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MANIFESTO FOR CUMSA PRESIDENT ELECTIONS

INTRODUCTION

1. My name is Tan Zheng Wei and I am currently studying Natural

Sciences, doing a BA in Chemical Engineering. I have enjoyed
participating in various CUMSA activities and will like to have the
opportunity to offer my services for the society. Hence, I will like to run
for the presidency of CUMSA, a post which I believe I can contribute
best. Through activities and initiatives, I would like to foster closer ties
and interactions amongst the CUMSA members, and with other
societies. I hope this will help to build a cordial and friendly relationship
within and outside of CUMSA.

CONCEPT

2. Home is not a location; it is people

CUMSA is a link for students from Singapore and Malaysia. It

provides a platform for students of similar background to come
together. However, owing to different and heavy schedules,
interactions and activities among members may get sidelined.
Also, some of the more senior students may no longer feel the
need to participate in such activities, given that they have been
in Cambridge for a long time.

Thus, I hope to use CUMSA as a platform to create a family

atmosphere, a home away from home. I hope to introduce
initiatives to promote further interaction among our members,
and create an environment which is welcoming to all.
Notwithstanding, people have already made good friends in
CUMSA. However, I will hope to promote more bonding within the
whole of CUMSA through various activities, transcending beyond
different disciplines, levels and background.

Lastly, I will like to take the chance to promote exchange

between members of CUMSA and that of other societies both
within Cambridge as well as other UK universities.

SUGGESTED PLANS

3. I hope to achieve the goals I have laid out for CUMSA through 3
levels: internally, externally and across other universities.

a. Internally
i. Set up an online forum. A platform for discussion about
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issues, travels, post events and activities, garage sales etc..

ii. Movie and games night fortnightly. A fortnightly event
where movies are screened, card and board games and even
mah-jong can be played, as well as a place where people can
chill out!
iii. Organise day trips to places near Cambridge. (E.g.
Audley End House, Bourn Mill, Ely etc.) Visit these places for a
picnic and sightseeing.
iv. Celebrate cultural festivals and hold gatherings. (CNY,
Hari Raya, Deepavali, End of term formals and etc.)

b. Externally with other societies

i. Organise games (eg. sports) and activities. Activities
can come in the form of cultural exchanges amongst the
different societies.
ii. Joint-organisation of parties, dining and formals. (eg.
International students ball, joint Malaysian-Singaporean
nite)
iii. Greater Liaison with CuMas

c. Other universities
i. Greater liaison with other Malaysian and Singaporean
Societies throughout UK. Organise end of term
trips/events to other universities. (Eg. Nottingham
games, Ox-bridge games) or just for sightsee!

CONCLUSION

My approach towards achieving the goals I laid out for CUMSA are built
along social and event based activities. I hope that these activities can
engage people with different interests, bringing about greater
interaction within and outside of CUMSA. I am aware that the
challenges ahead are daunting but I have no doubt that I have the
ability to carry out my responsibilities effectively. I do look forward to
suggestions and ideas and hope that members will vote for me.