Radya Nasywa Zahira, a psychology student from UGM, was selected as a fully funded delegate for the SMI Youth Exchange 2025 in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, earning a Best Delegate nomination for her active role in diplomacy, culture, and SDGs project presentation.
Goodnewsfromstudent.com – At just 20 years old, Radya Nasywa Zahira has already stepped beyond the walls of her lecture halls to represent her country on the global stage. The psychology undergraduate from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Indonesia’s oldest and most prestigious university, was selected as a fully funded delegate for the Semangat Muda Indonesia (SMI) Youth Exchange 2025, held across Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand from 15–21 September.
The programme, run by the youth-led organisation SMI, is designed to empower young Indonesians by broadening their perspectives through education, culture, and diplomacy. Delegates were chosen from across the country and immersed in a week-long schedule that combined official visits, academic exchanges, and cultural exploration.
For Radya, the experience was both rigorous and transformative. The itinerary included formal visits to the Indonesian embassies in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, university exchanges at leading institutions such as the University of Malaya and Prince of Songkla University, and a high-stakes project presentation focused on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
One of her most memorable moments came in Kuala Lumpur, where she was invited to represent the delegation in receiving a certificate from Friny Napasti, principal of the Indonesian School of Kuala Lumpur.
“That was a defining moment for me – it felt like recognition not just of my own efforts, but of the potential of young Indonesians on the international stage,” Radya reflected.
Outside the academic sessions, the programme also offered a chance to explore iconic landmarks – from the bustling Merlion Park in Singapore, to the majestic Batu Caves in Malaysia, and the serene Samila Beach in Thailand. These cultural experiences, she said, helped her appreciate the region’s diversity while also recognising its shared values.
The journey culminated with an Awarding Night in Kuala Lumpur, where Radya’s commitment and leadership earned her the nomination for Best Delegate, a distinction that underscored her contribution throughout the programme.
Yet, the journey was not without challenges. Adapting to fast-paced schedules, cultural differences, and language barriers tested her resilience. But rather than setbacks, Radya saw these as opportunities to grow.
“Presenting in front of an international delegation was both intimidating and eye-opening. It taught me that cross-cultural collaboration is not only about understanding differences but also about uniting visions for global solutions,” she said.
Through the Youth Exchange, Radya gained invaluable skills in public speaking, project management, and cross-cultural communication. More importantly, she developed a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s diplomatic ties abroad and the role of youth in strengthening them.
“This programme showed me that young people can play a pivotal role in bridging international collaboration. What I experienced is only a small step, but it is a foundation for greater contributions in the future,” she added.
Asked to summarise her journey in three words, Radya’s answer was clear: “Exciting, inspiring, and meaningful.” For her, the exchange was more than a certificate or recognition – it was an invitation to imagine how a single student from Yogyakarta could help connect communities across nations. And perhaps, it is only the beginning.
Editor: Raunay Iwd
What a journey, kiddos to Radya!!
What an amazing journey, kiddos to Radya!!