UMS Medical Student Named Best Participant at International Youth Exchange in Bangkok

Chellin Meilianda, an undergraduate medical student at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), originally from Bangka Belitung, achieved a remarkable accomplishment by winning the Best Participant title in the Youth Exchange Chapter Bangkok, Thailand program. The event was organized by the Semangat Muda Indonesia (SMI) Foundation from 7–10 October 2025.

Chellin explained that the program serves as a platform for Indonesian students to experience study abroad opportunities. She went through a series of rigorous selection stages, including document screening, basic competency test (TKD), civic knowledge test, personality test, group interview, and personal interview. She shared that she managed to pass all the stages smoothly.

Chellin Meilianda, an outstanding student from the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS).

“Alhamdulillah, everything went well and followed the planned timeline. There was about a two-month gap between the announcement and the day of departure, which gave me enough time for thorough preparation,” she said on Sunday (19/10/2025).

During her four days in Bangkok, Chellin took part in a series of activities that broadened her understanding of Thai culture. She visited the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Bangkok for discussions and benchmarking sessions, participated in a conference and project presentation on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and explored several of Thailand’s iconic landmarks such as Icon Siam, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Sleeping Buddha statue.

Among all the activities, she mentioned that the visit to Chulalongkorn University was the most memorable moment for her. Chulalongkorn University is the top-ranked university in Thailand, placing 9th in ASEAN and 299th in the world.

“Visiting Chulalongkorn University really opened my mindset. I gained new insights and learned about the differences between the education systems in Indonesia and Thailand,” she recalled.

Chellin shared that the most crucial preparation was developing an open-minded attitude. For her, this mindset helped her engage in meaningful exchanges and embrace various cultural differences. She added that the key to winning the Best Participant award was her consistency in giving her best performance from start to finish.

“I tried to show the best version of myself without pretending to be someone else. During the presentation, I carefully planned my public speaking strategy so that my ideas could be well received by the audience,” she explained.

The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), Dr. dr. Flora Ramona Sigit Prakoeswa, M.Kes., Sp.DVE., Dipl.STD-HIV/AIDS., FINSDV., FAADV., expressed her deepest pride and appreciation for Chellin’s achievement.

“Chellin, I’m very proud of your accomplishment. It’s like when I asked for five, you gave me twenty-six, and that’s truly remarkable. Keep achieving, but never be easily satisfied. This is not the end of your journey, but the beginning of your steps toward becoming more global,” said Flora.

Flora emphasized that the faculty always provides full support to outstanding students, both financially and morally. She reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to continuously support students who aspire to excel and become international learners.

“We make sure our students don’t struggle academically or financially. We always support those who have the drive to grow and become international learners,” she stated.

In addition, Flora mentioned that the Faculty of Medicine at UMS has established regular student exchange programs in collaboration with Management and Science University (MSU) Malaysia and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) for undergraduate, professional, and master’s programs.

“Actually, we already have regular student exchange programs with MSU Malaysia and USIM Malaysia,” Flora explained. “At USIM, the programs are for undergraduate and professional students, while at MSU they cover undergraduate, professional, and master’s levels.”

Flora also shared an encouraging message for all students, to never be afraid of trying. “Never be afraid of failing a selection process or of trying something new. What matters most is that even if you fall seven times, make sure you rise eight times. Failure or setbacks are simply delayed achievements,” she motivated.

For her, the capacity to learn is a gift, but the ability to learn comes from habit and skill, while the willingness to learn is a choice.

“I want my students to choose to become fast, adaptive, and agile learners, individuals who are eager to grow and ready to take on the world,” she concluded.

Writer: Aisyah Izzatuddini Rahma

Editor: Fika Annisa Sholihah

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid