Jay Ooi

Like many of us, I only really started to debate properly in university. That unorthodox journey is why I care so deeply about accessibility. I am proof that starting at university is not an unrecoverable disadvantage, but an opportunity to grow. 

As president, I’d prioritise:

• Making debate accessible through collaborations with public speaking charities
• Pushing more public debates with external speakers, increasing visibility beyond debate circles
• Running our competitions well so we have a stronger budget
• Making systems like competition slotting more transparent, widening speaking and judging opportunities
• Running a wider variety of socials
• More varied training sessions, including in-depth presentations by members on interesting topics

I’ve done quite a bit for the society, and have accrued a unique skillset to accomplish these goals, notably: 

• Chief Adjudicator of Autumn Cup & UCL Pro-Am (only remaining UCL student with experience)
• Served as training officer, delivering workshops and running our weekly training sessions, currently our only consistent events
• Competed at Worlds & European Championships, along with 40+ tournaments
• Collaborated and volunteered with social mobility charities Access Debate & Debate Mate

I’m known in the community as passionate, dedicated, and able to balance the competitive and social sides of debate. I’m also here every week, so feel free to find me at sessions to chat.

I care deeply about where this society can go next, and I’m ready to lead it there.