UNAIR NEWS – Hafidhoh Maulidiyah, a student of the English Language and Literature program at Universitas Airlangga’s Faculty of Humanities (FIB), has achieved notable international recognition. Commonly known as Lidya, she was named Best Oralist and earned the Best Project award at the 2025 Youth Leaders Exchange and Conference (YLEC) in China.
The event, organized by Gold Nation Indonesia, was held in person in China from April 15 to April 18, 2025, following a series of online workshops that began in February. In addition to the main conference, participants also visited leading academic institutions such as Tsinghua University and Peking University.
“In essence, YLEC is a blend of a leadership conference and cultural exchange. We were assigned to solve real-world issues tied to the event’s theme and deliver group presentations proposing actionable solutions. The schedule also included university visits and cultural excursions to famous landmarks,” she explained.
Cross-disciplinary work yields inclusive solutions
Lidya was drawn to the event by its central theme: Enhancing the Resilience of Young Leaders Amid Digitalization Through Global Collaboration. “This topic is closely aligned with my interest in digital transformation and interdisciplinary teamwork—areas I’ve explored deeply through the Digistar program,” she said.
During the conference, Lidya and her team developed a project titled “Stand for Life: No More Left Behind,” which focused on bridging the educational gap between urban and rural regions. The initiative targeted at-risk youth aged 16 to 18 who face a high likelihood of dropping out. The project centered on three core components: literacy, numeracy, and entrepreneurship.
“We held extensive discussions across various disciplines to shape our approach. Our mentor had a tech background, which gave us a major advantage in selecting tools and improving efficiency,” she added.
Each team presented their project through a pitch deck, group presentation, and a Q&A session. The strength of their proposal led to it being named the Best Project overall. Lidya was also honored as Best Oralist for her articulate and engaging delivery.
Cultural and diplomatic lessons from China
Lidya’s time in China provided more than academic insights—it broadened her cultural perspective and refined her ideals. She visited historic sites such as the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall, and participated in discussions with diplomats at the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing.
“What impressed me most about China was its ability to harmonize the humanities with science and technology, without creating a divide between the two. The enthusiasm and positivity of the people I met there were incredibly motivating,” she shared.
Reflecting on her journey, Lidya emphasized that achievement stems not only from skill, but from self-awareness. “Being realistic is essential. We shouldn’t be consumed by self-doubt, but we must also avoid overestimating ourselves. When we understand our potential, we can take purposeful steps toward our life goals,” she concluded.
Author: Fania Tiara Berliana Marsyanda
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
