Candidate Bios - VP External Affairs

Hi, I’m Alex Zheng, and I’m running to be your next VP External. I’ve seen how effective advocacy can win real gains for students: from better transit to UBC to help student lives in residences. I plan to build on that strong foundation and take it further.

Housing is in crisis, and with the Vancouver municipal elections approaching, I will pursue stronger renter protections, support affordable home units, and push the City for policies that prioritize student-specific housing.

But affordability isn’t just about rent, it’s about your paycheck. I will advocate for a renewed push to expanded Work Learn, connect UBC students with external unions, co-ops, and industry to build career pathways so students can find financial security.

We also need to look beyond campus borders. I will build coalitions with other post-secondary institutions to create a united student voice that City Hall and the Province cannot ignore. Together, we can turn student votes into student power. My focuses:

• Coalitions: Uniting with other schools to amplify our voice.
• Housing: Seek better Residence bylaws in the 2026 Vancouver Election.
• Jobs: Expand WorkLearn and create job pipelines.