer, Emilyn Teh She- year, which is the highest honour Alan McWhinney Memorial Prize for Minn, whose mother Lucy Chin Soon and recognition of achievement on attaining the best aggregate in the Sim is the college’s current School campus. 4-year pharmacy course. of Pre-University Studies programme Emilyn hosted her own radio show, coordinator, is continuing her blazing Another very high TER achiever was Dream with Emilyn, as part of her trail of academic and extracurricular Shamala Devi Balasundaram who involvement in WVCW, the university’s achievements in the United States. attained TER 99.3 in 1988. She also independent student run radio station. scored 5 As and bagged 2 SAM In SAM, she attained TER 95.70 and She sat on the university’s received a merit award from the Lord Student Government Association

60 Appointments Committee, and for the college’s Diploma and Higher papers taken at DISTED, was presented Student Judicial Board (Hearing Diploma in Business Studies students the award by Adelaide Mayor Dr Jane Panel), and was a member of the Pre- to transfer with advanced standing to Lomax-Smith. Law Society and the campus fashion complete a business degree in 1½ to 2 Angeline Ang Gaik Chin was awarded organization GroupMODA. years at UNISA. a full scholarship by UNISA to complete She has transferred from the 4 outstanding DISTED Higher Diploma a business degree at the university. university and is currently reading a in Business Studies students received Her scholarship worth AUD16,500 degree in applied economics and the University of South Australia (UNISA) covered full tuition fees for 3 semesters communication at Cornell University. School of Marketing scholarships. of study over 1½ years to obtain the Angeline Ang Gaik Chin was awarded Ong Lin How attained Australian Bachelor of Management majoring in a full scholarship worth AUD16,500 Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR, formerly marketing. covered full tuition fees for 3 semesters TER) 99.00, making him the top 1% of of study over 1½ years to obtain the Two other students, Choo Chui Tynn all SAM high flyers in the world that Bachelor of Management majoring in and Indonesian course mate Ing year. He is currently at the University marketing in 1999. She was chosen for Likna received their UNISA School of of Nottingham Malaysia pursuing a the award based on her outstanding Marketing scholarships in 2000 from degree in chemical engineering. academic achievements and fine Prof Lindsay Barker, UNISA School of leadership qualities. Marketing head, on 9 December 2000. Diploma and Higher Diploma in The scholarships are worth AUD9,000 Business Studies In the same year another recipient, each. John Kweh Teik Suan, obtained 10 high DISTED had formal arrangements with distinctions and 10 distinctions out of 20 University of South Australia (UNISA)

61 62 Chuah Pei Leng set a new record Lee Yi Ting’s excellent achievement in World Prize Winner Second Place for by attaining a par excellence CGPA emerging as the 2011 top Diploma in outstanding cumulative score in 5 CAT of 4.9/5.0 in the Diploma in Business Business Studies graduate with CGPA advanced level papers. Studies 2001 graduating class, the 4.83/5.0 earned her a similar accolade In the 2010 December, she carved highest score ever achieved since the from UTAS, a credit transfer partner of another mark of distinction in her inception of the programme in 1996. the college. ACCA professional accountancy She continued with the Deakin At the college’s 2012 graduation examination at the college by University Bachelor of Commerce ceremony, Diploma in Business Studies attaining Malaysia first placing and conducted at the college and top graduate Ong Zhi Yuan (CGPA world sixth placing in the ACCA F5 obtained a string of high distinctions in 4.52/5.0) and Diploma in Hospitality Performance Management subject. the programme. Business Management top student Leong Zhimin completed the CAT Christina Widjaja (CGPA 3.60/4.0) Another internation student that course at DISTED with national received the UTAS achievement has done well is Yvonne Lunga from achievements in 2 subjects. awards from the university’s Faculty of Zimbabwe. Business dean Prof Gary O’Donovan. She won Malaysia first placing in paper She completed the Diploma in Business T6 Drafting Financial Statements with a Studies with excellent CGPA 4.65/5.0, CAT and ACCA 100% score and paper T10 Managing making her the best graduating Finances with a 96% score in the 2011 DISTED student Lim Han Khai emerged student of the programme during the June CAT examination. one of the top subject achievers in graduation ceremony on 6 March the world in the June 1999 Certified 2010. Accounting Technician (CAT) Her outstanding performance earned examination conducted by the ACCA her the academic achievement (UK), one of the largest professional award worth RM1,500 sponsored accountancy bodies in the world. by Australia’s University of Tasmania He scored 98 marks in Module A1 (UTAS), of which she was the first (Transaction Accounting) in the CAT recipient. examination, making him one of world The initiation of the UTAS honour for winners in the sitting. DISTED top students is in recognition The college also achieved 100% pass of DISTED as a proven reliable partner rate in that CAT examination session. in Malaysia where the quality of the course and the success of the In 2008, Rachel Lim Li Mae achieved college’s students in their studies at world-class status in the CAT UTAS are evident. examination by emerging the CAT

63 64 DISTED takes great pride in its the charitable body has since financial aid schemes which have become an additional significant recognized and rewarded not only source of funding for the college’s the academically talented but financial help to students. also, deserving students who are in The financial assistance mission of financial need. the college heralds the benevolent The financial assistance, which spirit of the late Towkay Yeap Chor is based on merit encompassing Ee to promote education to people both academic as well as socio- from all walks of life particularly the economic background of the needy students. recipients, is in tandem with the Turning to philanthropic interest college’s mission to encourage in education, he established the the development of a relevant, Yeap Chor Ee Charitable Trust and excellent and complete education the Yeap Chor Ee Endowment Trust leading to graduates with the Money just before his death in 1952. desired attributes to serve industry and community. His elegant mansion known as Matters in Homestead, and his China Street Apart from its own funds, the DISTED Ghaut properties were donated financial assistance schemes Assisting to the Wawasan Education have been consistently supported Foundation in 2006, of which the by the Yeap Chor Ee Charitable former now houses the Wawasan Students Trust following the forging of a Open University main campus and partnership with the college in 1992. the latter the DISTED Hospitality The charitable trust started making Campus. financial aid contributions to the Towkay Yeap Chor Ee’s college in 1996, a year after the many successes in life and his establishment of the DISTED Yeap philanthropy will continue to inspire Chor Ee Campus. students who pass through the With the Wawasan Education portals of DISTED. Foundation taking over the operations of the college in 2001,

65 Financial Aid Schemes

Interest-Free Study Loans

The interest-free study loan scheme, with no collateral required, started in 1999.

