UNAIR NEWS – Three students from the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Airlangga won First Place in the 2025 International Paper Competition hosted by the State Islamic University of Salatiga. The winning team comprised Cynthia Saphira Puteri (Islamic Economics, Class of 2024), Muhammad Naufal Fauza (Accounting, Class of 2024), and Noka Al Jazera (Islamic Economics, Class of 2022).
Their proposal was shaped by insights gained through seminars, coursework, and intensive discussions throughout their preparation. “A friend first encouraged us to join the competition,” Puteri said. “And once we learned it was an international event in Salatiga, we were immediately motivated to participate.” She added that the chance to meet students from a range of universities pushed the team to work even harder.
ZISWAF Data Exchange Innovation built on open API
The students presented a paper titled Design of ZISWAF Data Exchange (ZDX) Based on Open API Toward a Single Data Source for National Zakat and Waqf Governance. Their concept originated from the fragmented data systems among zakat institutions, a long-standing challenge that has hampered efforts to maximize national ZISWAF potential and has often led to misdirected aid distribution.
“ZISWAF has vast potential, yet its data remains siloed,” Puteri explained. “We aimed to propose a solution that enhances connectivity and transparency across zakat institutions.”
ZDX was developed as an open API–based data exchange platform that allows for standardized data, accurate verification of aid recipients, and real-time transparency in distribution, ultimately improving the efficiency of ZISWAF governance.
Competition experience and keys to success
All competition stages were conducted in English, from abstract screening to the live pitching session before judges from Indonesia and abroad. “The presentation lasted seven minutes, but the Q&A continued for twenty,” Puteri recalled. “We received many detailed questions because the concept was considered novel.”
The rigorous judging process required the team to respond quickly, accurately, and with clear structure. Judges commended the project’s relevance and analytical depth. The team believes their success came from the originality of their idea, the clarity and organization of their paper, and their confident and polished presentation.
Lessons learned and future plans
The team did not expect to climb from fourth place to secure the top spot. “It reminded us that the journey matters, and the results can exceed expectations,” Puteri said. They now plan to refine the ZDX model further and explore opportunities to collaborate with relevant institutions. The team expressed gratitude to their families, lecturers, the UNAIR FEB academic community, friends, and everyone who supported them throughout the competition.
Author: Dara Devinta Faradhilla
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
