Candidate Data Appearing in the Ballot

---

With over 20 years of industry experience and currently serving as a Senior Architect, I understand the skills today's professionals need to thrive. My leadership roles as Chairman and President of national chapters of international organizations like OpenDoc Society, FreeBSD Foundation, and Floss Manuals have honed my abilities in leadership, strategy, and community advocacy. I've been honoured with fellowships such as the APNIC Fellowship for SANOG XI, the OOoCon 2008 Scholarship, and the Asia Source II Fellowship.
I've witnessed a significant disconnect between academic learning and industry expectations. As your Postgraduate Council President, I'm committed to bridging this gap. I will make the Postgraduate Council an effective voice for you, supporting your journey and making your university experience truly remarkable. Together, we'll align our postgraduate programs with real-world demands, empowering you with the knowledge and confidence to excel both at UNSW and beyond.
"Empowered students today, exceptional leaders tomorrow."

---

My name is Ada, and I am a candidate for PGC President. My engagement with PGC began in 2022 as a Marketing Director and I am the current Vice President of Research.

My experience in student advocacy, engagement, and support is extensive and has positively influenced the university experiences of my peers. These roles include being multiple student representatives to address and advocate for student concerns, an International Student Ambassador for NSW Government and a Counsellor at Sydney University PGC, where I have been at the forefront of policy discussions that enhance student welfare.

My vision is to build a more connected, supportive and proactive PGC that represents the diverse needs of our postgraduate community - to create an environment where every student feels valued and empowered to achieve their academic and personal aspirations. I’m excited to lead this change and invite you to help make our vision a reality.

---

Inspired by my experiences in my father's oncology clinic, where the need to find solutions to life's problems was constant, I will lead as president with a vision based on community and collaboration. The clinic was a lesson in balancing business and purpose, not just a place of healing. By encouraging cooperative extracurricular and co-curricular activities across several courses, I hope to strengthen the sense of oneness among our heterogeneous postgraduate cohort. In my capacity as the PGC's official spokesman and meeting chair, I shall be in charge of all committee supervision, as well as the strategic direction of the PGC and the execution of our charter. In addition, I'll emphasize the UNSW newsletter's importance as a daily resource for online and offline knowledge. Embracing the university’s motto, “Scientia Corde Manu et Mente” - Knowledge by Heart, Hand, and Mind—I will lead with integrity, empathy, and a drive for positive change, guided by Arc and UNSW values.

---

No information provided

---

Hey there, amazing individuals!

I’m thrilled to announce my candidacy for General Secretary in the upcoming PGC elections! Over the past year, I’ve passionately served as the Vice President of the International Office at PGC, working on key initiatives like the Temporary Graduate Visa 485 policy changes and collaborating with the NSW International Student Representative Committee (NSW ISRC). My leadership journey also includes roles such as Assistant General Secretary for my alma mater's Alumni Association, President of my high school alumni team, and General Secretary of a National Cultural Club.

With leadership training under my belt, I’m equipped to foster inclusivity, streamline communication, and ensure every voice is heard. My vision is simple: empower all students and make our postgraduate experience even stronger. Your vote supports a dedicated leader ready to bring energy, experience, and passion to the PGC.

Let’s unite and create something remarkable together!

Stay awesome,
Akash

---

I am Mukesh Kumar, at School of Optometry and Vision Science, and I am excited to run for the position of General Secretary in the Postgraduate Council. My commitment is to enhance our postgraduate community and make sure everyone’s voice is acknowledged.
If I am elected, my focus will be on three core areas:
1. Clear Communication: I will work to improve how the council communicates with students by providing timely updates on policies, events, and opportunities, ensuring everyone stays informed and engaged.
2. Student Support and Well-being: My goal is to implement programs that address both academic and mental well-being by offering accessible resources, workshops, and counselling to help students navigate the challenges we face.
3. Fostering Community: I aim to bring postgraduates together through cross-departmental networking events, promoting a sense of belonging while ensuring all students are included.

