When Emily Voon Jing Wen, 21, stepped onto the stage under the spotlight, diploma in one hand and the prestigious IMDA Gold Medal in the other, she wasn’t thinking about the late nights spent cramming for exams or racing to meet project deadlines. Instead, her mind replayed moments spent in the newsroom—huddled over scripts, laughing during edits, and winding down after shoots with teammates. These were the memories that defined her journey.
More than an Interest Group
For Emily, The Republican Post wasn’t just a co-curricular activity—it was the heartbeat of her polytechnic experience.
“The Republican Post taught me the importance of time management and leadership,” she said. “Juggling editorial responsibilities with schoolwork pushed me to plan ahead, prioritise, and stay focused.”
As Deputy Chief Editor, Emily led editorial meetings, managed deadlines, and worked closely with students from different backgrounds. These experiences taught her adaptability and empathy—traits she later found invaluable during group assignments and collaborative projects.
“I learned how to guide discussions, delegate work fairly, and ensure everyone felt heard. Those soft skills went a long way.”
When Passion took the Lead
Emily initially joined The Republican Post out of curiosity about media work. But what started as a spark quickly grew into a calling.
She moved through various leadership roles—from Chief of RepTV to Chief of RepSocials—before stepping up as Deputy Chief Editor. Each position brought fresh challenges and opportunities for growth.
“I wanted to contribute at a higher level and lead across departments,” Emily shared. “It was about making a bigger impact.”
Stories with Purpose
One of Emily’s most meaningful memories was leading a service-learning project at Willing Hearts Soup Kitchen. Alongside fellow Republican Post members and Diploma in Mass Communication (DMC) students, she coordinated volunteer efforts for food preparation and packing.
“It wasn’t just about media production—it was about giving back. That project showed me how leadership can drive meaningful change.”
A Leader in the Making
As Emily embarks on the next chapter—whether it’s a job, internship, or further studies—she carries with her the confidence and clarity shaped by her time at RP.
Her journey is a reminder that leadership and academic excellence don’t have to be separate pursuits.
“It’s not always easy,” she admitted. “But if you’re organised, passionate, and willing to grow, leadership can actually enhance your academic journey.”
For Emily, watching her juniors gain confidence and skill has been one of the most rewarding parts of her experience. “Seeing them grow with each project made all the effort worth it.”
Final Word
Emily Voon Jing Wen’s story is more than a tale of academic achievement—it’s a powerful testament to how student leadership can shape, challenge, and ultimately define a person. Her time at The Republican Post didn’t just help her find her voice. It helped her use it.
