Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Darren (Zhi Sern) is a Cambridge IGCSE and Foundation in Arts graduate currently pursuing a Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) at Sunway University, with a dual degree awarded in partnership with Lancaster University. Beyond academics, Darren previously served as the Vice Director of Publicity and Engagement (P&E) at Sunway Student Ambassadors, where he led teams and oversaw initiatives related to branding, digital presence, and content creation for the organisation’s activities and collaborations. Prior to this leadership role, he contributed as an Executive of Publicity and Engagement. Darren was also actively involved in Sunway’s Got Talent, the flagship annual event organised by Sunway Student Ambassadors, which attracts over 1,000 attendees annually and secures more than 50 sponsors. He served as Executive of Public Relations for Season 6, where he supported stakeholder communication, documentation, and participant coordination, and later as Executive of Logistics for Season 7, contributing to operational planning, event execution, and coordination with internal teams. In addition, Darren served as a Committee Member of the Education Department under Sunway Tech Club, where he supported educational initiatives and technology-related programmes aimed at fostering learning and collaboration among students. In addition to his academic pursuits, Darren is a passionate photographer, videographer, and photo/video editor. He has extensive experience capturing and producing visual content, having previously served as one of the lead student photographers and videographers during his high school years. He continued pursuing this creative passion throughout his time with Sunway Student Ambassadors, contributing to visual storytelling and media production for student-led initiatives. Darren is a motivated individual with a strong growth mindset, continuously seeking opportunities to expand his knowledge and refine his skills. He is committed to leveraging both technical and creative expertise to develop meaningful solutions and contribute positively to the communities and teams he works with.
- Led Media & Design for SGT S8, driving end-to-end branding, content, and publicity strategy. - Collaborated with cross-functional teams and external partners (media partners, KOLs) to maximise event exposure and engagement. - Delivered cohesive visual identity and large-scale event visuals for Semi-Finals and Grand Finale. - Supported sponsorship deliverables through user-generated content (UGCs) and visual assets.
- Oversaw SSA’s branding, content creation, social media, and publicity campaigns across major initiatives and collaborations. - Led departmental meetings to review progress, align creative direction, and mentor executives in design, copywriting, and video production. - Managed posting timelines to ensure timely releases of visuals, videos, and announcements. - Directed the #MySunwayStory initiative with Sunway Student LIFE, showcasing scholars’ journeys and community impact. - Collaborated with Sunway Admissions and Registry Departments for Open Days and Convocations. - Maintained a long-term partnership with Sunway Lagoon. - Oversaw team operations, vendor management, and logistics coordination for Sunway Ramadan Bazaar (SRB).
- Led the ticketing system team, developing an automated system using Google Forms, Sheets, Apps Script, and JavaScript. - Assisted in promoting and marketing Grand Finale ticket sales. - Oversaw ticket pricing, sales tracking, distribution, and on-site verification. - Coordinated ticket allocation with departments, partners, and sponsors. - Managed Event Helper recruitment, briefing, and on-ground logistics during Semi-Finals and Grand Finale.
- Managing SSA's website via Wix platform. - Part of the editorial team for #MySunwayStory — an initiative in collaboration with Sunway Student LIFE. - Photographer and videographer for SSA's events. - Editing videos for SSA events to be posted onto SSA's social media pages. - Post updates and happenings onto SSA's Instagram page via Instagram Stories and engage with audiences via SSA's online presence. - Collaborating with Sunway Lagoon to produce content on behalf of SSA's P&E Department. - Worked on creative content while maintaining SSA's distinct brand identity. - One of the panelists at SSA's Scholars Connect event to share more about my experience as an Executive of P&E and my journey at SSA.
- Present for most of SKIS Klang's internal and external events to capture photos and videos. - Lead video editor for most of SKIS Klang post-event videos. The videos were then used to post on to SKIS Klang's social media pages. - Produced and conducted interviews for internal events and campaigns. - Utilised professional video editing tools (DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro) and handled professional AV tools.
- Organised and assisted in student-led workshops. - Contributed to open days, and represented the computing studies department. - Helped out in event coordination, assistance, and effective communication. - Enhanced skills in management and leadership. - Lead student photographer and videographer.