---

As a UNSW student of 8 years and counting (4 years undergraduate, 1 year Honours and 3 years PhD), I have been an active member of numerous student run organisations around the university, including:
- Language workshop coordinator (executive) in UNSW’s Nippon Students’ Association (2019-2020)
- MED HDR Health & Wellbeing Ambassador (HWA) Co-Lead (2024) and Junior Co-Lead (2023)
- PGC Equity Committee Member (2023-2024)
I have worked closely with my student peers, faculty staff and stakeholders to organise and run various meetings/events. At my research institute, I am also a spinal cord injury (SCI) community engagement committee member, where I have had the experience of consulting different faculties/teams (communications, foundation, facilities, research) to facilitate in-person events and send quarterly newsletters to the SCI community. I believe these valuable experiences will help accomplish clear communication across the committees for PGC success in 2025.

---

As an experienced public health optometrist with over 14 years of international experience, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to equity and inclusion through my work. My career spans diverse roles in education, health promotion, and program development across the Asia Pacific region, particularly in marginalized communities. From leading health initiatives in the Pacific Islands to developing inclusive curricula, my focus has always been on creating equitable access to healthcare and education.
As Vice President Equity, I would strive to promote fairness and inclusivity within UNSW. My extensive experience working in multicultural environments, alongside my dedication to fostering diverse voices, makes me well-suited for this role. I am committed to building initiatives that not only support but empower underrepresented groups, ensuring that all members have equal opportunities to thrive.
I look forward to the opportunity to bring my passion for equity and inclusion to this position.

---

As a UNSW student of 8 years and counting (4 years undergraduate, 1 year Honours and 3 years PhD), I have been an active member of numerous student run organisations around the university, which focus on celebrating cultural and religious diversity, supporting students’ academic needs and promoting wellbeing. I am also an advocate for disability in my research, which focuses on spinal cord injury. Some of my previous roles:
- Language workshop coordinator (executive) in UNSW’s Nippon Students’ Association (2019-2020)
- MED HDR Health & Wellbeing Ambassador (HWA) Co-Lead (2024) and Junior Co-Lead (2023)
- PGC Equity Committee Member 2023-2024 (includes organisation of Harmony Day and contribution to the PGC Wellbeing Guide (conception, drafts and finalisation)
My 2025 vision aims to celebrate the cultural diversity amongst PGs (cultural and social events) and increase PGC’s presence as pillar of support for PG students (work with Psychology & Wellness, HWAs, HPU).

---

I am Safdar Qasim, a first-year PhD student in Optometry at the School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS), Faculty of Medicine and Health. My journey in Sydney has been enriched through leadership roles, including my participation in the International Student Leadership and Ambassador Program (ISLA) with the City of Sydney Government NSW.
I’ve completed various Professional Development Programs like the Leadership Foundation, Practera’s Study Australia Industry Experience Program (SAIEP), and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), earning an accredited certificate. Currently, I serve as the Postgraduate Representative of SOVS, advocating for fellow students.
As a volunteer Health & Wellbeing Ambassador at Kensington campus, I support student wellness. I believe in teamwork, open-mindedness, and fostering inclusivity. With a strong leadership mindset, I am eager to contribute to the Equity Committee, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.

---

As a UNSW student of 8 years and counting (4 years undergraduate, 1 year Honours and 3 years PhD), I have been an active member of numerous student run organisations around the university, which focus on celebrating cultural and religious diversity, supporting students’ academic needs and promoting wellbeing. I am also an advocate for disability in my research, which focuses on spinal cord injury. Some of my previous roles:
- Language workshop coordinator (executive) in UNSW’s Nippon Students’ Association (2019-2020)
- MED HDR Health & Wellbeing Ambassador (HWA) Co-Lead (2024) and Junior Co-Lead (2023)
- PGC Equity Committee Member 2023-2024 (includes organisation of Harmony Day and contribution to the PGC Wellbeing Guide (conception, drafts and finalisation)
My 2025 vision aims to celebrate the cultural diversity amongst PGs (cultural and social events) and increase PGC’s presence as pillar of support for PG students (work with Psychology & Wellness, HWAs, HPU).