The loans ranging from RM5,000 to RM20,000 for needy and deserving students were made possible through the partnership between the Yeap Chor Ee Charitable Trust and the college.

Eventually, the study loan facility was phased out in 2004 due to heavy write- offs in repayments which made the revolving loan fund unsustainable.

Bumiputra Student Scholarships

From 1998 to 2002, DISTED offered bumiputra students full tuition scholarships for the then 16-month Diploma in Business Studies programme. The scholarships were jointly sponsored by the Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce and the Yeap Chor Ee Charitable Trust.

The scholarship grant was officially launched by the Governor of Penang Tun Dato’ Seri Dr Haji Hamdan Sheikh Tahir at the college on 6 October 1998.

The first 5 Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce-Yeap Chor Ee Charitable Trust scholars were Suriati bt Saad,

66 Shahrizat bt Mohd Hassan, Arbakyah encourage them to strive for greater • Honour Scholarships which reward bt Abdul Razak, Mariana bt Umar and academic achievements. DISTED students who excel in Rokhiah bt Ismail. semester examination with partial The scholarships initially ranged from to full tuition fee waiver for the Industry Engineering Scholarships full to one-third tuition fee waiver ensuing semester. depending on the number of As The industry too had supported obtained by the students in the SPM. the college’s scholarship scheme Financial Aid Awards to DISTED by providing sponsorships to From 2004 to 2009, DISTED was also a Students students who were pursuing the contributor to the Star Education Fund 1996 Awards Foundation in Engineering and the to provide scholarships for students to Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) study at the college. In 1996, Yeap Chor Ee Charitable Trust Electronics programmes conducted merit scholarships worth RM23,600 The evolvement of the financial aid in collaboration with Multimedia were given out to 13 students of the schemes resulted in these scholarships University from 2005 to 2009. college. being offered presently by DISTED: The industry engineering scholarship 1997 Awards • Wawasan Education Foundation sponsors and recipients were Action Scholarships and Yeap Chor Ee In 1997, 47 DISTED students received Industries (M) Sdn Bhd (Teng Wei Jian), Charitable Trust Scholarships for merit scholarships totalling RM151,270. Elsoft Research Bhd (Tung Chinway), students with promising academic Micro Modular Systems Bhd (Chan Kit 1998 Awards and leadership potential as well Leong) and MQ Technology Bhd (Teh as deserving socio-economic At the scholarship presentation on 4 Je Sen). background to pursue pre- July 1998, then DISTED deputy CEO Scholarships university, diploma and degree Dato’ Saleena Yahaya said: “The merit courses. scholarship awards for DISTED students The Yeap Chor Ee Charitable Trust this year amount to RM141,515.” scholarship scheme was set up in • Merit Scholarships for SPM / O-Level 1996 to help deserving students to achievers to take pre-university The scholarships benefited 44 DISTED further their studies at the college in and diploma programmes. students. pre-university, diploma and degree • Degree Scholarships are open to 1999 Awards courses. bright and deserving students for 1999 saw financial aid worth The purpose of the scholarship scheme pursuing undergraduate studies. RM176,045 offered to 41 DISTED for DISTED students originally was • Sports Excellence Scholarships to students. to recognize and reward SPM high reward and encourage students achievers who had chosen to further 17 of the recipients were given merit with state-level sporting excellence their studies at the college and to scholarships totaling RM51,675. Five to pursue higher education.

67 68 for the inaugural bumiputra student Malaysian Association of Private scholarships worth RM50,000, twelve for Colleges (MAPCO) Scholarship the University of Dundee engineering for the Diploma in Business Studies students totalling RM52,020 while programme. The scholarship, worth the other seven students obtained RM10,000 in the form of tuition fee interest-free study loans amounting to waiver, was sponsored by DISTED. RM22,350. 2001 Awards The engineering bursaries worth £850 In 2001, DISTED awarded scholarships each were for students transferring to and interest-free study loans totalling the University of Dundee in Scotland to RM264,482 to 75 students. complete a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons). The bursaries were sponsored 46 of the students received merit by the university, then one of the two scholarships totalling RM134,844.50, UK engineering collaboration partners one for the bumiputra student of DISTED. scholarship worth RM10,162.50, seven for the University of Dundee 2000 Awards engineering bursaries amounting to 43 DISTED students received the Yeap RM32,725 and the other 21 students Chor Ee Charitable Trust financial aid obtained interest-free study loans amounting to RM195,750 in 2000. totalling RM86,750.

Of the amount, RM83,962.50 were 2002 Awards merit scholarships for 18 students, In 2002, DISTED awarded financial aid RM41,917.50 bumiputra student totalling RM172,840 to 59 students. scholarships for 7 recipients, RM26,520 University of Dundee engineering Of the amount, RM41,250 were merit bursaries for 6 students and RM43,350 scholarships for 43 students, RM40,580 interest-free study loans for 12 students. bumiputra student scholarships for 4 recipients, RM59,160 University of In addition, DISTED awarded an Dundee engineering bursaries for 4 international student scholarship students and RM31,850 interest-free worth RM3,600 to Cambridge A-Level study loans for 8 students. Science student Ripin Rosyani from . 2003 Awards

