Learn About Us
Executive Committee:
President: Momoka Honda (Momo)
Date of Birth: 21/08/2005
Country of Origin: Japan
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics
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What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I started getting involved as an International Student Ambassador (after getting in on my second try). I wanted to make new friends and contribute to student life, especially since I didn’t know anyone when I first arrived in Melbourne. A few months later, I jumped into the UMSUi committee as an Education Officer, and now I’m here! Super excited for the rest of my term and to continue advocating for international students’ unique perspectives while helping build a welcoming and supportive community.
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If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Risk of explosion
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What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Eating huge amounts at midnight is completely fine. Just pretend you’re in another time zone and it’s dinner somewhere.
Vice-President (Education and Welfare): Nishka Chopra
Date of Birth: 25/06/2006
Country of Origin:
India
Bachelor of Commerce in Economics
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What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I wanted to step out of my little routine of just classes and studying, so I joined UMSU INTL to get more involved with the university and get real exposure to how student events and committees actually run.
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If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
Cannot function without morning coffee and ChatGPT.
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What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Cold pizza is better than hot pizza.
Vice-President (Cultural and Social): Shreeyukta Adhikari (Shree)
Date of Birth: 02/07/2005
Country of Origin: Nepal
Bachelor of Arts in Politics & International Studies and Law & Justice
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I joined UMSU International because in my first semester, their events were where I made my very first friends and the kind of memories that made university feel a little less scary and a lot more like home. I want to help create that same feeling for other students too, a space where people can meet, laugh, feel included, and maybe find their people the way I found mine.
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Highly unhinged. May say the wrong thing at the wrong time with full confidence.
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Talking to chatgpt is lowkey therapeutic☝🏽
Vice-President (Media and Marketing): Bhavya Middha
Date of Birth: 27/04/2006
Country of Origin: India
Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Management
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I started university pretty quietly, sticking to my own little bubble until my friends began taking me to UMSU International events. That's where everything shifted. I realised how much effort goes into creating these events and how many students benefit from them. It inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and actually get involved instead of just showing up. I joined the UMSU Intl Committee to help other students find their place, make friends, and feel like they belong, just like I did. And honestly, I'm really glad I can say I get to do all of that now.
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Neurotic like Monica Geller
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Coffee is overrated
Secretary: Redd Danielle D. Sy (Redd)
Date of Birth: 12/03/2005
Country of Origin: Philippines
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Media & Communications
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What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
Joining the UMSU Intl committee, i’ve realised where my home away from home was. Discovering new personalities, cultures, and backgrounds that share the same motive, valuing the whys and hows of the international community drive my passion towards a better student experience.
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If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Will finish your jar of nutella in one day
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What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Eating white bread dipped into coke is fire
Treasurer: Dhruv Rana
Date of Birth: 04/12/2005
Country of Origin: India
Bachelor of Science in Computing and Software Systems
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
The sense of family and unity that UMSU INTL has.
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Proceed with caution ⚠️
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Pineapple belongs on pizza
Media and Marketing:
Director: Arianna Kugendran
Date of Birth: 07/04/2003
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Economics
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What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
Having many friends involved in both UMSU and UMSU International inspired me to participate as well. I wanted to contribute meaningfully to the experience of international students and become more actively engaged in campus life. So far, I've met so many amazing people here at UMSU INTL, and I'm really excited about the work we'll be doing in the next year!
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If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
Evil when hungry.
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What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Cheap food lowkey tastes better than expenive food (and hurts less emotionally).
Officers:
Chieh-Hsin HSU (Karen)
Date of Birth: 30/01/2003
Country of Origin: Taiwan
Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Marketing
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I wanted to meet people from different cultures and help create a welcoming space for international students. I enjoy organising events and building connections, so joining the committee felt like a natural way to contribute and make campus life more fun for others.
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
Easily distracted by dogs
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
I think cereal tastes better without milk...
