The OCSS Welcomes 2021 Freshers Online and at Home

OCSS Committee Members opened their homes to freshers about to embark on their exciting academic journeys at both Oxford and Cambridge University as part of the 'Mothership' project overseen by Vice President (Oxford) Ng Yeau Chong.  Given the restrictions imposed by the prevailing Covid-19 situation, this year’s Freshers Send-Off event was a de-centralized one, with a common segment of Zoom session linking all participants.  

The event was organised concurrently at 6 localities ranging from 4 homes, 1 restaurant, and 1 clan association premises. 8 Alumni (6 Oxbridge Society Committee Members, 2 Oxbridge Society Members) hosted some 37 Freshers and 2 Students as we formally welcome the Freshers & Students into the Oxbridge Family.  The event feedback from the Freshers was excellent.

"Caleb Chia, Cambridge, Clare College sent this note of appreciation. 

"Attended a lovely OCSS pre-departure reception hosted by Dr. Melanie Chew and her husband, Mr. Tony Chew. Am deeply appreciative of their time and hospitality as we spent the evening over a hearty dinner, talking about everything from what to look forward to in Cambridge, to topics in international politics and finance. The close connectedness of the OCSS network is apparent and I’m glad to have had the opportunity to be inducted into this community and meeting my fellow peers also bound for Oxbridge."

The annual Freshers Send-Off event has been a tradition of Oxbridge Society for many years. This year’s Freshers Send-Off event was special and endearing in 2 aspects. Firstly, it kicked off Project Mothership. Secondly, it prototyped a hybrid event model for the Society as we continue to innovate engagements with stakeholders in the new normal during and post Covid-19.

Project Mothership was launched as one of the key initiatives of the Society’s Work Plan 2021. The purpose of Project Mothership is to build a strong Alumni network supported by close ties with the Oxbridge Institutions (Universities & Colleges), and close bonds within the Oxbridge Family (ranging from Freshers to Students, and eventually returning Graduates).

In strengthening the bonding within the Oxbridge Family, we will be working with OUMSSA and CUMSA, and actively embracing their members into our eco-system as we build the Oxbridge Community. Some form of “Student Membership” (or “Student Partnership”) for OUMSSA/CUMSA members within the Oxbridge Society is being planned. More on that soon.