You might find it odd for this small guy to be called a giant. If you see Wen Qin in person for yourself, he is far from gigantic. This petite electrical engineer now in his second year has recently stepped down from his position as NUS Cultural Activities Club’s president of the 9th Management Committee. The CAC Clubroom is located along the stairways leading to the Study Lounge at Yusof Ishak House in NUS. It is almost impossible to spot it without help from the hanging directional signs but the pleasant soothing sounds coming from acoustic guitars from a distance, serves as a perfect direction guide.
CAC is one of the only four, and among the biggest non-faculty clubs in NUS consisting of 9 music and dance sub-clubs. The club seeks to promote cultural awareness and conduct beginner and advanced courses for interested students to pick up new skills and showcase their talents. Amazingly, the hustle and bustle of this place, more appropriately the drum beats, guitar strums and dance steps that fill the clubroom sounded almost as if it was a “clubroom that never sleeps”. Somehow among all that background noise, Wen Qin is able to draw attention towards himself whenever he speaks. Perhaps, it is the works of his gentle yet affirmative tone. Wen Qin projects this stern “default angry face” whenever he does not speak but behind that hard exterior, he is a very approachable and negotiable leader, says Eunice Yeap, CAC’s current Honorary Financial Secretary for two terms. CAC also hosts special projects such as CAC+US; an annual concert showcase of the 9 sub-clubs, freshman orientation camps and cultural week.
It seems natural for seniors to doubt the capabilities of this junior leader in the committee, but this little giant has proven critics wrong. Former Computing Club president, Randy Valentius Kamajaya says that initially he felt worried as Wen Qin did not have any knowledge and experience beforehand. After more interactions, and seeing how passionate and dedicated Wen Qin is as a leader, Randy asserted that Wen Qin managed to get rid of other people’s doubts about his capabilities, including himself.
Wen Qin says that he was motivated to run for president because he saw the urgent need to unite and revamp the image of CAC, who was left without a president for two weeks when the 8th Management Committee stepped down. One of the many challenges, Wen Qin recollects, was that he went through great lengths to gain the support and respect of his senior members. The first step he took was to meet up with his sub-club presidents and had a face to face talk with them individually. He admitted his incompetence towards the backgrounds, courses and cultures of the sub-clubs. He made additional effort to seek consultations and gain understanding from his sub-club presidents before executing his decisions. From there, he managed to gain their trust and understanding. He was not afraid to question, and from there he learnt.
The burning passion in some of the presidents among the constituent clubs Wen Qin witnessed, greatly spurred him to lead his team through the many obstacles faced. Amongst them was former FASS Arts Club president, Wee Shi Chen. Wen Qin proudly praised him as someone he deeply respects. “If there is anyone who thinks about the welfare of the students first, it has got to be Shi Chen,” he added.
Wen Qin shyly describes himself as a zealous and competitive person who can be counted on most to display responsibility in his work. Former Arts Club president, Wee Shi Chen commented that Wen Qin is a strict and assertive leader, one who “does not compromise when it comes to work and isn't above making hard decisions.”
The fruit of Wen Qin’s success are visible in the improved publicity and reputation of CAC in NUS. In the past year, he has strived hard for the welfare of his expanding club members and actively championed for larger clubroom facilities. Looking forward, he sees CAC moving in the direction of the sub-clubs turning into performance ready professionals rather than remain as an interest take-up group.
The vibrant mix of committee and club members from different faculties allowed Wen Qin to be more flexible and open to different working styles and ideas. He believes such an environment offers a good opportunity to learn the best from one another. Wen Qin feels strongly about entitling ownership of roles to his committees; “give them a direction so as to inspire them to find a path for themselves to fulfil the club’s goals through words, thoughts, actions.” As simple as watching his club members enjoying themselves on stage during performances gives Wen Qin the greatest satisfaction as club president.
When asked which sub-club he secretly wants to join, Wen Qin had undoubtedly expressed that he wanted to be in Resonance, a cappella club. “This is not exactly a secret,” he grins, “but sadly I am not good enough,” he confesses with a smile plastered on his face.
Most certainly, Wen Qin’s “default angry face” is indeed a deceiving personality façade. This guy is definitely a huge ball of courage, passion and dedication— he was just about to rush off to sit in a budget discussion with his newly elected management committee.
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