Ai Jin Goh (Allison)
Date of Birth: 26/12/2005
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Business Analytics
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
To provide a safe space for international students :D
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Sleeps too much.
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
I’m not a fan of red bean.
Zoe Michelle Shanta
Date of Birth: 11/03/2005
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Media & Communication
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
When I first arrived, I always saw umsui hosting events and helping international students, and i remember looking up to them. I guess it was seeing how these group of students, who on top of education, put their heart into an event to help students that really caught my eye and I knew I wanted to be part of this community from the start.
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
FRAGILE
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Labubu is ugly and is a scam.
Sin Hei Phoebe Chan (Phoebe)
Date of Birth: 11/04/2006
Country of Origin: Hong Kong
Bachelor of Arts in Media & Communications and Cultural Studies
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I joined the UMSU International Committee because I wanted to help international students feel at home in what can be a completely new and unfamiliar environment. As someone who understands how challenging it can be to settle into a new country, I wanted to support others going through the same experience and make an impact within this community. I also saw it as an opportunity to meet new people, connect with students from different backgrounds, and build meaningful friendships while contributing to a community I care about.
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
HANDLE WITH CARE: Overthinking in progress… please wait.
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
People who walk fast deserve awards; people who stop in the middle of the walkway deserve jail (figuratively).
Cultural and Social:
Director: Shamsul Arham Akhand (Arham)
Date of Birth: 25/01/2003
Country of Origin: Bangladesh
Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Accounting
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What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I wanted to contribute in making my campus life more inclusive. It also is great way to connect with people from different cultures while developing my soft skills.
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If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Probably would rather listen to music on headphones than talk.
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What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Sleeping at night is overrated.
Officers:
Tejna Saravana Kumar (Tejna)
Date of Birth: 13/08/2005
Country of Origin: India
Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Management
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I wanted to meet new people from diverse backgrounds and be a part of a community that shares the same vision for international students.
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If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
I will overshare passionately about food.
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What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Ketchup is not the best pairing with fries.
Raunak Raghavan
Date of Birth: 24/02/2005
Country of Origin: India
Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance
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What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
Bringing the university’s favorite events to life while being part of the best memories of college - and of course, the free snacks don’t hurt
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If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
DELAYED RESPONSE - expect texts back in 3-5 business weeks
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What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Flatulence should be encouraged, not frowned upon.
Audrey Zhu
Date of Birth: 05/09/2006
Country of Origin: China/Cambodia
Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Business Analytics
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
Make friends, keep myself busy and help the community!
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Loyal teeth flosser, I swear the dentists LOVE me!
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Unpacking is easier and way more fun than packing.
Neeya Ann Sibu (Neeya)
Date of Birth: 22/01/2005
Country of Origin: India
Bachelor of Design in Urban Planning
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I joined the UMSU INTL committee for the opportunity to contribute to events and initiatives to help make students feel more at home on campus.
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
May appear calm, but brain has 60 tabs open at once
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Breakfast foods taste better at night.
Jonathan Song
Date of Birth: 01/10/2003
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Accounting
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I joined mainly because I wanted to improve myself such as building confidence, learning to work in a team, or getting practical experience. UMSU INTL felt like a great place to grow while contributing to something meaningful.
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Fishing is love, fishing is life. My friends worry about me, but the fish understand.
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Naps are a vital life skill
Education:
Director: Pavitra Ravi
Date of Birth: 24/03/2003
Country of Origin: India
Master of Biotechnology
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What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
Wanting to be involved in student education support directly.
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If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Conflict avoiding overthinker!
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What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Chai is the best beverage in the universe, no one can change my mind.