---

Hi, I’m Bahador (Bob), a PhD student at UNSW since Term 1, 2023. I’ve been involved in many international research activities and have published research papers in collaboration with international teams, so I know firsthand the challenges research students face. If I’m elected as Vice President Research, my goal is to support you by improving access to resources, building connections, and creating more opportunities for skill development. I want to help build a welcoming research community where everyone feels heard and empowered.
Together, we can make UNSW a place where research students have everything they need to succeed and grow. Let’s create a future where we all thrive in our academic journeys!

---

As a UNSW student of 8 years and counting (4 years undergraduate, 1 year Honours and 3 years PhD), I have been an active member of numerous student run organisations around the university. In my research candidature, I have been a continuous advocate for research support and wellbeing for research students. Currently, I am:
- MED HDR Health & Wellbeing Ambassador (HWA) Co-Lead (2024) and Junior Co-Lead (2023)
- PGC Equity Committee Member (2023-2024)
- NeuRA’s Early-to-Mid Career Committee Communications Chair (2024)
I have worked closely with my student peers, faculty staff and stakeholders to organise and run various meetings/social and professional training events to support HDR students. As a PhD candidate situated off-campus, I am passionate about ensuring sufficient support for research students based off-campus in addition to on-campus. As VP Research, I hope to improve access to research training for students, particularly symposiums/panels on career pathways and industry.

---

I am a first-year PhD student from the School of Clinical Medicine and a member of PGC Research Committee.
I am aware what challenges postgraduate students face. As a Vice President Research, I would like to be engaged with the students, identify/raise their issues and opportunities to higher authorities, and address those issues with the help of PGC. I want to advocate professional and skill development, and recognition of achievements for students, and thus, would strengthen students voice being their representative.
I was an elected Women’s Officer at the Graduate Students Association (GSA), and a Student Representative at Staff-Student Liaison Committee at the University of Melbourne during my Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in 2011-2012. This 2-years of journey was a success for me while serving the students. With my previous experiences, I want to make the study journey for the UNSW post-graduate students as smooth as possible.

---

As a candidate for Vice President (Research), my goal is to cultivate an atmosphere that encourages innovation and teamwork. With significant postgraduate research experience, I am well aware of the challenges researchers face and am dedicated to addressing them. My objective is to improve access to resources, simplify administrative tasks, and provide equal support across all research areas. I will focus on strengthening connections between students and faculty, promoting interdisciplinary initiatives, and securing funding opportunities for the postgraduate community. By developing avenues for knowledge sharing and professional growth, we can drive research that advances both academia and society. I am committed to being a supportive, proactive leader who ensures every researcher's voice is valued and heard.

---

My name is Ziyan (Jo) Zhou. I am running for the position of Research Committee Liaison Officer within PGC. As a dedicated member of the PGC since the beginning of my first term of PhD, I have been actively involved in enhancing our community through organizing various events such as a hiking trip with Sydney Uni and the Research Translation event.

My journey in student leadership and support began during my master's program, where I successfully organized career fairs that connected many students with potential employers and internship opportunities. This experience honed my skills in event management and deepened my commitment to serving our academic community.



I aim to leverage my experiences to further enhance HDR student life. My vision for 2025 includes:

Strengthening Research Support: Facilitating workshops and seminars that are directly aligned with our needs as HDR students.
Enhancing Networking Opportunities: Increasing collaborative events with industry professionals to enhance our career prospects.
Fostering a Supportive Community: Collecting feedback from students to address our academic challenges and well-being.

I am passionate about making a tangible difference in our HDR community, and with your support, we can together foster an environment where all students thrive.

