Embarking on A Journey to Become Aspiring Scholars

I gave a talk at a pre-departure session for LPDP scholarship awardees on 5 September 2024. Around 300 students were there to participate in an online session. As always, having a session with LPDP awardees is always rewarding. I could easily feel their energy.

Even though it was an online session, I could easily feel their enthusiasm. I gave the lecture when I was in Salatiga for another session. At UKSW in Salatiga, I also gave another lecture regarding my experience in pursuing my PhD study. Please read my other post for a more comprehensive understanding about my other lecture.

Back to the LPDP event, the session was about becoming aspiring scholars. They are about to start their study in highly reputable institutions around the Globe. I can imagine, they will grow into great intellectuals. Having understood this, it is essential for them to prepare themselves to contribute in the society where they belong. Hence, helping them prepare themselves to be aspiring scholars in the future, for me, is a privilege.

I had fun discussing with the students, virtually. They had good questions that provoked my views on being aspiring scholars. I wish them best of luck!

ROAD TO PHD ABROAD: Encouraging Young Lecturers to Study in International Institutions

I shared my experiences in accomplishing a PhD study with young lecturers of Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana (UKSW) in Salatiga. Around 50 young lecturers were there, enthusiastically listened to my stories. I also gave some tips and tricks in securing scholarships.

The event was fun and with full supports from Madam Rector Intiyas. I just realized that she is the first female rector of UKSW. Such a courageous and brilliant lady with progressive minds. It seems that she is also close to her colleagues, young lecturers at UKSW. She was there all the time during my session to show her full support.

Before the session, Rector Intiyas also took me to a cafe she manages. It was a relatively old house with various kinds of arts. I found a great number of paintings, antiquate collections, statues and some others. It really feels like a combination of classic values, strong tradition and contemporary art. The rector informed me how she has been producing works and policies while siting there at the cafe while enjoying coffee, traditional music, and the aroma of incense sticks.