International Club New President

Salient Reporter

The International Club has dispensed with tradition and has elected a non-New Zealander as its president.

The new president is Chai-Anan Samudavanija, a third year political science student from Thailand. When interviewed by a Salient reporter, Chai-Anan said he has an enthusiastic and progressive committee working with him to revitalise the International Club after a relatively Inactive year.

The committee is now conducting a large scale recruitment campaign. Chai-Anan said he hoped all foreign students, as well as New Zealanders. will Join the club. He is anxious to dispel common impressions that the International Club is purely an Asian club. The new committee intends catering for all students, be they Asian. African, American or European. "The club must be a really international club." said Chai-Anan.

It is expected, however, that the International Club will work in close liaison with the Asian Studies Society. Chai-Anan is vice-president of this society.

One of the International Club's main activities this term will be an International Concert to be held in the first week of July.

The club is also considering organising trips to places outside Wellington, providing there is sufficient interest shown in this Idea.

Chai-Anan said there is a feeling outside the university that there is not enough done for foreign students in Wellington. He hopes the International Club will fulfill this function in future.

Finally, Chai-Anan said he wants the co-operation of all students to help the club get back on its feet. He would also like to see a better understanding between New Zealand and overseas students. "I would like to see the two groups showing more mutual Interest in each other." he said.