Officers:
Corlynn Tng Qi (Corlynn)
Date of Birth: 24/03/2005
Country of Origin: Singapore
Bachelor of Science in Physiology
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
My interest to contribute to UMSU INTL began after attending 2024 CCM, where I got to hear the former president's report and thought it was insane how this group of international students, just like me, have done so much for fellow international students here at the university. The compassion and dedication stuck with me so I applied to be an ISA and got in, after which through my term as an ISA as got to meet so many great individuals including some of comm at that time. As time went on UMSU INTL felt like a safe and comfortable space where my differences could find similarities, hence with elections coming up next I thought HEY! okay let me try and now I'm here. Proud to be an Education Officer, fighting for international students to be academic weapons!
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
I'll have a conversation with you 100%, but we'll never know where it ends ;)
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Candies & sweets are disgusting.
Sirong Liu (Sirong)
Date of Birth: 06/06/2005
Country of Origin: China
Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology
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What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
Become multi-cultural and multi-dimensional when organizing events in different perspectives; be able to create a better community for University of Melbourne International students.
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If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Only likes no sugar bubble tea
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What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Whenever I find something really hard or feel like I want to give up, I will tell myself that it is precisely because I have the ability to overcome that this trial will come.
Nivetha Sankarasubramanian
Date of Birth: 14/07/2002
Country of Origin: India
Master of Data Science
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I joined the UMSU International Committee because I wanted to contribute to building a stronger sense of community among international students and help bridge the gap between academic life and student wellbeing. As someone who understands the challenges of adapting to a new environment, I wanted to ensure student voices are heard and effectively represented, especially in academic and policy discussions that shape our experience at university.
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
“Handle with curiosity—may spark unexpected ideas.” It reflects how I am inquisitive and open-minded, always ready to bring fresh perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions.
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
“Silence in meetings is not always agreement; sometimes it’s the loudest feedback.”
It highlights that not everyone expresses disagreement vocally, but thoughtful reflection and quiet observation are equally important contributions."
Edeline Fidelia (Edeline)
Date of Birth:
03/07/2005
Country of Origin:
Indonesia
Bachelor of Commerce in Actuarial Studies
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What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I wanted to help create a safe and supportive space for international students, and also to connect with diverse friends from different nationalities.
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If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Warning: Overthinks everything, even this sentence.
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What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Strawberries are overrated…
Eunice Zi Hui Ng
Date of Birth:
18/09/2006
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
Previously as an ISA, I had the opportunity to help out and experience many of the events firsthand. I loved how much effort they put into supporting the international student community to create an environment where international students feel welcomed and connected. Therefore, I hope to be part of this wonderful team so that I can contribute my support while also enriching my university life with new friends and meaningful experiences.
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Warning: Allergic to Mustard, Emotionally
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Pineapple on pizza is the best!
Welfare:
Director: Zejun Li (Amanda)
Date of Birth: 05/12/2003
Country of Origin: China
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
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What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
UMSU International was where I found my first friends at UniMelb. This amazing community helped me settle into uni and made me feel really welcomed. I wanted to give back and help create the same supportive vibe for other international students, so joining the UMSU INTL committee just felt right to me.
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If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Caution: may overwhelm you with excitement and a little chaos 😛
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What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
I’m sorry to disappoint 99% of the population but chocolate is overrated…
Officers:
Ying Jie Chen (Jane)
Date of Birth: 29/06/2006
Country of Origin: New Zealand
Bachelor of Biomedicine in Human Structure & Function
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What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I really enjoyed going to the events and wanted to be a part of the behind the scenes!
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If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
I will MAKE you get milk tea with me.
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What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Yochi isn’t even that good…
Juni Takahashi
Date of Birth: 15/07/2004
Country of Origin: Japan
Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Management
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I joined the UMSU INTL committee because I wanted to support other international students who might be facing the same challenges I did when I first arrived in Melbourne. Starting over in a new place can be overwhelming, so I hoped to help build a community that feels friendly, welcoming, and supportive. I also love meeting people from diverse backgrounds and planning events that bring students together and make uni life more enjoyable.
