Disted College establishes ties with Finnish university

Penang-based Disted College and long-established Finnish institution of higher learning Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) recently.
The collaboration is aimed to enhance the activities and joint efforts that can contribute to cultural enrichment and scientific progress for both institutions. These include:
• exchange programmes involving students, faculty and staff;
• transnational education experience study tours;
• collaborative research and development projects;
• collaborative development of educational programmes; lectures, seminars and workshops; and
• exchange of academic information and materials.
The MoU also potentially paves the way for the establishment of a Finnish Degree transfer programme, the first of its kind in Malaysia. Meanwhile, it facilitates the groundwork, assisting Disted students in pursuing a diploma programme locally, before proceeding to a Haaga-Helia degree programme, either locally or at the Finnish university campus.
Disted College president and CEO Dr Seah Soo Aun stated, "This collaboration will enable us to tap into the vast pool of expertise and strengths of both institutions to generate new knowledge, innovation and intellectual property. We are honoured to be collaborating with an institution renowned for its teaching excellence and top quality research in business and service."
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences is an educational institution with a long tradition. Its oldest campus was established over 120 years ago. Today, it is known for its well-established ties with businesses in Finland and globally. The university's project director Jouni Ahonen states, "Our educational programmes are based on real-life business situations and the quality – as in Finnish education generally – is strongly emphasised in our operations. We are sure that these features will bring benefits to Malaysian students and look forward to excellent cooperation with DISTED College."
The signing ceremony was held in conjunction with the official opening of SPACE, DISTED's newly-built student residence at Lebuh King in George Town, Penang. Present at the event was Penang State Executive Councillor for Local Government Chow Kon Yeow who commented: "Disted's strategic location in the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand growth triangle is ideal in positioning Penang as a regional hub for post-secondary education and tertiary education."
Disted College is organising a holiday camp for students between Forms 1 and 4 at its Yeap Chor Ee Heritage Campus, Jalan Macalister. The four-day camp will run from Nov 24 to 27, 9am to 5pm. For more information, visit disted.edu.my.