22nd SMUX Management Committee
Candidates

Cheong Sin Yee

Crystal Khoo

Nadiya Jayasaputra

Nicole Wee

Ng Cai Jun

Prithviraj Mukhopadhyay

Sin Yee

Nicole

Nadiya

Crystal

Cai Jun

Prithviraj
Why do you want to run for SMUX MC?
I want to run for MC mainly because my SMUX experience has been very fulfilling so far and I do want be a part in carrying on the culture! I also feel like it’s the best place I can contribute my ideas and skills to, based on the experience I’ve had within SMUX. Additionally, it’s a good place for me to learn more management skills and to strengthen my basics on project management.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
My ability to see things from different points of view. This is further strengthened by the experience I have had with a few different positions within SMUX itself: Logistics IC, Programs Director, Participant, IC of team collaboration events, as well as helping out with some other departments within kayaking exco. These do help me to get a sense of how different departments and teams work together, and I am able to see different perspectives from the different roles, which I feel is a crucial factor in decision making as an MC member, and what would make me a valuable member.
Describe an impactful event in your life and what you learnt from it.
Planning Euphorux 2022 as the programs director left quite an impact on me. It was the first time I planned for such a big pool of similarly aged people, and worked with such a big group of people within the OC. I learnt a lot of stuff, but mainly 3 things. Firstly, communication is key. Especially within a big group of planners, effective communication is the only way to ensure everyone is kept in loop and things do not get confusing. Secondly, plan early. Planning early does help to minimise any avoidable last minute changes. Lastly, hiccups are bound to happen. It is human nature to not be perfect and rarely does any event happen without mistakes. It is important to not dwell but move to correct them.
Why do you want to run for SMUX MC?
I want to run for SMUX MC because of the challenge it offers! I look forward to gain more experience. The friends that will come along is a big plus as well!
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I believe that my optimistic and influential personality will be able to encourage myself and others through the difficult times we will go through together. I am also very open to tough battles and am good at positively influencing those around me. This means that, in times of hardship, my team will be to overcome them with little stress.
Describe an impactful event in your life and what you learnt from it.
An impactful event in my life was when I joined the National Day Parade Youth Planning Committee(YPC). Being part of the YPC, I could befriend people from all walks of life and it was from there I learnt that everyone is really different from one another, despite some coming from really similar background. Learning more about the myriad of people I encountered, I empathised with some of them, respected some of them, and more importantly, learnt from all of them. Overall, I learnt that, wherever I go to, there will be plenty for me to learn that I have never knew could be learnt. So, i’ll always complete task with an open mind!
Why do you want to run for SMUX MC?
My experience with SMUX began when I joined the 17th Biking Exco. It was an experience I never regretted, for it offered me so much opportunity for growth. I believe that running for the SMUX MC is to take one step forward, to further challenge myself to grow as a person (both professionally and personally) through taking on these leadership roles. SMUX is also a community that I found comfort in during my first year in this university. If anything, it is the warm and welcoming environment I wish to preserve and advocate. With these intentions in mind, I decided to challenge myself to run for SMUX MC.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
As someone who grew up in an entirely different society, and has lived in two countries apart from Singapore, I have learnt to become a more adaptable person who is open to different ideas and opinions. I think that my flexibility will support me when working alongside my fellow mc members and various stakeholders. Being adaptable will also aid me in accepting various changing circumstances, something that naturally happens (whether we like it or not) during larger-scale events.
Describe an impactful event in your life and what you learnt from it.
One of the most impactful events of my life would be the time I transitioned from studying in Vancouver to Singapore. I was initially studying my undergrad there, however, due to the Covid pandemic and other personal reasons, I was asked by my parents to transfer to Singapore and continue my studies here instead. Moving was difficult – not only from an administrative or academics point of view, but also in a more personal scale. I had to let go of the people I was comfortable with and an environment I was already used to. Curiosity, questions and judgement naturally followed me as I transitioned into my new university at Singapore as well. I had to restart and readapt to a whole new school, culture and society here. Yet I knew that there was only one way forward. To take each day at a time and just gradually go through this transition period. I had to become like a “sponge” and be open to learning new things quickly yet remember all the old that I had with me up till today. Therefore, it is one experience I will always cherish.
Why do you want to run for SMUX MC?
