Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your background and your area of study?
I was born in Malaysia and have now been living in Melbourne for 13 years. I’m currently in the second year of my PhD based at the Alfred Centre, where I’m researching the structure-function relationship of the T cell receptor and how T cells communicate. Before starting my PhD, I completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and a Master of Pharmaceutical Science. Outside of research, I enjoy photography, hunting down good food, and playing futsal.
What is your role within the MGAEC, and what are you hoping to achieve over your term in office?
This year, I’m serving as a General Representative on the MGAEC. My goal is to make the research student experience more visible and more connected. Many HDR students, particularly those based at satellite campuses like the Alfred, can feel isolated from the broader Monash community. I’d like to advocate for stronger support, better representation, and more opportunities for students to connect, so they feel just as included and supported throughout their candidature.
What motivated you to join the executive committee? What drives you to make a difference in your graduate community?
I first joined the committee while I was based at Parkville after noticing how limited the MGA’s presence felt on campus. Although my term ended when I completed my master's degree, the experience showed me how much impact the MGA can have in bringing postgraduate students together and advocating for their needs.
I’ve always found the postgraduate community to be where some of the most thoughtful conversations happen, often over free food. Those small moments help build a sense of belonging, and I want to create more opportunities for them. Being involved is my way of helping make sure HDR and postgraduate student voices are not only heard, but genuinely represented in the decisions that affect them.