An Overview of the Societies I am Part Of

10 December 2024

Having attended boarding school for five years starting at the age of 13, did not make the transition to university any easier. It can be a daunting experience for many if you don’t find the right people to connect with. Joining societies is one of the best ways to meet like-minded people, pursue your passion, and feel a sense of belonging. For me, the Warwick Malaysian Society and Warwick Finance Society have provided me with the platform to grow both personally and professionally.

Here is an overview of my experience in these societies:

Warwick Malaysian Students Association (WMSA)

A home away from home-this is how I feel whenever I am in the Warwick Malaysian Students Association (WMSA). Being 10,576 km away from my hometown is not easy, but, with WMSA, I feel a sense of belonging, a sense of my roots and a connection to where I am from.

Cultural Events and Celebrations

The Warwick MSA is a cultural society that organizes a myriad of Malaysian cultural events such as Eid, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas Social, and many more. It is an inclusive community that brings people together. Although it is called the Malaysian society, WMSA welcomes people of all nationalities to celebrate festivities and experience authentic Malaysian culture together.

Warwick MNight

Every year, WMSA celebrates and showcases Malaysia's unique culture through a production called Malaysian Night (MNight). In my first year, I joined the MNight 24’ production, Dear Seri, as a dancer. Participating in Dear Seri helped me connect with my culture as I performed the traditional Malaysian dance and took part in a scene set in Pasar Seni, Kuala Lumpur. Beyond cultural connection, Dear Seri introduced me to friends who shared my struggles of adjusting to university life. Together, we laughed, shared problems, and supported each other. 

A Warwick Family System

When I first came to the UK, everything felt uncertain and intimidating. Even something as simple as going through the cashier felt like walking through an immigration counter because everything was so new to me! However, with the family system WMSA provided, I felt reassured I had the support and advice from my “parents” (second-year students). My “family” was not only there during tough times, but were also there to bond and have fun with during moments of joy, like bowling outings at Tenpin. 

Warwick Finance Society (WFS)

Coming from a family with a business background , I have always had a knack for business. Naturally, diving more into the business world, investment piqued my interest, and I was keen to learn more about it. The word ‘investment’ itself sounded intimidating, but WFS made it approachable. 

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Women in Finance series 

Attending the Females in Finance 2024 conference was a particularly eye-opening experience. It was incredibly motivating to hear successful women share their knowledge and talk about their experiences in banking and investment, and it convinced me that women can also succeed in this male-dominated industry. 

One of WFS’s greatest strengths is its solid relationships with business titans. The society often hosts networking parties, panel discussions, and speaker events with experts from leading companies such as McKinsey, J.P. Morgan, and Goldman Sachs. Attending these events has given me a clearer understanding of the finance world, and the confidence to navigate it.

A final word on why societies matter...

Being involved in societies like WMSA and WFS has significantly improved my time at university. These experiences have not only made me enjoy my time at university more but have also equipped me with the skills and networks that will benefit me long after I graduate. The skills and friendships I’ve gained have not only enriched my university life but also shaped me into a more adaptable and resilient individual.

In conclusion, you never know what you might find until you take that initial step, which is why I encourage everyone to push themselves outside of their comfort zone and join societies where you can feel like you truly belong!

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