Public Affairs and Social Service Society: Public Affairs Officer

Hi I am Dora, a first year History student. Since September, I have been an active member in internal and external PASS events, ranging from joining the GPS Mentorship Scheme, becoming an Amazing Raise committee member, to debating in LSE Forum. PASS has not only helped me develop a strong set of skills in communication, collaboration, and organisation, but also encouraged me to put those skills into practice through various events. As such, I hope to give back to the community I have gained so much from, and to continue to learn and grow with this society.

Awareness of public affairs in Hong Kong is the key to developing and maintaining a sense of belonging to the city. Equally important is to be critical and analyse current affairs from multiple perspectives in this age of information overload. I believe my past experience at school and my involvement within the PA department have equipped me with the essential skills for this role to actualise my vision for the department.

Growing up, I never understood my mom’s insistence to watch the news during dinner. This was until I moved abroad in 2018. 

Being away from Hong Kong during its times of change in a school where no other Hong Kongers were present has (ironically) evoked my sense of identity and a passion to contribute to the city I call home. This passion continues to grow as I became more aware of public affairs, more knowledgeable through my studies, more open-minded through attending international conferences, and ultimately, more determined to run for the Public Affairs Officer position.

As part of the PASS subcommittees (Public Affairs), I have attended external events like Exeter Forum and Birmingham Public Speaking Competition, where I was able to demonstrate and improve my public speaking skills which I have developed since primary school. These events, along with being the group leader in Amazing Raise, enabled me to network with PASS members from other universities while I could also work as a team with both friends and new acquaintances. I have also actively contributed ideas and perspectives to the monthly topical digest.

From my wide exposure to various activities, I have the ambition to upgrade the Public Affairs department as I believe that we have the potential to achieve more. I hope to emphasise the importance of the PA department in UCLPASS by introducing more activities especially because our flagship event is Social Service Oriented. Look forward to serving you soon!