Cheah Saw Chin was awarded the In 2003, DISTED gave out financial

69 assistance totalling RM37,125 to 29 and RM101,730 as full scholarships for excellence performance in semester students. 3 students under the inaugural DISTED- examination and active extracurricular Star Education Fund Scholarships. involvement. The financial aid comprised RM25,375 merit scholarships for 27 students and 2005 Awards 5 business and computer science RM11,750 interest-free study loans for 2 diploma students received DISTED In 2005, DISTED gave out a huge students. scholarships through the Star amount of scholarship totalling Education Fund totalling RM80,820. Merit scholars who subsequently RM633,506 to 116 students. attained splendid academic results In addition, 3 students were awarded The merit scholarships for SPM high while at the college would be further degree scholarships amounting achievers took up the largest chunk rewarded with a RM6,000 scholarship to RM123,950 to undertake the at RM402,776, which benefited 85 pre- for degree studies at the college or a Multimedia University Bachelor of university and diploma students. RM3,000 scholarship for undergraduate Engineering (Hons) Electronics and the studies at other local or foreign The merit scholarship scheme Deakin University (Australia) Bachelor institutions. attracted high calibre SPM students of Commerce at DISTED. to DISTED that year with 34 of them 2004 Awards 2006 Awards scoring 10As and above. In 2004, 39 students benefitted from The year 2006 saw DISTED giving out Diploma in Business Studies student the merit scholarship awards totaling the biggest ever scholarship amount in Aaron Tan Hsing Jian was the RM256,156. its history totalling RM 1,366,648 to 188 inaugural recipient of the honour students. Of the amount, RM154,426 were given scholarships which were introduced out as merit scholarships to 36 students that year to recognize par This amount was a 2-fold increase

70 compared to the previous year’s 2 students who attained semester to take up pre-university, business and awards of RM633,506 to 116 students. examination excellence were engineering courses. awarded the honour scholarships That year’s merit scholarships 4 students who did exceptionally of tuition fee waiver for the ensuing amounting to RM756,508 for SPM high well in semester examinations were semester. achievers increased 88% compared to awarded the honour scholarships. the previous year. 2007 Awards 2008 Awards The 2006 merit scholarship scheme DISTED awarded scholarships totalling In 2008, DISTED awarded scholarships attracted high calibre students with RM517,956 to 165 students in 2007. totalling more than half a million ringgit 123 of the recipients scoring SPM 8As 143 of the students received merit to 244 students. and above. scholarships worth RM335,454 to pursue Of the RM547,094 scholarships DISTED gave out scholarships totaling pre-university, foundation and diploma the biggest chunk was for merit RM78,175 through the Star Education courses. scholarships which benefited 226 pre- Fund to 4 students who were pursuing The merit scholarship scheme university, foundation and diploma pre-university, business and computer attracted high calibre students with 90 students. science diploma, and electronic recipients scoring SPM 8As and above. engineering degree studies. The merit scholarship scheme 14 scholarships worth RM104,000 were attracted high calibre students with The college gave out 10 degree given out to engineering and business 129 recipients scoring SPM 8As and scholarships amounting to RM521,965 degree students. above. for SPM and STPM students to take up the Multimedia University Bachelor Another 4 students received The scholarship direction has moved of Engineering (Hons) Electronics the DISTED-Star Education Fund from merit-based to more need-based programme at the college. scholarships amounting to RM63,800 where needy and deserving students

71 are given twice the normal scholarship scholarship scheme. The students have foundation, business diploma, quantum. also received scholarships sponsored accountancy and Staffordshire by some industrial companies. University business degree studies at That year, 6 students received the college. the DISTED-Star Education Fund The biggest chunk of the financial scholarships totalling RM56,000 to take assistance that year was for merit DISTED also gave out 3 honour up pre-university, hospitality diploma scholarships totaling RM462,819 scholarships to reward students for and business degree studies at the which benefited 182 pre-university, semester examination excellence college. foundation and diploma students. with tuition fee waiver for the ensuing semester. DISTED also gave out 7 honour The merit scholarship scheme scholarships to reward students for attracted high calibre students with 2010 Awards semester examination excellence 109 of the recipients scoring SPM 8As 233 students received financial awards with tuition fee waiver for the ensuing and above including Chin Da-Xing amounting to more than half a million semester. who attained 13As. ringgit in 2010. 2009 Awards 6 students were given degree Of the RM589,993 scholarships, scholarships worth RM55,000 to pursue In 2009, 195 students received the biggest chunk was for merit the Multimedia University Bachelor of scholarships from DISTED totalling scholarships which benefited 223 Engineering (Hons) Electronics and RM588,717. Cambridge A-Level, South Australian Staffordshire University business degree Matriculation, Certified Accounting The Wawasan Education Foundation programmes at DISTED. Technician, Diploma in Business Studies and the Yeap Chor Ee Charitable Trust 4 students received the DISTED-Star and Diploma in Hospitality Business have contributed over RM3 million in Education Fund scholarships totalling Management students. the last 5 years to support the DISTED RM64,778 to take up engineering

