UPCOMING CANDIDATES FOR THE 2025 COMMITTEE 

CANDIDATE NAME : Hasin Md Muhtasim Taqi

zID : z5615359

NOMINATING FOR : President

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

I am Hasin Md Muhtasim Taqi, pursuing PhD in Computer Science from UNSW Canberra. As an international student, I deeply understand the importance of connection, support, and creating a space for students to make fun and share their experiences. As a previous president of the Debating Club and advisor to the IEOM Society and HULT Prize, I am confident in my ability to increase student involvement and contribute to the ARC Canberra. I will ensure efficient administration, maximize student participation, and promoting a sense of togetherness, making every student feel welcomed and heard and performing the responsibilities of the president.


CANDIDATE NAME :  Muhammad Waqas

zID : z5327794

NOMINATING FOR : President

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

I’m passionate about making our campus more connected and welcoming place for everyone. My main goal is to strengthen friendships between students and create a better academic and social environment. I’m committed to organizing fun and diverse events that bring people together and make campus life beautiful, colorful, exciting and inclusive. With my friendly and social nature, I’ll make sure every student feels welcomed, and their voice is heard. Together, we can make our university experience more memorable and meaningful. Cheers


CANDIDATE NAME : Darcy Byrne 

zID : z5615359

NOMINATING FOR : Vice President (postgraduate) 

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

I am a catalyst for reformation. Despite being a Domestic Student, I'm actively seeking employment opportunties for International Students in Industry and Government. I'd love the chance to introduce ARC Canberra to networking opportunties, diverse experiences, and to engage the executive with the student body. ARC Canberra is an invaluable organisation, and has the capacity to better serve us all. As a collective we can create the change we want on and off campus.


CANDIDATE NAME : Kurtis Chen [WITHDRAWN]

zID : z5482889

NOMINATING FOR : Vice President (undergraduate)

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

I am passionate about strengthening the ties within our UNSW Civilian community, including between UG and PG students. I have held various student leadership roles including being a member of the Student-Staff laison committee for the Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Secuirty UG Course, a student advisor for the UNSW Societal Impact framework as well as a Student Judge for the UNSW Teaching Award. My experience in these positions motivate me to make the campus experience better for everyone. Please consider voting for me! I am happy to learn from and meet our fellow PGs. (Even though your thesis might be too complicated for me).  


CANDIDATE NAME : Mariya Anil Thadamuriyil

zID : z5488859

NOMINATING FOR : Vice President (undergraduate)

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

As a civilian undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, I am excited to run for Undergraduate Vice President. I believe I can enhance undergraduate participation in Arc events by tailoring activities to their interests. My goal is to foster a sense of belonging among both undergrads and postgrads, eliminating seniority barriers. Additionally, I aim to strengthen existing sporting clubs and explore new additions. With over a year of experience as the Table Tennis Coordinator, I have successfully hosted events and effectively communicated with many of the Arc members. If you believe I’m the ideal candidate, please vote for me!

Cheers,
Mariya


CANDIDATE NAME : Marija Kolundzija [WITHDRAWN]

zID : z5482945

NOMINATING FOR : Secretary (Arc delegate)

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

I consider myself as an ideal candidate for this role because I want to help ARC foster a comfortable and fun environment for the civilian community. As an undergraduate student, I wish to bridge the gap between UG and PG by helping facilitate cross-faculty events. I have good communication and time-management skills, and consider myself to be a fast typer.


CANDIDATE NAME : Praveena Wimarshani Dewapura

zID : z5459412

NOMINATING FOR : EDI Officer (grievance officer)

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Hi all, I’m Praveena Dewapura, a doctoral student at the School of Engineering & Technology (SET), UNSW Canberra. I’m excited to announce my candidacy for EDI Officer (grievance officer). As a postgraduate student, I understand our challenges and the importance of actively engaged in initiatives that promote diversity and ensure equitable opportunities for all of us. I've been actively involved in Arc events and activities, actively engaged in badminton and have taken on various leadership roles in the past gaining valuable experience in teamwork, collaboration with diverse people and leadership. I look forward to collaborating with the future Arc committee to make a significant impact on the postgraduate experience while supporting and enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives within UNSW, Canberra. I’d be honoured to have your support for this role—let’s make a difference! Cheers, Praveena


CANDIDATE NAME :  Muhammad Ihtisham Babar

zID : 5452314

NOMINATING FOR : EDI Officer (grievance officer)

CANDIDATE STATEMENT 

Hi, I am Ihtisham, currently pursuing Aerospace Engineering. I am an ideal candidate for this role because of my strong commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. I will ensure that campus life and events are designed inclusively, so no one feels left out, with representation of every culture being celebrated. I aim to transform EDI principles into actionable initiatives by organizing inclusive events, implementing student feedback, and collaborating with staff to address any challenges. And I think, together we can create lasting change that extends beyond the academic pursuits and build a university where every voice contributes meaningfully to our community's success.