One year can make all the difference. 12 months ago, Oka was your regular low-profile guy and a relative unknown among the school community. Now he's sitting pretty on the Producer seat for our upcoming GAYA 2013. Join SMUKI as we meet the man himself and discover more about him rising to the occasion.

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You've gone from a relative unknown to a prominent SMUKI leader in less than a year time, can you share your wonderful journey in this past year? Any significant moments or points that you feel is crucial to where you find yourself in right now?​



The past year has certainly been an eventful one, a lot of good thing has happened to me definitely. I wouldn’t even dream being a producer of Gaya for SMUKI last year, and that’s why I'm very thankful for this opportunity given to me. It is definitely a huge challenge and responsibility, but I’m confident that we can achieve something truly special.

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My significant moments were probably meeting with the past Gaya Directors and Producers, Alumni, and current Exco team (Yosin, Yoggie, Silvia, Phebe, Edo, Suta, Bryant, Michael & Edward K. to just name a few) and receiving their support. It is truly a heartfelt experience, knowing how much support and trust they have on me and my team. They were incredibly helpful and gave us plenty of valuable advice and hopefully we won’t let them down.

Rising to the Oka-ssion

You're in charge of SMUKI's latest and probably biggest GAYA yet, what can we expect to see from this upcoming GAYA and what is in it that you think will make it different/better from the previous ones?



We don't want to frame this Gaya as a bigger or a better Gaya compared to the rest. Nevertheless, we're definitely focusing on quality and performance this time round! However, we will be most focused on creating a memorable and fun event, one that will bring all participants together and allow them to enjoy each other's company. I believe that the joy and camaraderie from inside the team will translate to the audience on the D-Day itself and that will make all the difference. Story-wise though, I really can’t say anything much right now as I’m still sworn to secrecy! We'll be gradually revealing the story up till the performance day itself though, and I think you’ll gonna love it.



What is the motto of your life?

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My motto is "Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence".

I think what this means is that sometimes, when people act contrary to your expectations and/or put you in harm, don't always assume they're out to get you. Sometimes they are either ignorant or clumsy enough to cause this breach. This viewpoint has helped me remain optimistic and cheery, to move on even when someone has wronged me. People can call it naivety, I prefer to think of it as a healthy, positive thinking which is the secret to a happier and more fulfilling life.





 

Do you have an interesting fact or hobby to share with us in SMUKI? What are the things that not many people actually know about Oka right now?

 

This is a tough one. I can say that I’m quite fond of philosophy and perhaps not many people are aware of this. I currently have an obsession with history books. I'm reading "On China" by Kissinger right now. I also love reading up current affairs news regarding defense and security (like all red-blooded males!).     I also have an unhealthy fixation for building IKEA furnitures, or as I call them, lego for grownups! And perhaps that’s why I love the videogame Minecraft as well.





This is your last year in SMU and you will be graduating soon, what is your most memorable moment throughout your university journey?

 

My most memorable moments would be all the time spent meeting new group members for the first time and the jitters and nerves of my pre-presentation in SMU. I think it is essential, especially for the newcomers, to enjoy this experience as the journey is definitely the reward. I think one of the best aspects of SMU is the focus on teaching us to be presentable and ready for public speaking. I feel that this skill will also become one of your main cores of your university journey. And I’m glad to think that I’m definitely a better person after all these years in SMU.



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If you have the chance to go back in time and start over, what things would you like to change from your journey? Anything you wish you had done or not done?



3 things probably! And let me phrase this so they can be an advice to everyone still on their journey as well.

Always talk to anyone and everyone in school (yes even to strangers, don't stay to yourself!).

Second, never say never! As much as I dislike Justin Bieber and find those Beliebers to be a little delusional, always say yes to all opportunities you come upon. As SMU students, you guys are trained to lead (even if you don't know what you're doing, just stay the course and learn your ropes as you go along!). Lastly, always take precautions, always have a contingency plan. Almost all my horror stories of group projects in SMU happen due to over-reliance on the weakest link.



What is your dream job and where do you see yourself in 5 years time?



It'd be a managerial position in a large MNC! I'd love to talk and help people since I get easily bored quickly doing the same task over and over. I'd also love to travel around and airport hop. I see myself as taking a masters in 5 years, maybe in China.



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For more about Oka, his words of wisdom and love for Minecraft, add him on Facebook

To join Oka in our upcoming GAYA 2013, click here