Singapore Society: President

Hi! I’m Javen, and I’m a first year studying law.

Everyone says the point of going overseas is to meet people from all over the world. That’s true. But there’s also something special about being in a space where you can throw lah, walao and jialat around like you’re in a kopitiam. That’s what SingSoc is to me: a community of people that means that home can be found on the tube, in a boat on the River Thames, along the Seven Sisters, or in a Chinese restaurant in Queensway. 

I’m running for President as a way of giving back to the Singapore community for the friendships, laughter and memories it’s given me this past year. Through my past involvements, I’ve learnt what it takes to bring people together, and I hope to use that experience to create spaces where you feel just as at home. (I’ll save you the trouble: here’s my LinkedIn.)

If elected, I’ll keep SingSoc chugging along with low-commitment events you can drop by for whenever, alongside more career-focused initiatives engaging UCL alumni and the wider Singaporean network in the UK. I also hope to broaden involvement in our organising committees, so more members can have a say in events that matter to them without the pressure of taking on a full committee role.

That’s all from me! See you at Hustings :) 

Coming to London barely knowing anyone was daunting, but Singsoc was the place where I found my people and built friendships that made me feel at home. Now, I want to do the same for you, making Singsoc remain a welcoming home 🏠 away from home, where you can feel comfortable and part of a community.

Under my direction, Singsoc will continue to:

• Serve as a bridge to home 🇸🇬, keeping you connected through our events and connections
• Listen 👂 to your voices to best tailor our events and initiatives to your needs
• Work with sister Singsocs and other societies to diversify 🌍 your London experience 
• Organise enjoyable and meaningful events for you to make the best of your time in London 📸

What I offer:

• A space to let you be seen and heard 🗣️
  • I want to build Singsoc with you. Your feedback and wants will act as the blueprint for our events and initiatives
• Good forecasting  
  • Not just for the weather ☁️☀️ but our internal management. I will ensure the EXCO operates smoothly behind the scenes so that you will always receive well organised and high quality events
• Drive to continue improving Singsoc 🆙
  • There is much potential with our website to act as a digital hub 🌐, connecting stories, experiences and recommendations. This is an area where I’d like to continue working on to enhance your experience.

As President, I will focus on working with my team to ensure that Singsoc continues to do what it does best: bringing quality events and initiatives for you to feel happy and belonged

As President, I hope to continue SingSoc’s commitment to building a home away from home in three ways. Firstly, by having a people-first approach. This means more consistent avenues for feedback — a combination of in-person town halls and an ongoing feedback form to ensure that your voice can be heard. I will personally be on the ground and willing to listen, because I believe that a culture of inclusivity starts from small, genuine interactions.

My second focus is to strengthen communities within SingSoc. Beyond friends made during orientation, I will support more channels for forging friendships throughout the year. This means promoting more active SingSoc families, along with interest-based events like arts and crafts, beginner-friendly sports, and game/movie nights (with food of course!). My hope is that members will have a chance to find their people, building a support system you can lean on.

Finally, I intend to grow SingSoc’s connections with the wider UCL and UK community. Besides promoting greater collaboration with other societies and working closely with KILU SingSocs, I want to forge a stronger alumni network, creating opportunities for conversation and connection with Singaporean graduates in the UK. As such, I hope to make SingSoc a tangible, sustained way to connect to the wider Singaporean network.

My goal as President is to be SingSoc’s greatest advocate. I will listen to you actively, support my EXCO earnestly, and represent us wholeheartedly.