TIMES AUSTRALIA, JAKARTA – A student from the Faculty of Communication and Multimedia at Mercu Buana University Yogyakarta (Fikomm UMBY), Ecy Tiara Kaesa, was selected as a delegate for the International Youth Innovation Summit (IYIS) #7. This prestigious event, organized by Global Youthpreneur Nusantara, took place in Malaysia and Singapore.

The event was held for four days from January 20–23, 2025. The girl, who is affectionately known as Ecy, was not only a participant but also entrusted with the role of team leader, where she led a digital innovation project alongside other delegates.

This marked Ecy’s first experience in an international volunteer program, providing her with new challenges and invaluable learning opportunities. She participated in a variety of engaging activities, including the International Group Conference, where delegates discussed innovative ideas and global challenges.

In addition, she was involved in a Digital Innovation Project, collaborating with her team to develop creative solutions. The program also included university visits to Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore and the University of Malaya (UM) in Malaysia, giving participants valuable insights into world-class educational institutions.

One of the highlights of the summit was the awarding session, where 10 teams, consisting of approximately 70 participants from Indonesia, competed by presenting their best innovation projects.

This competition tested their ability to think critically, work collaboratively, and propose impactful solutions. Ecy’s team focused on economic innovation by developing a rental platform for idle equipment in Southeast Asia.

Ecy explained that the platform was designed with a sharing economy concept, enabling equipment owners to rent out underutilized assets to businesses or individuals in need.

“This approach not only optimizes resource utilization but also promotes economic growth across Southeast Asia,” she stated. Her project aimed to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and support sustainable economic development in the region.

As a team leader, Ecy played a crucial role in coordinating team efforts, designing project strategies, and ensuring the successful implementation of ideas. She admitted that leading an international team was both challenging and rewarding.

“Being a leader in this team was an enriching experience. My motivation for joining this program was to develop myself, enhance my leadership skills, and create a meaningful impact through innovation,” she shared.

The Head of the Communication Studies Program at UMBY, Rila Setyaningsih, S.Kom, M.Si, emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting such programs. She highlighted how these experiences help students broaden their networks, strengthen leadership abilities, and improve communication and digital innovation skills.

Ecy expressed her gratitude for the guidance and encouragement from UMBY, which actively supports students in international programs. She hopes that more UMBY students will seize similar opportunities. “Never hesitate to step forward and explore new possibilities. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and if I can do it, so can you,” she concluded. (*)