---

I am Bahador (Bob), a PhD student at UNSW since Term 1, 2023. With my experience in research and active participation in international activities, I am committed to bridging the gap between students and the research community. As Research Committee Liaison, I will work to create opportunities for collaboration, provide support for new international researchers, and ensure that student voices are represented in research-related discussions. Together, we can foster a vibrant and inclusive research environment at UNSW.

---

I was taught the importance of fusing purpose and action by my father, who dedicated his oncology practice. As Vice President (Coursework), I am committed to promoting collaboration among postgraduate students. Our student body is diverse, yet we still need to come together as a community. To that end, I will encourage interdisciplinary participation and collaborative activities in all of my classes. In my capacity as the Vice President (Coursework), I will oversee academic-related events, speak out for concerns pertaining to coursework, and communicate with important academic personnel. In keeping with the academic motto of the institution, "Scientia Corde Manu et Mente"—Knowledge by Heart, Hand, and Mind - I aim to promote the UNSW newsletter's function as an important tool for communication, in both digital and physical contexts. By adhering to Arc and UNSW guidelines, I will lead with integrity, dedication, and a focus on creating meaningful academic and personal growth opportunities for postgraduate coursework students.

---

UNSW’s large and diverse postgraduate cohort, spanning various fields, often faces underrepresentation in academic matters, particularly for coursework students. Recognizing that coursework students often face distinct challenges, I will actively work to ensure their voices are heard and concerns are addressed. My primary focus will be on improving the academic experience by facilitating open communication between students, faculty, and administration. Furthermore, I aim to enhance support services tailored to coursework students, including academic advising and guidance. By collaborating closely with PGC members and relevant university departments, I will advocate for policies and solutions that promote academic success and well-being. Throughout my tenure, I pledge to uphold UNSW’s values of equity and respect. I will act honestly and in good faith, while exercising care and diligence ensuring all coursework students receive fair and equal support, regardless of their background or circumstances.

---

I am excited to apply for the Vice-President role in the Post-Graduate Council’s Coursework Committee because this opportunity genuinely intrigued me. The prospect of being able to contribute to something meaningful, while also broadening my connections would be an invaluable experience. As a post graduate student, I have been through the challenges and struggles of navigating a new environment myself. Therefore, I want to help others feel more supported in their studies, which is why I see this role as a chance to make their struggles to be herd. I am eager to collaborate with a team to address the challenges to reach and elevate our mission. Thank you for considering my application.

---

With over 20 years of industry experience and currently serving as a Senior Architect, I understand the skills today's professionals need to thrive. My leadership roles as Chairman and President of national chapters of international organizations like OpenDoc Society, FreeBSD Foundation, and Floss Manuals have honed my abilities in leadership, strategy, and community advocacy. I've been honoured with fellowships such as the APNIC Fellowship for SANOG XI, the OOoCon 2008 Scholarship, and the Asia Source II Fellowship.
I've witnessed a significant disconnect between academic learning and industry expectations. As your Postgraduate Council President, I'm committed to bridging this gap. I will make the Postgraduate Council an effective voice for you, supporting your journey and making your university experience truly remarkable. Together, we'll align our postgraduate programs with real-world demands, empowering you with the knowledge and confidence to excel both at UNSW and beyond.
"Empowered students today, exceptional leaders tomorrow."

---

As a former Failure Analysis R&D Engineer at Intel Malaysia, where I led process improvements and collaboration across diverse teams, I bring a fresh perspective to the role of Coursework Committee Liaison. My experience in driving efficiency and solving complex problems positions me to effectively advocate for postgraduate causes such as equity, diversity, inclusion, and quality education at UNSW and beyond.
If elected, I will work to engage our community through exciting events like Postgrad Fest and “Tell Me Your Story,” while ensuring that those facing challenges receive the support they need.
Together, we can shape a better academic and research environment for all.
Thank you for your trust and support!