I want to run for SMUX MC as I really love the culture and have a passion for all the different teams under SMUX. Ever since I joined SMU and attended the various SMUX activities, I have felt a strong belonging to the CBD, this is due to the precious memories I have made as well as the friendships forged. I have realised that SMUX is really a family where no one is left out, and the values it promotes is something which I would love to be part of.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
One thing that sets me apart from other candidates is the fact that I was an associate part of the management committee, thus this gives me slightly more experience when working under MC. With my experience, I aim to not only improve on myself but to help MC achieve greater heights. Furthermore, I also helped in the planning of Euphorux Camp, this has also given me the extra experience to work in SMUX.
Describe an impactful event in your life and what you learnt from it.
An impactful event was one that happened in Langkawi, while I was there I experienced many hiccups such as a missed plane flight as wells as many miscommunications with the locals, causing my friends and I to get lost. However, despite the trouble we went through, I learn to persevere and adapt to my surroundings. Hence, I was able to reach back home safely and still have fun.
Why do you want to run for SMUX MC?
I want to run for MC because I am inspired by the culture of SMUX. Throughout my time in XSeed, I am drawn towards the inclusive and wholesome culture of SMUX. When I interacted with the current MC during Euphorux 2022, I am inspired by their dedication to the community, and I saw the impact they made on the CBD. I too, want to be a part of this change, and I don’t think I’ll have another opportunity to contribute to a committee with values aligned with mine.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I have a strong work ethic, I am an effective communicator, and I am receptive to the results of my actions. The primary component of my work ethic comes from my attitude when it comes to work. I am serious and locked in when I am assigned a task. I manage my time and energy well, and I get my work done as soon as I am assigned. An effective communicator is someone who keeps the team in the loop about what is happening. I make the effort to keep my team updated on information and events. I also have a habit of replying people fast over text to ensure fast and smooth flow of information. Lastly, I am receptive to the mistakes I make. Every time something goes wrong, I reflect and look forward to the next opportunity to get things right.
Describe an impactful event in your life and what you learnt from it.
An impactful event in my life came from a shift when I was working in a GP clinic. Singapore was at the height of the Covid pandemic and GPs were all overworked daily. I remember this one particular shift where we were clearly short-staffed. It was a pretty unlucky day as well as we had many positive tests for Covid and all sorts of urgent medical conditions that we had to attend to. It was difficult to handle the crowd and abide by covid-19 protocols at the same time. Nonetheless my colleague and I did our best and split the work. We did not perform our task excellently, but it was sufficient to kept things going. A big lesson that I learnt from that day was that: regardless of how chaotic the situation is, we should keep trying out best. The tough times will eventually end.
Why do you want to run for SMUX MC?
Joining the SMUX family in 2021 and it has been my greatest decision in SMU. It provided me with some of my most memorable experiences, tough moments and most importantly, friends that I deeply cherish. Being part of the SMUX Biking EXCO has allowed me to play a part in growing the SMUX presence in our community. I am proud to have witnessed the revitalisation of the team and its activities ever since the pandemic relaxed. With this fully in the rear view, I believe it is time to take myself one step further: to be part of the SMUX Management Committee and make SMUX grow even further. My fulfilling moments in SMUX that have shaped me into becoming a better individual and the deeper goal of wanting to create equally – if not more memorable experiences for SMUXies – motivates me to join the SMUX Management Committee.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
My people-oriented nature and my experience in SMUX are my defining abilities. As I value human interactions, I am an empathetic individual who looks out for others and ensures their well-being. I am able to connect with people easily by creating a conducive environment for them to open up, which is reflected by my close-knit biking team. Secondly, my current role as SMUX Biking Team President and the experience of serving on the 2nd SMUX Council for the past year have allowed me to understand how the council works to drive teams to provide a memorable experience for SMUXies. As Team President, I have put what I truly value: Empathy into action, always understanding my team and MC’s needs before making decisions and that is my leadership style. Overall, my experiences and strengths as a people-oriented leader are what I can bring to the Management Committee.
Describe an impactful event in your life and what you learnt from it.
The most impactful event till date has been my huge weight loss journey. After JC, I weighed 120kg and I was admitted into a 19-week BMT in NS. It was an emotionally and physically difficult period where I had to battle with constant self-doubts – thinking if I will ever get through it. Thankfully, I had a clear goal in mind and pushed myself to persevere, eventually hitting the 70kg mark. It was the turning point in my life and I have never looked back since. I have learnt that I am someone who is driven and once I commit myself to a goal, I will never give up despite the numerous obstacles. In fact, I should never underestimate myself and my abilities and should strive to always push myself further. That is the beauty of a challenge and I am ready to take on the next one.