72 The merit scholarship scheme Yeap Chor Ee Charitable Trust and the 2 students were awarded the attracted high calibre students with College, has contributed over RM7 Wawasan Education Foundation 120 of the recipients scoring SPM 8As million to DISTED, a non-profit institution, scholarships amounting to RM28,000, and above. to promote education particularly by Lim Meng Siew for Diploma in Business providing financial aid to students. Studies, and Tan Ching Yee for Leong Guan Lian received a degree the Diploma in Hospitality Business scholarship worth RM5,000 for the The biggest chunk of the financial Management. UK’s Staffordshire University BA(Hons) assistance was for merit scholarships International Business Management totaling RM574,418 which benefited 2012 Awards programme at DISTED. 222 Cambridge A-Level, South In 2012, DISTED presented scholarships Australian Matriculation, Certified 2 students were awarded the sports worth more than half a million ringgit to Accounting Technician, Diploma excellence scholarships totaling 186 students. in Business Studies and Diploma in RM3,450, SAM student Nicholas Hospitality Business Management Of the scholarships totalling Stephen Pasqual for squash and students. RM502,877.50. RM458,459.50 was for his course mate Ho Hung Sheng for merit scholarships which benefited 175 badminton. The merit scholarship scheme pre-university, certificate and diploma attracted high calibre students with Leong Zhimin was given a special students. 127 of the recipients scoring SPM/O- scholarship worth RM12,000 to read the Level 8As and above. The other financial aids given Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) out during the year were degree qualification. Vivien Lee Wei Ee and Low Zhi Chien scholarships, sports excellence were awarded the degree scholarships RM20,368 worth of honour scholarships scholarships, Wawasan Education to study the UK’s Staffordshire University were presented to 5 students. Foundation scholarships, Yeap Chor business degree programmes and Ee Charitable Trust scholarships and It is note worthy that from the time the Por Ze Yin for the ACCA professional honour scholarships. college moved into the Yeap Chor Ee accountancy qualification, all Campus at Macalister Road in 1995 amounting to RM15,925. Of the 3 sports excellence scholarship until now, scholarships worth about recipients with state and national Of the 5 sports scholarship recipients RM6 million have been given out to achievements, Cambridge A-Level who received a total of RM14,973, DISTED students. student Joselyn Loh Mae-Wei excelled SAM students Neesha Menon and in tennis, Cambridge A-Level student 2011 Awards Dylan Teoh Ken excelled in tennis, Ahmad Yazid Bajenid Mohamed Staffordshire University business degree DISTED awarded scholarships totalling Tawfeek in go-kart and pocket bike students and brothers Samson Srinath RM638,036 to 233 students in 2011. racing and Bachelor of Psychology and Simson Sivakanth in taekwondo, (Hons) student Jasper Tan Si Kai in Since 2001 the Wawasan Education and Diploma in Business Studies volleyball and wushu. Foundation, in partnership with the student Yee Tianle in rifle shooting. 73 74 DISTED goes the extra mile to • To bring the academia and empower students to have a community closer, aligned in holistic and meaningful education thoughts and actions towards experience and a better start environmental care. towards the career of their choice • To sensitise and engage DISTED besides nurturing social and students and the community on environmental responsibilities environmental issues that affect that promote purposeful and us all. sustainable living and a thriving balance between society and the • To help DISTED students to environment. cultivate social responsibility with eco-green consciousness Through its INSPiRE, community so as to learn, live, thrive CONNECT, Let’s Go Green and achieve in healthy and and eLearn initiatives, DISTED sustainable lifestyles and simultaneously drives industry The habitats. relevant education, creates community caring culture, • To create a culture of Extra Mile inculcates strong environmental community commitment and responsibility and leadership, eco-friendliness emphasizing Initiatives and builds a mindset of life-long love, respect, protection and learning in students, staff and the care for the environment and community. nature.

Through the years DISTED has organised numerous activities to promote eco-sustainability and The college embarks on a journey create its awareness among to educate and encourage the students. young generation to be conscious of their environment and to adopt Moulding green children a green lifestyle. Some 70 children had a fun-filled The aims of DISTED’s Let’s Go Green time at DISTED learning to be campaign are: environmentally friendly and eco- conscious in preserving the earth.

75 “As children are malleable and encourages students to value the them to appreciate and conserve the future of our society, we should ecosystem,” said DISTED biology water resources as “Friends of Water”. mould them be friends of the earth,” lecturer Angel Lai Ee May. The DISTED H2O Camp participants said DISTED lecturer Ravichandran “By learning more about nature, visited the Penang Waterfall, which Sellakannu who coordinated the Living they will realise the importance of is the oldest source of treated water Values Camp for the primary and conserving the environment and the supply in Malaysia, to enhance their lower secondary students. natural resources,” she said. appreciation of water resources. “We like to give them an under- Her biology students carried out “Water is fundamental to life but standing of the scope and status of group projects themed ‘Wonders of is increasingly threatened by the natural resources so as to instill in Nature’ as part of the coursework for environmental degradation,” said them the respect for Mother Nature. their South Australian Matriculation camp coordinator Paulyn Yuen The life skills approach is used in course. Topics covered in the Poh Ling, who was then also DISTED teaching them positive environmental projects included natural beauty marketing officer. values,” he said. therapy, waterfalls, rainforests, bio- “Hence, this H2O Camp is intended luminescence, parasitism, human Exploring the wonders of nature to raise the children’s awareness on viruses and spices. the issue and educate them on the Experiential learning in biology can need to preserve this precious natural motivate students to better understand Promoting H2O-friendliness resource through interactive and fun and respect Mother Nature. DISTED held a 2-day holiday camp for activities,” she added. “Coursework related to nature primary school children which spurred

76 More forests, better climate economist to the American Forest & showing the effects of global warming Paper Association. on the sea level. The contraction of tropical forests poses a threat to our environment Goetzl was speaking on deforestation There were also talks, exhibigames particularly climate. and climate change at DISTED in and quizzes on ecosystems and conjunction with his 2-week road trip environmental conservation at the “Tropical countries like Malaysia lose to Malaysia. expo held at the college. a significant area of their forests each year,” said US forestry consultant Eco-green applications Recycle to keep our world green Alberto Goetzl. The Nature Rocks! Let’s Go Green! One good way that all of us can “Deforestation is the result of shifting event, organized by DISTED South contribute to making a greener world and expanding agriculture, population Australian Matriculation (SAM) is to recycle our household waste. increases and development, deficient students, promoted the exploration environmental laws and illegal logging, “Recycling is a 2-prong strategy that and use of eco-green applications of and to a lesser extent, commercial helps to reduce waste that can pollute natural products. exploitation,” he said. our environment and at the same Demonstrations included making time, conserve our diminishing natural “It contributes to environmental biodegradable plastic with everyday resources. To go green, let’s start by damage, pollution and global items, extracting colours from practising recycling at home and warming. About 17% of carbon issues plants for dying t-shirts, using fruits our institution of study,” said DISTED in the world, such as the greenhouse for homemade facial masks, using hospitality student Lee Hui Ying. gas emissions, can be attributed to worms for decomposition process and deforestation,” said Goetzl, consulting Lee was the project leader of

