This year will be my third year in BIA and I will be serving as the Chair of BIA. Through this year, I want to develop a more nuanced ability to talk about these issues with more sensitivity. Frankly, I think it will be quite challenging leading BIA. Because we are a Focus Group, we are not tied to grassroots organisations and it gives us a very fluid identity. This means that we are not necessarily working towards something tangible to achieve. Unlike other groups who have annual events like Kahaani, Write for Rights and Swimdonesia, BIA does not have any specific event to work towards. On one hand, I feel like that puts more pressure on me – I certainly don’t want to waste an opportunity where people’s passion in Service could be kindled. On the other hand, I feel like this flexibility might be good because I have the autonomy to shape the outcome. In other words, I can cater to the needs of the group and really follow the direction the group would like to talk. It has been a pleasure being in BIA for the past two years and I’m looking forward to making the most of my time this year.
