Meet your OISA Committee 2021/2022. They are the elected committee members that are there to represent you and create events for you during your time at Otago. Feel free to have a yarn with them about anything and everything. If you are not sure on who to contact - feel free to DM us on our Facebook Page or email us at [email protected]
CHECK OUT OUR JOB DESCRIPTION HERE
<aside> ➡️ OUSA INTERNATIONAL STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE 2021 // CO-PRESIDENT
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contact: [email protected]
Sean (Jin Xiong) Teow
Malaysian International Student
Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Psychology & History)
Kia Ora everyone, apa khabar, 大家好, vanakam, namaste, and warm Malaysian greetings. In Malaysia, it is a norm to immerse yourself in other people’s cultures, learning and embracing the beautiful differences and similarities we have as people. I hope to bring that mentality into my role as your OUSA International Students’ Representative (ISR) for 2022. I want to use what I learnt from my academics and life experiences to apply a holistic approach in taking care of your needs and wellbeing. I want to inform the International Student community of the support they are entitled to and advocate by turning your words into action. You ALL matter. Your presence at this University is invaluable and I seek to provide you with more safe and comfortable spaces to thrive and be yourself. In my free time, I usually meditate and practice mindfulness, watch anime, cook, workout, beatbox (sometimes haha), and love listening to all kinds of music. Feel free to approach me for any help and support you need, I love talking to new people and believe that we should get more perspectives from all types of students.
<aside> ➡️ CO-PRESIDENT
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Seu Wand Tee
Malaysian International Student
Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Information Science & Finance)
Salam Sejahtera! 你好! Vanakkam! Kia Ora! I’m Seu Wand. I’m an international student from Malaysia, currently in my 3rd year majoring in Information Science and Finance. I’ll be the Co-President for this year, and we will be doing our best to represent your voices to the university! I am also one of the Leaders for Otago Comp Girls where women support women in STEM which the industry are mostly male dominated. OISA has an important mission in helping to nurture and celebrate a more diverse and global community in this University. If you have any questions, never hesitate to approach me. This year is going to be a blast, and we can’t wait!
<aside> ➡️ VICE PRESIDENT
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Lauryn Chitima
South African International Student
Bachelor of Dental Technology
Hi everyone. I’m Lauryn, a Zambian Zimbabwean South African citizen who is now an international student at our wonderful university. I’m currently a second year student and probably the baby of the OISA executive team. Here’s an interesting fact about me to get the ball rolling, I have a birthmark in my eye which is the reason why I wear glasses. My family and I moved to New Zealand in 2020 so that I could pursue my childhood dream of studying overseas and now here I am. I am an ambivert which allows me to balance my bubbly and hyper personality with my quiet and shy personality. I love meeting new people and hanging out with family & friends. I am very passionate about children and love my Disney cartoons and Barbie movies, especially Kim Possible and Barbie in the 12 dancing princesses. It is an honour and privilege to be your Vice President and I’m looking forward to an exciting 2022 with you all!
<aside> ➡️ SECRETARY
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Erika (Ying Ki) Wong
Hong Kong International Student
Bachelor of Arts & Science (majoring in Asian Studies & Pharmacology & Toxicology)
Hello everyone, I’m Erika – the OISA Secretary 2022. I’m from Hong Kong and moved to New Zealand when I was 17 years old. After being in Auckland to complete my foundation year, I have decided to move to Dunedin to get out from the busy city vibe. After moving to New Zealand for three years already, I am happy to call New Zealand my second home. After thriving and surviving in the Otago uni for two years, I am grateful that I have been offered a position in OISA to serve the university students. My goals in OISA are to promote international student well-being, advocating international student voice and promote diverse culture in the university and the wider community.
<aside> ➡️ TREASURER
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Ngân Cao (Elly)
Vietnamese International Student
Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Information Science & Finance)
Hello everyone, my name is Elly Cao and I am an international student from Vietnam. I am currently doing my final year in Information Science and Finance. I am a bit shy when you first meet me but I am sure after a short time you will see my true colour. I enjoy baking during my free time and I love cooking for my friends. I want to become a part of OISA because I love the idea of having a community where we support students from different ethnicities, cultures and backgrounds. I believe that as a Treasurer, I can adapt the knowledge I learn from Finance papers to oversee and manage the financial affairs of OISA. I really want to spend this year to be the best time I ever have in Uni. I am looking forward to meeting you guys in the future.
<aside> ➡️ SOCIAL MEDIA OFFICER
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Geraldi Ryan
Indonesian International Student
Masters of Teaching and Learning (endorsed Secondary Education)
Hello everyone, I'm Geraldi - the OISA Social Media Officer 2022. I'm responsible for the aesthetics that you see here and our social media platforms. I was a former Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Education) and studied a huge chunk of Chemistry before dropping out haha. My goal is to make a digital resource pack containing FAQs and hacks to make your journey here at Otago feel smooth, fun and supported. I was also the former OISA Co-President 2021 and OUSA International Students' Rep 2021, so I have tons of experience of advocacy and event management for international students. Other than studying and doing OISA work, I love to dance to contemporary (being my favourite), jazz, hip hop, K-pop and ballet at Otago Dance Association (ODA) or on my free time, working out (leg day, all day) or just have some gaming on my Switch Lite or laptop. Feel free to have some yarns with me about anything and everything, always keen for some good food or hot chocolate over this. Find me on FB: Geraldi Ryan or IG: **aescetones** to make that possible.
<aside> ➡️ ACADEMIC OFFICER
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Christine Su
Chinese International Student
Bachelor of Teaching (Primary Education)
Kia Ora koutou, my name is Christine or Su Jing Ya and I will be your academic officer for 2022. My goals as your academic officer are looking after everyone’s wellbeing (Hauora), holding workshops regarding studying at the University of Otago, future careers and building connections with peers and professors. Being an international student for more than three years made me realise the importance of having someone to talk to when you meet challenges. I would like to be that person for you. Outside school, I enjoy volunteering. In 2021, I was a member of the Aspire Programme, Building Global Community, Reading Oasis and volunteered in George Street Normal School every week. If you are interested in volunteering, we can also have a yarn about it. All the best to the rest of the year and I hope we can talk in person soon.
<aside> ➡️ RESIDENTIAL OFFICER
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