UNAIR NEWS – As Syifa Adn, a student at Universitas Airlangga’s Faculty of Medicine, has once again brought pride to the university by earning a gold medal at an international singing competition. Known well as Syifa, the student claimed first place in the Solo Singing competition, held during the Bali International Choir Festival in Badung, Bali, from Tuesday to Thursday (July 29 – August 2, 2025).
This accomplishment adds to Syifa’s growing list of singing accolades. Beyond her academic commitments, she actively pursues her passion for singing and continues to sharpen her skills. Her talent and determination helped her surpass a field of highly skilled competitors in the international arena.
Short preparation window
Syifa expressed immense joy and disbelief at winning gold, especially considering her limited preparation time. She admitted that her training for this competition was brief and less than ideal, which made the outcome even more surprising.
“I only had ten days to practice because my exam schedule coincided with the competition dates,” she explained. “With so many tests and academic responsibilities, I had to prioritize my studies and use my holiday break for intensive rehearsals.”
Overcoming challenges
Syifa said the most difficult part of the experience was managing time. In contrast to the previous year, when she trained for nearly a full year, this time she had just ten days to prepare a technically challenging piece for an international-level contest.
“I actually considered backing out because I felt unprepared. On top of that, I chose a new, demanding song with complex improvisation—Bridge Over Troubled Water. I’m truly grateful that, despite everything, I was still able to win the gold,” she said.
Though Syifa has participated in many competitions, she remains committed to continuous improvement. She still trains regularly to hone her craft while balancing her responsibilities as a student.
“Academics don’t have to stand in the way of building a career. If you’re willing to work hard, keep learning, and adapt, you can pursue both successfully. Never neglect either one—consistent practice and prayer are the real keys to success,” she concluded.
Author: Rifki Sunarsis Ari Adi
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
