The UOW Club Retreat Experience

On February 15–16, 2025, I had the privilege of joining the “One Vision, One Mission” Club Leadership Retreat—an unforgettable two-day event hosted by the Student and Alumni Centre (SAC) at the University of Wollongong Malaysia. Designed as a retreat-style staycation, the event brought together presidents and vice presidents from all university clubs, creating a space for collaboration, connection, and shared purpose.

I participated in the retreat wearing two hats: as Vice President of DICE Club under the School of Creative Media and Arts (SCCM), and as Secretary of UniBuddy, a peer-driven support group for student mental wellness.

DICE Club is committed to engaging the student body through meaningful events—workshops, talks, industry visits, and more—all designed to bridge academic learning with real-world exposure. We aim to give students not just a deeper understanding of their fields, but the confidence and experience to grow beyond the classroom.

Meanwhile, UniBuddy is a unique initiative that acts as a bridge between counsellors and students. It started by hosting mental health and self-development programs and has since evolved into a vibrant student-led space that fosters well-being, reduces anxiety, and promotes peer connection in truly impactful ways.

The retreat itself was filled with meaningful discussions and unforgettable moments. Over the two days, we explored how to make UOW Malaysia’s student life more vibrant, inclusive, and active. We revisited policies for club event approvals, brainstormed improvements, and proposed ways to streamline the process so that more student-led ideas could become reality. These conversations weren’t just about paperwork—they were about building a culture where every student feels empowered to participate.

But the retreat wasn’t all talk. We had cultural showcases where clubs performed and celebrated their unique heritage, a cozy campfire session under the stars where stories and dreams were shared, and team-building activities that included cycling, fishing, games, and even morning exercise. The energy and warmth of those shared experiences made it impossible to pick a favorite moment.

One of the most powerful parts of the retreat was how it dissolved boundaries. Spending time together in a more relaxed, open setting allowed us to truly understand each other’s missions, values, and challenges. Conversations that may have never happened on campus sparked new friendships, collaborations, and ideas. We didn’t just represent our individual clubs—we began to think and act like a united community.

The sense of unity carried into the final barbecue, where laughter, good food, and storytelling filled the evening air. By the end of the retreat, what started as an agenda-driven gathering turned into a shared commitment to elevate the student experience—together.

I want to take a moment to express sincere gratitude to Foo Huey Shin, Assistant Manager of SAC, whose vision, empathy, and tireless coordination made this retreat possible. Thanks also to the SAC team for organizing everything so thoughtfully, and to all my fellow club leaders for showing up with heart, honesty, and a true spirit of collaboration.

I’ll be sharing a series of photos that capture the joy, diversity, and unity of this retreat experience—watch this space or follow me online for more.

If you’d like to explore student leadership, plan a collaborative event, or just chat about how we can create more inclusive spaces on campus, feel free to connect with me on Instagram or LinkedIn. Let’s keep the momentum going and build a campus community we can all be proud of—one mission, one vision.