On Thursday, June 27th,2024, UNPAR, in collaboration with IISMA, conducted the IISMA Pre-Departure Briefing in Singapore. The event was attended by 45 IISMA Awardees who are going to study in Singapore.
The prestigious event was attended by Mr. I Gusti Agung Ketut Satrya Wibawa, the Attache of Education and Culture of the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore, and Dr. Rachmat Sriwijaya, the Head of the IISMA Program, Ir. Catharina Badra Nawangpalupi, Ph.D as the UNPAR vice-rector of Cooperation, Alumni, Innovation, and Business. The moderator was Annisa Paramita Wiharani, S.I.P., M.A., the Manager of International Affairs UNPAR, and the MC of this event is Aurelia Zahra Obsidian, the IISMA Co-funding Alumni 2023 from UNPAR.
The event was opened by a speech by Ir. Catharina Badra Nawangpalupi that encouraged the Awardees to take advantage of the amazing opportunity for them to study abroad, “Manfaatkan ini sebagai bekal kekayaan di masa depan” she said in her opening speech. Dr.Rachmat WIjaya also gave a few opening words before they went to the main event, “Indonesia Emas 2045 adalah Anda sendiri” he said, representing the hope of IISMA for the future leaders of a better Indonesia.
After the remarks, Mr.I Gusti Agung Ketut Satrya Wibawa gave his materials on how to live and adapt in Singapore. First, Mr. Satrya gave a brief introduction regarding the Indonesian Embassy.
After that, he jumped right into life as a student in Singapore. Mr. Satrya reminded the IISMA Awardees that the main purpose of their stay in Singapore is to study and that they are essentially Ambassadors of Indonesia during their stay there.
“You are Gen Z : Zaat Aturan, Zertib Bermasyarakat” he stated as he reminded the students to always be mindful of their actions. We must always obey the rules and don’t be afraid to ask questions if we are confused.
He also told the IISMA Awardee that Singapore is expensive and that they should be ‘local’. One small example is to try to eat at the campus canteens or hawkers. Another example is if you want to sightsee, plenty of places are open for free. Lastly, he reaffirmed that the IISMA Awardees are there as students and not as tourists.
After Mr.Satrya’s comprehensive explanation of Singapore, we went straight to the Q&A session, moderated by Mbak Icha. The students excitedly asked plenty of questions to Mr. Satrya.
The event was closed with the IISMA Awardees more prepared and determined than ever to start their new and exciting journey as an IISMA student in Singapore.