Malaysian Society: Welfare Officer and Vice-President

Let’s be TEHriffic and RICE above it all TAUGEHther, as MEE and you. 

As the Vice President and Welfare Officer, my core roles include organizing the Family System, maintaining the JOM MAKAN membership program and running the Representative Director (RD) scheme. 

Let's get to the point shall we? 

I would introduce 2 major updates to current core systems, namely - An introduction of a "Points-Based-Gamification" challenge to the Family System, and a revamp to the JOM MAKAN Incentive System. Further details will be included as part of my manifesto.

Some potential proposals / responsibilities also include:

1. Introduction of the Family Games – Either be a 1-day or a series of events. Families can compete with mini games (i.e. chess, e-sports, party games), sports (i.e. captain ball / frisbee). Winners earn bragging rights, rewards, and points which tallies up (1st: 20, 2nd: 10, 3rd: 5). 
2. Become more involved in the RD program as an advisor. RD events are important as they're the face of MSoc, I'd act as a guide between the core committee and the RD recruits. 
3. Introduce more partners into JOM MAKAN. Include groceries and part-time jobs listings.
4. Career mentoring with seniors who obtained Springs/Summers/Grad offers. Create a Malaysian Internship pipeline / framework with sponsors to ease the application processes and introduce fast-tracks. 
5. Assist Pres and Treasurer with admin work and SU coordination.
6. Work with Pres and CR to increase sponsorships to better subsidize club activities.

Coming from a home that is rich in culture and tradition, I feel passionate about bringing that sense of Malaysian comfort to university life here in the UK. MSOC has undoubtedly helped me in appreciating the beauty of the community even more, and I wish to extend that same feeling of belonging to other members of the society. As an extrovert, I truly enjoy socialising, learning from others, and reflecting on feedback. Since high school, I have had the privilege of many opportunities to work collaboratively, which is why I think it has become second nature to me in this regard.  

The role of vice president spoke to me because I genuinely resonate with its scope of work, wishing to make improvements wherever needed. I believe I would be a beneficial addition to the next committee, enforcing an environment that is inclusive and safe for us Malaysians - one where voices are heard, and needs are met. 

I’m standing for Vice President because I care deeply about the community that MSoc creates for Malaysian students at UCL. I would like to contribute more actively to this community and ensure that it continues to be a supportive space for all our members.

Over the past few months, I’ve gained experience in planning events through several roles. In the MSoc Representative Director Programme, I served as the Event Manager for the Asian Food Fair. This experience gave me valuable insight into how MSoc events are organised and the importance of clear coordination within a team. I was also a part of MNight, which allowed me to contribute to one of MSoc’s most memorable events while connecting with members of the community.

Through this role, I hope to help strengthen initiatives like the Family System and Jom Makan while supporting the committee in delivering events smoothly. I want to continue building a well-organised community where members feel proud to be part of MSoc.

The MSoc Pre-Departure Briefing was also incredibly meaningful to me. It was one of the first moments when I met other Malaysians who were about to start the same journey. It made arriving in London feel far less daunting. Now, I would love to have the opportunity to give back and help create that same sense of belonging for future members of our community. I'm Sanjay and I'd love to have the chance to do that for you. 

To me, being a Malaysian studying abroad is more than knowing cultural dishes, chatting loudly in Manglish, or hoarding Milo and Maggi. It is the sense of community and company we foster among everyone and spreading that warmth wherever we go. Having experienced that firsthand through the RD Programme this year, I'm excited to take on the Vice-President role to ensure every member feels that same welcome.

What would my key initiatives be as Vice-President?

1. Info Sessions – A termly series on common areas of uncertainty within London (budgeting, internships, private housing, Europe trips)
2. Leadership – An advisor for the RD Programme, listening to new ideas and proposals for events/initiatives.
3. Family System – Ensure active running of the family system through a points-based leaderboard, a cousin system and an adoption system.
4. Community – More intercollegiate events with Imperial, KCL, LSE, QMUL, and City.
5. Jom Makan! – A new accessible website so you always know where Jom Makan! restaurants are across London. You can try out the prototype!

Why should you vote for me?

This year within the RD, I pitched a 67% subsidy increase for the Gala Dinner, negotiated £500 off our venue hire, secured a 75-pax UCL venue for Oh My Ondeh!, and made crepes until 3am. Working alongside the current MSoc committee within the RD Programme has always inspired me to serve the Malaysian community, seeing it as a source of enjoyment and community.

Check out my manifesto for more info!