---

My name is Ernestine Yeohan. I’m applying for the coursework liaison officer position in the Post-Graduate Council Committee. As a liaison officer, I’m committed to establish an effective communication between various groups. Being an international student myself, I feel like many students are too hesitant to engage and voice out their opinions, so I’m hoping to help everyone feels included and motivated to contribute. Thank you for the support!

---

UNSW’s large and diverse postgraduate cohort, spanning various fields, often faces underrepresentation in academic matters, particularly for coursework students. Recognizing that coursework students often face distinct challenges, I will actively work to ensure their voices are heard and concerns are addressed. My primary focus will be on improving the academic experience by facilitating open communication between students, faculty, and administration. Furthermore, I aim to enhance support services tailored to coursework students, including academic advising and guidance. By collaborating closely with PGC members and relevant university departments, I will advocate for policies and solutions that promote academic success and well-being. Throughout my tenure, I pledge to uphold UNSW’s values of equity and respect. I will act honestly and in good faith, while exercising care and diligence ensuring all coursework students receive fair and equal support, regardless of their background or circumstances.

---

I would like to nominate myself, Meenakshi Kumar to represent the international students by being a vice president/ committee Liaison
Being an internation candidate, personally, I have crossed hardships to be where I am, familiar with the issues faced by internation candidates and I can bring that experience to the table to better represent the cohort’s problems.
I am a positive person who works well in a team setting and possess the leadership skills developed through being a post graduate representative for the past year and often represented and spearheaded the issues between the students and the school.
As part of being a student rep, organising events, conducting polls to collect voice of students is something I am familiar with. I am also able to manage the role and my candidature parallelly, being organised and scheduling things in priority.
I thank the committee members for their time to review this document.

---

Hey everyone, I’m Anu, running to be your Vice President of International Students on the
Postgraduate Student Council. As a proud South Asian woman, I understand the unique
challenges we face as international students—adjusting to a new country, financial
pressures, and finding our place. As your current International Student Liaison, I’ve pushed
for public transport concessions and helped successfully remove the age limit reduction for
PhD students. I’ve hosted cultural and sports events, like Harmony Day and PGC Soccer, to
foster inclusivity and community. I’ve also united international student representative from
different postgraduate councils across NSW to strengthen our collective voice. If elected, I’ll
keep advocating for your rights and organizing events that bring us together.
Vote for Anu—your voice, your advocate, your VP!

---

In my role as Vice President (International), I am motivated by the principles that I acquired from my father's oncology clinic, where empathy and a never-ending search for answers were crucial. Through the promotion of activities that go beyond traditional club lines and encourage involvement across courses, I hope to address the lack of collaboration among our diverse international postgraduate population. In my role as the Vice President (International), I will promote social engagement, professional growth, and skill development while tackling concerns unique to international students. I will ensure that our UNSW newsletter acts as a vital communication tool, offering daily updates and insights. By adhering to the university's motto, "Scientia Corde Manu et Mente"—Knowledge by Heart, Hand, and Mind" and the Arc and UNSW guidelines, I will lead with respect, empathy, and a dedication to building a supportive and connected environment for all my fellow international students.

---

As a candidate for Vice President (International), I am committed to fostering a warm and inclusive environment for international students. Having personally navigated the challenges of studying abroad, I am driven to address the unique needs of our global student community. I will work to enhance support services such as visa assistance, housing, and career development to help international students succeed both academically and socially. My efforts will also focus on strengthening cultural exchange initiatives and promoting diversity and inclusion, celebrating the vibrancy of our multicultural campus. By encouraging open dialogue between international students, the university, and the local community, I aim to ensure that every student feels valued and supported. I am dedicated to being an accessible, responsive leader who listens to the concerns of international students and takes action to improve their university experience.

---

No information provided

---

As an international student at UNSW, I understand how challenging it is to start a career. That's why I participate in the PGC elections — to help create professional development opportunities for international students. My goal is to organize events that provide practical advice on job hunting, networking, and building the skills employers are looking for. I want to help my peers feel more prepared and confident as they enter the workforce, whether they’re staying in Australia or heading abroad. By continuing to build the PG community, I hope to make a difference for students navigating this important stage of their lives.

