UNAIR NEWS – Two Universitas Airlangga students were selected as Indonesian delegates to the 5th Chancellor Tuanku Muhriz Lecture international conference at University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) on August 14-17, 2022.
The talented students are Alfinaskhi Fahmi Fawaidz and Muhammad Rizky Widodo, the third-year student of Biomedical Engineering and a fourth-year student of Public Health respectively. Alfinaskhi explained the administrative process during the selection stage, which includes writing essay on the knowledge and insight of the destination country, submitting certificates of achievement, language proficiency certificate, and organizational experience, followed by an interview session and making a personal branding video, before the final announcement stage. The two successfully passed the selection, winning fully funded tickets to the international conference and beating the hundredth other candidates.
“We got financial supports from the Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE) and the Directorate of Student Affairs,” said the Biomedical Engineering student.
The conference was attended by the sixth president of Indonesia, Prof Dr H Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono MA (SBY), who delivered his speech, A Better World is Possible. He suggested that world leaders must stop the war between Russia and Ukraine before it leads to the Third World War.
“The conference was a lot like a general lecture. We practically listened to Mr. SBY’s lectures. There wasn’t even Question and Answer session. However, I got the chance to stand at the podium to express my gratitude and humbly invite the UKM students to learn about the culture in Indonesia,” he said.
At one point, the UNAIR students raised Indonesian flags in some strategic spots in Malaysia, such as Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, and the center of the federal government of Malaysia.
“Raising the red and white flag of Indonesia is a small action of mine in commemorating the 77th Independence Day of Indonesia,” said the Nusantara Young Innovators (IMN) Scholarship Awardee.
Alfinaskhi further added that future leaders will not be easily satisfied and proud of what they have. Instead, they crave to improve their skills and capacity as lifelong learners.
“Taking part in an international conference is a piece of my dream to contribute positively for a better Indonesia,” he said.
Author: Viradyah Lulut Santosa
Editor: Khefti Al mawalia