77 a marketing coursework called The initiative involves publicizing the W.W.W. (Why Waste World) that was state’s green exhortations, besides the undertaken by a group of DISTED messages of the advertising sponsors, students pursuing the Diploma in on school buses. The campaign, a Hospitality Business Management. collaborative effort between the state The INSPiRE programme drives industry- government and the Penang school relevant education to promote “Our project is to encourage students bus operators association, saw DISTED graduate employability with the and staff to go green for the good taking up advertising sponsorship for 2 following mission: of the environment and build a school buses. sustainable lifestyle for us and future • To ensure the courses offered are generations. We’ve a good start in our “We’re pleased to join hands with industry-relevant. green campaign as we managed to state government in this endeavour • To equip graduates with well convince our college’s cooperative as part of our corporate social rounded skills, knowledge, value store to adopt the ‘No Plastic Bag’ responsibility and in tandem with the and industry experience such that practice,” she said. DISTED Let’s Go Green project which they are ready to join the industry. promotes environmental care leading Promoting cleaner and greener to sustainable lifestyles,” said DISTED • To service the industry through Penang to students marketing manager Jane Goh Mei knowledge sharing, recruitment Ping. DISTED extended its support to the and collaboration. Cleaner Greener Penang School Many captains of industry had shared Bus Campaign, which is the latest their inspiring experiences and wisdom step taken by the Penang state during their industry insight talks for the government to inculcate care for the college’s students. environment in school children. 78 Career success tips “Also, be prepared to make sacrifices roles. Pick up new knowledge and skills to achieve your career goals,” she said along the way,” he said during a lunch Right after completing Form 5, Goh adding that “I work long hours and meeting with DISTED students. Cheng Ean started working as a even during the weekends. But I enjoy temporary employee with Citibank Suresh gave the students a better working; it’s like going shopping!” Malaysia while studying part-time insight into the ‘future skills’ which for an IT course. She excelled in She also shared her experiences in the would stand them in good stead in the her career at Citibank where she sales line, hiring personnel and working challenging work environment. became the national sales champion, in the corporate world particularly in a “Those who have worked in different manager, department head and major international bank. countries and in multiple roles will have today, a vice-president and the considerable advantage working for northern region head with an MBA Career advancement skills multinational companies,” he said. and the Certified Financial Planner Job satisfaction should be the key qualification. “Be business savvy, for which a good consideration when choosing a reading habit is a key. If you’re an “A strong passion for work and career. engineer, understand the economic determination to succeed are key “Get a job that you really enjoy doing. value of technology,” Suresh said. factors for career success,” Goh said The good feelings in turn will motivate during a lunch meeting with DISTED “Cultivate a deep knowledge in a you to excel in your career,” said business students. specific area, for instance, materials Suresh Chandra, Intel Malaysia site science. Be a master of one area but “Wanting to succeed is a strong controller. knowledgeable too in many other motivation. Aim high, move forward “Also, invest in yourself. Work in fields,” he advised. and don’t look back,” she told the different areas and learn different students.

79 Engineering career success “A business organisation is like a sports He said technopreneurship, particularly team where teamwork is a key to in software, would be a promising For brighter future prospects, students success. Participation in team games venture. should also develop personal qualities helps you to cultivate the team spirit,” while in the paper chase for degrees. “Due to the rapid changes in society he explained. and industry, there’ll always be “Paper qualifications can be a He advised the students to have “a opportunities for software business,” passport to employment. But what vision for your future, upgrade your Dr Tan said, citing Microsoft, Google, ultimately makes or breaks a person’s skills along with changing times and be Skype and e-Bay as examples. career is what the person is,” said results-oriented”. Hor Chan Wye, AIA Malaysia district Prior to starting his own business in 1997, Dr Tan had worked as an manager and senior group consultant. Career in entrepreneurship engineer in Singapore, USA and “The ability to speak confidently and Entrepreneurship offers an exciting Malaysia including at Walt Disney communicate effectively is part of the opportunity for self-employment and Imagineering in California and Intel success story,” he said. self-reliance but it is a challenging Technology, Penang. Apart from communications skills, he career with pitfalls. A specialist in factory automation said, courage and resilience would be “Doing your own business gives you and equipment integration, Dr Tan important for facing the challenges in personal freedom and control over also deals in computer integration the working world. your time. You can run things your way manufacturing products and industrial Hor encouraged the students to take and make changes along the way,” electronics. active part in team sports such as said Dr Tan Seow Hwee, founder and To deal better with the harsh realities football and volleyball as part of the president of Values First Consulting Sdn of running a business, he advised the training for future success. Bhd.

80 students to equip themselves with the Hock Siew, Singapore International achieve my aims in life,” said Lee who right knowledge, skills, insights and Airlines (SIA) district sales manager of has been in the air transportation values. Penang. industry for some 35 years.

“In deciding on a business, begin with “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is still a Accountants in high demand where your passion is. Start with what mystery. What’s important is today and you know best,” he said. how you use it to enrich your life,” he Accountancy students can look said. forward to good job prospects when “Life is more than work and money. they graduate. Lead a balanced life and have a “To succeed, it’s not enough just to strong spiritual grounding. Put your work hard. You need to adopt and “There’s a great shortage of qualified family first – they’re the last people adapt new skills. Mix around with accountants in the country due to our to leave you in times of crisis,” he people to get more ideas,” he said. booming economy. By 2020, we need advised. 60,000 accountants,” said Adelena Right after completing his secondary Lestari Chong, then Malaysian Institute education, Lee started working with Flying high in life of Accountants (MIA) Penang branch SIA but continued to study part time. chairperson. Life can be great and full of He now holds an MBA and the UK’s excitement if one has a positive Chartered Institute of Marketing “In accounting, you need to have a outlook and keenness to learn. diploma. good analytical mind to use financial data to improve business. Accountants “Life is precious, so make the best out “I’m only a simple person who keeps too need to uphold themselves in of it. Live life to the fullest,” said Lee on going, learning and doing to integrity and ethics,” said Adelena

