Together We Thrive at UOW Malaysia

On July 20, 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in “Together We Thrive,” an event held at the University of Wollongong Malaysia. Organized by the Leo Club—a vibrant student organization under the global Lions Club International—the event brought together students from diverse backgrounds to connect, express, and grow through a day filled with creativity, collaboration, and emotional exploration.

The core idea behind “Together We Thrive” was to promote emotional well-being among students by creating a safe, open space for sharing and interaction. Much like a retreat, it focused on helping us express emotions in healthy ways through music, activities, and meaningful conversation. At a time when academic stress and social isolation are all too common, the event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, empathy, and support.

I was part of one of six groups formed for the event, each tasked with completing a series of challenges designed to test our teamwork, creativity, and communication. I’m proud to share that my group came out on top, winning first prize—a reflection of our strong synergy, mutual respect, and shared vision.

One of the most unforgettable moments for me was leading our music band during the event. Standing at the front, guiding the rhythm and energy of the group like a choir conductor, I felt an incredible sense of empowerment. With just gestures and intuition, I helped shape the harmony of our performance. That experience gave me a newfound appreciation for leadership—not the kind that comes with titles, but the kind that comes from connection, trust, and courage.

I also had the opportunity to share my personal experiences with the group, which sparked honest, emotional conversations that helped deepen our bonds. Adding to the richness of the day were two inspiring guest speakers who spoke about emotional resilience and expression. Their stories resonated with all of us and left a lasting impression.

The event taught me so much, and I walked away with insights I’ll carry far beyond that day. I learned how important it is to express emotions openly, especially in environments where we often feel pressure to keep everything together. I discovered that I have a natural ability to lead—not by controlling, but by inspiring. I was reminded that teamwork is more than just cooperation; it’s about showing up for each other. And I realized that resilience often comes from community—when we share our struggles, we find strength in each other.

I’m deeply grateful to the Leo Club organizers for their dedication and creativity, to the guest speakers for their wisdom and vulnerability, and to every single participant for bringing such energy, openness, and authenticity to the event. You made it truly special.

I’ve also captured some beautiful moments from the day, which I’ll be sharing in a dedicated photo section. These visuals represent not just snapshots of the event, but memories of connection, growth, and joy.

If you’d like to see more stories from “Together We Thrive,” or connect over shared student experiences, feel free to visit my Instagram for more photos and reflections. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn to follow my journey in student leadership, tech, and creative community work.

Thank you for reading. And if this experience resonates with you—or if you’re curious to get involved in future events—don’t hesitate to reach out. After all, when we support one another, we don’t just survive—we thrive, together.