Alumni Updates: Hiu Jack Yuan

Jack shared his incredible achievement via LinkedIn: 

If you told me a year ago that I’d be standing in front of over 30 Malaysian Student Societies at OGM — presenting a vision, answering questions, and somehow getting elected — I probably would’ve laughed. Catalyst was always something I admired from the inside. I never thought I’d have a role in shaping it.

But here we are — and I’m incredibly grateful to share that I’ve been elected as the Shadow Vice-Chairperson of the UKECatalyst Office for the 2025/2026 tenure.

This year, Catalyst gave me space to speak, to write, to ask better questions — and more importantly, to learn how to build. From emceeing [I]mpact Stories, to co-leading PAN's curriculum, to moderating at almost all CnCs, I’ve seen the kind of student-driven energy Catalyst facilitates — and how much further it can go.

Which is why I’m beyond excited to be building this alongside Chloe Rostov, our new Shadow Chairperson. From bouncing manifesto drafts to obsessively editing Google Docs past midnight, our shared vision — especially for CICERO — came out of hours of back-and-forth, constant refining, and mutual trust. There’s no one else I’d rather figure this out with.

I also need to thank Balqis Rezuan my current Vice Chairperson, who has led with clarity, patience, and such a deep understanding of what Catalyst should stand for. Thank you for your guidance and your faith in all of us.

And to Aqil Azri and Afif — it means a lot to have shared the stage with both of you. Knowing that UKEC's most contested position had this much interest, this much passion, and this much thoughtful debate — it honestly made me more hopeful for what comes next, no matter the outcome. It was truly an honour to run with both of you.

I’m excited for what’s ahead — not just as Shadow VC, but as someone who genuinely believes Catalyst can grow into something even more bold, more impactful, and more meaningful this coming year.