81 who has vast exposure to industries People connection is vital independent non-executive director of such as property development, retail, two public listed companies. Getting connected with the right hotels, trading and infrastructure. people is a key avenue to career “Like all other skills, you can enhance “Besides acquiring technical advancement and business prospects. your ability to interact with people knowledge,” she said, “you need to through practice,” he said. “Target networking, that is building develop your communication and relationships with the right people, is “Also, you should be willing to take up people skills.” important in life. It’s the end all and responsibilities and carry them out well “Employers don’t want just book be all of your future career success,” with quality,” he added. worms even if you’re a straight As said Danny Goon Siew Cheang, student. Jobs are about people and managing director of investment so, you’ve a definite advantage if you holding company, Kennedy Burkill and can interact well with good soft skills,” Company Bhd. she explained. “People can help you to get your job The community CONNECT programme “Do mingle around and get involved in done, if you get to know them and seeks to nurture a caring community organising events while still in college make them feel good about you,” he culture by bringing the academia and to hone those skills. Such activities will advised. community closer, aligned in thoughts also add value to your resume,” said and actions towards self-directed “Don’t be afraid to meet people, see Adelena, who is the co-founder and community care. them in the eye and speak to them a director of L M Y Corporate Services with confidence,” said Danny, who By taking part in CONNECT actitivies, Sdn. Bhd. is also a professional accountant, an students have great opportunities approved company auditor and an to live and learn a life of adventure,

82 creativity, independence and DISTED students and staff have Joining them in the jubilation were leadership as well as to thrive and joined hands with the community in 2 of the college’s founding fathers achieve significance in knowledge for promoting the aims of the CONNECT Tan Sri Emeritus Professor Gajaraj the service of society and the nation. programme through various activities. Dhanarajan and Dr Hulman Sinaga, its former president and CEO Tan Sri The initiative’s aims are: DISTED Day 25th anniversary Dato’ Dr Chin Fook Weng, its former • To sensitise DISTED students to celebration deputy CEO Dato’ Saleena Yahaya Isa environmental, social and scientific and its directors including Wawasan It was a triumphant celebration of issues that affect us all. Education Foundation and DISTED pride and esprit de corps, laced with chairman Dato’ Seri (Dr) Stephen Yeap • To sensitise and engage the fund-raising activities for a charitable Leong Huat. community on issues faced by organization, at the DISTED Day young people. commemorating the 25th anniversary “For 25 years, DISTED has thrived on of DISTED College. the confidence of the community and • To help DISTED students to cultivate the strengths of its programmes, staff social responsibility as well as to Held on 8 September 2012, the and student care. It has expanded to learn, live, thrive and achieve in occasion was fantastic for the college 2 campuses, the DISTED Yeap Chor more meaningful ways. staff and their families, students and Ee Campus on Macalister Road and their parents, to rejoice in the ‘we’re • To create a culture of community the new DISTED Hospitality Campus on family’ spirit the silver jubilee of the commitment emphasizing respect China Street Ghaut. college in educating young minds to for things, establishments and support the human capital needs of “The tree planting ceremony held occasions. the nation. on DISTED Day and the anniversary

83 banner with colourful handprints DISTED Day will go to a charitable a caring community culture,” Tan said. of students symbolise our love and institution.” The Relay for Life 2008 gathering pride for the college and affirmation was jointly organised by Penang of collective efforts to see it scale Walking against the Big C Hospice Society and the National to greater heights,” said Tony Toh 110 DISTED students and staff took part Cancer Society of Malaysia whereby Chi Eng, the college’s student in the Relay for Life to promote cancer throughout the night, the participants services department and the event’s awareness and to show solidarity took turns to walk around a circle of organizing head. with cancer victims at the Penang lighted candles in memory of those DISTED president Dr Koo Wee Kor Municipal Park. who had died from cancer. remarked: “This celebration is in “This year, we’ve the largest number recognition of the contributions of our Helping cyclone of students joining in the community college’s founders, past and present survivors event since its inauguration in 2005,” directors and staff.” said DISTED lecturer Tan Siew Gaik. DISTED staff and students chipped in Staff and students sold food and to help the Cyclone Nargis victims in “We also managed to garner about drinks in support of the charity deed Myanmar. RM4,000 to contribute to the anti- including Dr Koo who himself baked 6 cancer cause,” she said. They contributed a total of RM1,000 to high protein white breads for sale. the donation campaign organized by “Their enthusiastic involvement is in DISTED Day organizing team DISTED staff association, known as the line with the college’s community member and lecturer Jayaeswari Social, Motivational and Recreational CONNECT initiative which seeks to Sangaralingam noted: “All proceeds Team (SMART), with the support of the nurture social responsibility and create from the fund-raising efforts during college’s student services department.

84 “We’re doing our bit to support National Cancer Society of Malaysia the cyclone disaster relief efforts Penang Branch in collaboration with undertaken by the international the college. community,” said then SMART The fund-raising exhibition benefited eLearn president Josephine Chan Ie Lyn. the Hospice At Home Programme, a The DISTED eLearn thrust is to create community project of the society’s Business of good deed an active learning environment Penang branch. and a meaningful learning support DISTED business studies students “The Hospice At Home Programme has for students and at the same time, organised a charity food fair and an been providing free compassionate promote the evolving paradigm shift excursion to show care and do a good care for cancer patients since 1992. to learning by anyone, anywhere, deed for the community. Last year, 660 patients were provided anytime. The two projects raised a total of with care,” said Dato’ Seri Dr T Devaraj, It is a mindset transformation to nurture RM4,000 in proceeds from which National Cancer Society of Malaysia self-directed learning by providing RM1,000 each was donated to the Tzu Penang Branch CEO and medical an ever-growing learning repository, Chi Foundation, Children’s Protection director. and an active and lively 7/24 Society, Rumah Charis Old Folks Home The exhibition was officially opened learning environment with reliance on and SPCA Penang. by Loke Gim Tay, Flame Lite (S) Pte. insatiable human basic capacity for At the food fair, the students sold a Ltd. managing director and Singapore learning and a deliberate shift towards variety of food and drinks which are Chung Ling Alumni Association enhanced ICT facilitation to bridge the popular with young people such as president, who donated RM20,000 desired graduate outcomes. pizza, hot dog, spaghetti, french fries, to support the community care The eLearn landscape presents pastry and fruit juice. programme. opportunities to empower students Loke said: “It’s heartening to see 2 in learning-centric approaches and Touching hearts with Chinese art community-minded institutions, DISTED to explore innovations in technology- ‘Life’s a Rainbow’ displayed 46 and the cancer society, joining hands enabled, student-centred and artworks of 14 Malaysian Chinese brush with good-hearted artists to promote lecturer-facilitated learning. artists. charity for the Penang community.” DISTED utilizes Moodle as its e-learning The sale of the paintings was in aid The charity art exhibition saw 14 platform which facilitates the delivery of cancer patients and all purchases community-minded artists in Penang of lessons and sharing of learning and were tax exempt. The week-long raking in RM66,750. teaching experiences on problems Chinese painting charity exhibition was and solutions encountered. held at DISTED was organized by the