---

As a candidate for Vice President International, I am passionate about improving the experience for international postgraduate students at UNSW. My own challenge of missing the February intake, despite receiving a conditional offer letter, due to a communication gap, has motivated me to run for this position. I understand firsthand how vital clear and timely communication is for international students, especially during crucial stages like admissions and enrolment. I am committed to addressing such issues by ensuring more effective communication and comprehensive support for international students. My focus will be on bridging gaps between students and the university, advocating for clear, accessible guidance throughout the admissions process, and fostering a welcoming and supportive community. By collaborating with various department and leveraging university resources, I aim to create a seamless, inclusive experience where students from diverse backgrounds feel informed, supported, and fully integrated into our vibrant campus life.

---

As a candidate for International Committee Liaison, my goal is to strengthen the relationship between international students and the broader university community. Having personally experienced the challenges of being an international student, I understand the obstacles and opportunities we encounter. I will ensure that international students are well-represented in key conversations, with their voices heard and their needs prioritized. My focus is on fostering partnerships between the university, student groups, and local organizations to expand resources, support networks, and cultural initiatives. I am committed to creating a more inclusive campus where international students feel welcomed, integrated, and empowered to thrive. By promoting transparent and ongoing communication, I will address concerns swiftly and keep students informed about valuable opportunities. My goal is to serve as an effective bridge between international students and the university, advocating for an enriched experience for everyone.

---

My name is Bahador, or Bob, and I have been a PhD student at UNSW since Term 1, 2023. During my time here, I have actively participated in numerous international activities, gaining insight into the diverse experiences and challenges faced by international students.
I am deeply passionate about research collaborations and sharing knowledge, which is why I am eager to prepare courses to help new international students get familiar with the research landscape at UNSW. My goal is to build a supportive community that provides valuable guidance, helps students navigate academic life, and creates opportunities for personal and professional growth.
If elected, I will work tirelessly to foster a welcoming environment where every international student feels connected and empowered to succeed. Together, we can make our journey at UNSW not just an academic endeavor but a fulfilling and memorable experience.

---

As an international student at UNSW, I understand how challenging it is to start a career. That's why I participate in the PGC elections — to help create professional development opportunities for international students. My goal is to organize events that provide practical advice on job hunting, networking, and building the skills employers are looking for. I want to help my peers feel more prepared and confident as they enter the workforce, whether they’re staying in Australia or heading abroad. By continuing to build the PG community, I hope to make a difference for students navigating this important stage of their lives.

---

This is Matthew and I am a first year PhD student in mechanical engineering. I was born in China and I moved to Australia in 2015, such that I am lucky to be trilingual (English, Mandarin, and Cantonese). I have been finishing my bachelor’s degree in engineering from 2020 to 2024, and I have been employed as a casual academic since 2022 and head demonstrator this year. These experiences as an international student, as well as my multilingual ability enabled me to have been engaging students, staffs, and the wider community across a range of nationalities in depth, and as such I can effectively establish linkages between people of diverse cultural backgrounds. In role of international liaison, I will make use of my experience to help new international students from settling down, to resolving concerns raised from the international student community, so that we can call UNSW a second home.

---

I would like to nominate myself, Meenakshi Kumar to represent the international students by being a vice president/ committee Liaison
Being an internation candidate, personally, I have crossed hardships to be where I am, familiar with the issues faced by internation candidates and I can bring that experience to the table to better represent the cohort’s problems.
I am a positive person who works well in a team setting and possess the leadership skills developed through being a post graduate representative for the past year and often represented and spearheaded the issues between the students and the school.
As part of being a student rep, organising events, conducting polls to collect voice of students is something I am familiar with. I am also able to manage the role and my candidature parallelly, being organised and scheduling things in priority.
I thank the committee members for their time to review this document.