Asiatic Affairs Society: Publications Director

I am standing because, over this past year, I have immensely enjoyed writing for the journal and engaging with the diverse topics we can explore. I believe in the power of well-crafted publications to inform, inspire, and connect members of the Asiatic Affairs Society. I want to ensure that our society’s work is presented compellingly and engagingly, making our research, discussions, and insights more accessible to an even wider audience than we do now. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, I am committed to elevating the quality and impact of our publications, fostering a stronger and more vibrant intellectual community.

I first got involved with the Asiatic Affairs Society through its publications, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had at UCL. Writing about political and cultural issues across Asia, collaborating with others, and seeing our work published has been incredibly fulfilling. Now, I want to help others experience the same.

I know how much work goes into running publications from my experience as editor-in-chief of a student newspaper I founded. From editing submissions to making sure everything runs smoothly, I understand the effort it takes to maintain high standards while ensuring writers  feel supported throughout the process.

Beyond editing, I focused on growing the newspaper by securing collaborations with other societies, leading advertising efforts, and helping writers connect with relevant figures, including arranging an interview with Jeremy Corbyn. I would love to bring that same energy to Asiatic Affairs by expanding our reach, fostering collaborations, and exploring new formats. The opportunities here are huge, and I am excited about what we could achieve.

I am standing for the position of Publications Director of UCL's Asiatic Affairs Society because of my passion and interest in sociopolitical affairs within the Asian context. Being part of the Writers' Group in Asiatic Affairs this past year, I have been offered the platform to draw upon my own experiences and background growing up in Malaysia, subsequently research interesting sociopolitical topics, and finally, express my insights, ideas and opinions through the bi-termly publications. As such, I aspire to continue working on the publications next year by taking on more responsibilities related to the dissemination of information to the Asiatic Affairs audience. These include constructing engaging themes that encompass a variety of articles and concepts, as well as being more involved in the editing process of the publications. The role of Publications Director will also give me the opportunity to express my more creative side, particularly when it comes to being inspired by others' written works and crafting the publications accordingly. I intend on drawing upon my experiences working on the Asiatic Affairs publications, as well as my past experience writing for my school magazine's "International Insights" column, in my role as Publications Director. That being said, I do look forward to working with the next Writers' Group and learning from their experiences and skills in the role as well.