85 VIDEO Dr Koo Wee Kor

86 DISTED president Dr Koo Wee Kor life till then. But as luck would have shares his interesting encounters it, we shared a tennis coach, more with the evolving education sector because of costs, and for me as and his inspiring thoughts for DISTED well an escape from the drudgery in moving forward: and at times, the disappointments of PhD student blues when research My story is necessarily a personal was not going the way I liked. account and not a learned piece. For only a short period of time, It is a recollection and reflection, mainly because of the expensive from both clear and faded coaching, I learnt tennis more than memories, not dressed in any I imbibed physics. That was good, framework or ideology, but merely in a way. a brief account, interspersed with musing and rambling about human We came back to USM and we The President’s emotions, enthusiasm, frustrations played squash, a much more even Musing: idealism and friendships. contest then. He then went off to INTEL while I continued my assault in I met Dato’ Dr Chong Eng Keat, the academia. The Way the immediate past president of DISTED, many years ago when It was during my 16½ years in we were both PhD students in the USM that I came to know various Forward Australian National University. We personalities who eventually seldom talked about our studies, permeated the expanded tertiary but shared instead life’s fun, jokes education landscape in Malaysia. and enjoyed humanity around In particular, it is both a pleasure us. As was practical, we shared and privilege to know Dato’ Dr drudgery, taking turn to cook with 2 Sharom Ahmat, Tan Sri Dhanarajan, other PhD students. Occasionally, Dato’ Dr Ratnalingam, Tan Sri we bludged food from everybody Chin Fook Weng, Dato’ Dr Wong else. Tat Meng, Dato’ Syed Ahmad, Tan Sri Dzukifli and the many EK Chong was then quite an others who have populated the accomplished tennis player still highest echelons of both public harbouring hope for improvement and private tertiary education while I was a novice who never establishments locally. held a tennis racket in my whole

87 It was fun then with the interplay of a However, the trans-national education smoulder the institutions with old and large flora of people, activities and in the guise of twining, credit transfer, new concepts of higher education ideals. Later, we went different ways external degree and professional institutions. to seek and develop our needs and qualifications found strong following Induction of academic governance wants, carving out niches that might or from youths seeking alternative and quality assurance into the private might not mean much to everybody education opportunities. institutions generally transformed them else. We worked hard and we played In those few short years I had come into new creatures that had become hard, sometimes things and events, to know BC Tan, Tan Yew Sing, Lee both attractive and relevant especially boosted careers, sometimes they Fah Onn and other personalities who to the urban population. More overtook ambition, forced changes have contributed to the private tertiary importantly, the institutions gained in and sometimes tragically closed education scene and from whom I quality and became self-sustaining. minds. learned and unlearned many things. The private institutions had started well. All was well in USM. In the decade The shortcomings of the national Tertiary education was booming as of 80s, I worked hard on my physics, education system, coupled with young people sought training and struggled with people, systems, economic crises, had prevented qualifications, originated from foreign students and all that I could notice. I many students from getting a sources but conducted fully locally at went through many changes, some I university education. The sharp and relatively low costs, as a passport to liked and some I did not. In the later discerning investment in private tertiary maintaining social status and mobility. years, I struggled with myself. I left USM education naturally boosted the Soon enough about half of the young in 1996. industry to dizzy heights. The active people pursuing higher education I plunged into the brave new world of and dynamic private thrusts, together were found in the private sector. private education, joining a private with new education legislations, While the West had already come college and immediately confronted firmly put Malaysia in the forefront as to the realization that public funded a landscape that was fraught with raw an education innovator. Terms like tertiary education was unlikely to be enthusiasm, expertise and sometimes 1+2, 2+1 and later 3+0 programmes able to cater for a large proportion ignorance. It was short in academic became household names. of the youth cohorts, the Malaysian governance but was willing, energetic In those days people retired at 55 government took longer. It actually and ready to take up the slack and and the public universities were spent more on public tertiary neglect in the tertiary education letting people go. Some should education, keeping very much to the sector. retire but others, still relatively young traditional methodology and formula At that time, private education and very rich in experience and in keeping hopes up in the search for institutions were generally looked knowledge, began to permeate the excellence. down upon by the public institutions. private institutions. They began to

88 As the private institutions progressed of parents to the most preppy and many is to re-affirm our commitment with vitality, managing costs and the most learned of the ivory towers to the vocation and purpose of quality aggressively, it was then occupiers. education and to focus our energy common for the public sector on the core issues of aggregating There were frustrations expressed on institutions to look at courses knowledge, developing desired the intransigence of the government’s conducted by the private colleges human attributes and respect for handling of the effectiveness of with suspicion, often with a smugness others. the attendant education system. that begged the question of how Grouses on the escalating costs with We must banish the urges of spraying these upstart institutions with sparse no sign of higher value-add as well all and sundries into our curriculum and resources and support are able to as the increasing debts of graduates instead focus our attention on core attract the large numbers of young have made headlines. It is pressing knowledge, skills and new pedagogy students. enough for all of us in the higher approaches to cause effective It is clear that during those intervening education establishments to take learning for the future. We must years innovation in education began a more emphatic look, take some re-value the many over-emphasised to slip from the grip of the public actions, and if not, to make frightful demands for perks and liberties institutions as the rise of private preparation for the likely high school for everybody, along with it the institutions took hold in educating the graduates to come. assumption that the institution will cure young. While the private institutions itself of all afflictions and illnesses. The Apart from the clash of accessibility, churned out industry relevant and job average Malaysian academics are quality, sustainability and costs for ready graduates, the public institutions mesmerized by the hope value of their higher education, the continuous are engaged in fulfilling nationalistic paper qualifications, the self-indulgent search for profitability and agenda, and inadvertently churned and sometimes false assumptions sustainability of education institutions out excessively reality challenged of the superiority of their skills and are often the manifestation of much graduates that fill the ranks of the experience, and the presumptions of deeper problems that are irritating unemployed. the invulnerability of the institution. during good times and dangerous At the same time, the national during bouts of economic or political The irony is that many academic education system has begun to spiral crises, given our country’s multi-racial staff in their peculiar sense of their into the centre of a social and political backdrop self-worth of their job reject new firestorm. Anger about the efficacy of pedagogy approaches to learning There are as many to-dos and not-to- education as a saviour of knowledge and accountability for the outcome of dos, if we are serious in spending our aggregation, of civil society and their effort. time and effort to make a difference of more mundane employability of for the future of our young people, Concepts like performance indicators graduates, has unified interest groups nation building aside. Chief among the from the perspectives of the learners, spanning from the most uninitiated