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Warning — Tendency to overthink even when there’s nothing to overthink 💭
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
There’s something nostalgic and aesthetic about rainy days☔️
Nhi Ngo (Sally)
Date of Birth: 06/10/2005
Country of Origin: Vietnam
Bachelor of Science in Data Science
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What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I have truly enjoyed being an ISA and helping the committee with all the events. It makes me value what I have as an international student. I want to embrace this culture and be a part of this!
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If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
⚠️Caution: Runs on efficiency and iced coffee
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What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Pineapple on pizza hehe
Elaine Ye
Date of Birth: 19/10/2005
Country of Origin: China/Australia
Bachelor of Science in Human Structure and Function
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I wanted to make new friends!
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Really loud and will wingwoman you anytime
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Dissecting human cadavers makes me hungry
Partnership and Sponsorship:
Director: Wai Leng Yeung (Whitney Yeung)
Date of Birth: 02/04/2005
Country of Origin: Macau
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Media & Communication
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I joined because I realised how much impact thoughtful partnerships can have on international students. I wanted to use my experience with sponsorships to help create spaces where international students feel welcomed and supported on campus.
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Easily bribed with good food.
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Running late is my cardio :)
Officers:
Keyur Gohel
Date of Birth: 04/11/2001
Country of Origin: India
Master of Data Science
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
Inclusive and vibrant commnunity
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Fragile! Handle with care
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Its okay to skip lectures to keep up with lectures
Charlene Tan Xingli
Date of Birth: 25/10/2002
Country of Origin: Singapore
Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
i joined the UMSU INTL committee as I wanted to have a more meaningful and fun time in uni. Additionally, the events UMSU INTL offered seem really fun, and I wanted to be part of the team behind it.
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Will zone out in the middle of conversations
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Washing dishes is lowkey therapeutic
Human Resources:
Director: Suhas Agrawal
Date of Birth: 01/10/2005
Country of Origin: India
Bachelor of Science in Computer & Software Systems
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What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I’d already been part of the committee before as an HR Officer, and it ended up being one of the best experiences I’ve had at uni. I didn’t just enjoy the role itself, but also the people I worked with and the overall environment. There was a real sense of community, and it felt like I was part of something meaningful rather than just another student role. I had so much fun while also learning and growing through the experience, which is what made me want to come back and be involved again.
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If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Will say yes to opportunities and figure it out later.
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What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Being busy isn’t the same as being productive.
Officers:
Kirsten Abustan
Date of Birth: 20/11/2005
Country of Origin: New Zealand
Bachelor of Arts in Politics & International Studies and Media & Communication
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
I first became involved with UMSU International through the International Student Ambassador programme in my second year of university, where I made many friends with both other ISAs and OBs. As a student who had struggled to find a place at university in my first year, it really cured my homesickness to finally feel like I had a place where I belonged. Wanting to provide this experience for other International students inspired me to join the committee.
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
WARNING: Will ask you if you want to get a sweet treat while you are studying!
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Chocolate chip cookies are better without the chocolate chips!
Aliya Hafiz
Date of Birth: 01/03/2004
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Finance
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What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
Cool events, even cooler people!
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If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Left-handed
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What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Musicals > Concerts
Sheela Lim Jia Ni (Sheela)
Date of Birth: 02/03/2001
Country of Origin: Singapore
Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Management
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What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
As a former ISA, I experienced firsthand how meaningful the program can be in helping international students feel supported and connected. I wanted to give back to a community that played such a big role in my own transition to Uni. Being part of the committee also allows me to meet new people beyond my course and home country while contributing to a community that matters to me.
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If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Overthinks everything but somehow still survives.
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What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Avocados are overrated and they taste like nothing.
Graduate:
Officer:
Taoyang Liu (Tao)
Date of Birth: 20/08/2000
Country of Origin: China
Doctor of Medicine
- What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
Diversity
- If you had a warning label, what would yours say?:
Spicy food loving
- What is an unpopular opinion that you have?:
Hotpot should be had with icecream