On December 23, KISA announced the result of its presidential election. The winner is Ashhad Kamal Taseer, who was able to break through with 55.4% of the votes. Taseer is a first year PhD student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and has served in KISA for over two years. His opponent was Istiak Hossain Akib, who, among other accomplishments, wrote KISA’s constitution in 2019 and was in the Welfare Division in 2020.

A total of 204 students participated in the election, which is less than 30% of the international community at KAIST. Of these, 113 votes were cast in favor of Taseer, and 91 in favor of Akib. Of note, votes by KISA members were given more weight to make up 50% of the final decision, meaning that each KISA vote was seven times more powerful than international students’ votes. The majority went to Taseer — 13 out of 16 votes.

In his campaign, Taseer focused on the following three agendas: social events, student welfare, and student voice. He emphasized the gap between Korean and international students, pointing out that “international students, especially freshmen, have to undergo a tremendous culture shock and language barrier”. In the debate, Taseer also emphasized the socialization and inclusion of Korean students into KISA through a “slow-and-steady” process. He believes international students have to overcome language barriers, and that KISA should incentivize the buddy system including Korean students with food and coupons. When asked what his top three priorities are, he answered that he wants to help international students return to the KAIST campus after the pandemic, expand tutoring circles, and improve graduate students’ lives.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought many novel challenges to KAIST’s international community. This election represents a welcoming change that will hopefully guide international KAISTians forward and through the pandemic. Check out our interview with the new KISA president here.