89 academic governance and quality institution, staff and students included, demand of us? Are these factors assurance, changing behavior of to be more accountable to each leading us to a personal struggle learners and the international trends other? with undue concerns about benefits, and shifts in measurement standards, welfare and remuneration such that Are our institutions good enough? Do changing roles of the stakeholders, we have clouded our commitment of students feel shortchanged by the student-centric and technology- spending our life work for the purpose institutions and the teachers within? enabled pedagogy approaches of education? Are the hours spent with the teachers have often been taken casually. The stimulating and giving scope for self- Many of us often have personal problems are compounded by the improvement? Are the staff not paid grievances and often painted pictures deliberate dismissal of governance enough? Is it because productivity of greener and better pastures and quality superstructure based is not enough or there is not enough elsewhere, sometimes to ourselves mainly on the reluctance to accept revenue? How to improve both? Are and sometimes to others. It is ironic personal accountability, responsibility the institutions dysfunctional because that while faulting the resident systems and transparency of the whole of all these? Do the teachers have and practices, we neither wish to learning process. enough impact in their area of participate in building a native quality Is there a possibility of failure by the expertise? Do lecturers get fixated governance system, and vigorously institution administration in transmitting on counting the hours spent with the dismiss new pedagogy approaches these concepts to the staff? Is it students or do they actually trawl suitable for causing learning to occur because of an overestimation of the knowledge bin to create more in the students’ minds. the capacity of staff to understand learning opportunities for their care? It needs to be said that better systems the needs and the requirement for Do they worry whether the students and places for quality and well-being the change? Or is it a case of an ever learn and show improvement do not reside elsewhere but in the egalitarian blindness to the doing after their classes? Do they critically hearts of everyone; we are ourselves just the daily chores of the tasks of assess their approaches to help the responsible and accountable for the teaching that the higher purpose of students to regain the ability in critical quality and status we choose. education has been forgotten? thinking or analytical reasoning after their stint in the college? In such current sad situation, the Is it a lost shared cause that a rift has institution and the public are the losers. appeared and growing in the value Is it a lack of knowledge, commitment, The consequence is dire. system in education that is leading professional competencies or personal us down the path of confrontation struggle with the daily demand of life As the number of tertiary institutions of ownership of responsibility and that has made everyone loses sight ballooned disproportionally and accountability among stakeholders of the purpose why we are here to outgrew needs and utility, public in the many attempts to make the do what the business of education confidence and financial constraints

90 began to erode the popularity of but a realization of the need to choose on the curriculum, what they want the colleges. Increasing apathy high value endeavor than high load student to know, institutions as a and introduction of technology and endeavours. Any successful endeavor whole make materials available while psychology in pedagogy approaches requires the right orientation of the teachers design tests to see whether to meet the changing learning style indomitable human spirit. the students have learnt. Teachers will of the young are shaking colleges to be guides at the side than the sage on On this 25th anniversary of the college, their foundations. The youths’ embrace the stage. I must say that DISTED has done well, of the internet is changing the rules just after a bad spell of weak financial Focusing on teaching undergraduates while the college community fights performance. Many have contributed, is the way forward. We have to get to understand the reality and the and we all should know our worth in rid of complacency, esoteric and widening gap for the learning process. this renaissance of sorts. The ensuing expensive programmes, lower the Our first instinct is to hold our breath, euphoria and self-indulgence, over costs of operation and do something purse our lips and wait for this storm to confidence plus some missed steps that will not allow DISTED to end in pass. But the storm is not going to pass. may yet prove the Achilles heel to the failure. Higher faces a sustainability of the institution. The future is there for us to see and to stark reality: either adapt to a rapidly The crisis of accessibility, quality and take. evolving world of delivering value at rising costs is coming. All approaches the lowest costs or face a future of will eventually converge to a scenario futility when we cannot afford the of changing mindsets to reach as money nor the time. It is surely better many students and as low a cost as to rethink our career commitment, to possible, while keeping the quality reform than to have a hostile future intact. that will suck all the life out of us. The learning environment that mimics DISTED must recognise this. We must a real classroom with actual face-to- understand that the beginning of face interaction can still be retained wisdom is not choosing what to do I think, both physically and virtually, in but just as important choosing what judicious proportions. It is possible for not to do. We will meet with our the teacher to spend normal hours at demise because we have outlived work and yet reach hundreds, if not our usefulness, and fail to meet the thousands of students. demand of the learning requirement of a changed community. Reform is We may have to do many things needed not so much in the curriculum differently. Teachers may decide

91 The Founders Tan Sri Emeritus Professor Gajaraj Dhanarajan Dato’ Dr Sharom Ahmat Dr Hulman Sinaga

Present Board of Directors Dato’ Seri (Dr) Stephen Yeap Leong Huat Chairman Tan Sri Dr Chin Fook Weng Tan Sri Emeritus Professor Gajaraj Dhanarajan

Mr Chia Loong Thye

Mr Loo Choo Teng

Mr Ooi Teng Chew

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