Indonesia
The availability of research funding, international conferences, and advanced technological infrastructure has made my academic journey here especially meaningful.
Several factors influenced my decision to pursue my studies in Taiwan. First, I was highly motivated to learn Mandarin in an immersive environment, as I believe language proficiency enhances both cultural understanding and academic collaboration. Beyond the language, Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage and welcoming academic environment were incredibly appealing to me. I also found the cost of living relatively affordable compared to other international study destinations, making it a practical and strategic choice.
Most importantly, Taiwan offers world-class academic resources, particularly in educational technology and digital learning research. The availability of research funding, international conferences, and advanced technological infrastructure has made my academic journey here especially meaningful. My primary reason for choosing this university was the opportunity to work under a highly reputable supervisor, Gwo Jen Hwang, whose research contributions are internationally recognized. The institution is ranked number one in Taiwan for research quality in education studies according to *The Times Higher Education 2025*, which aligns perfectly with my scholarly goals.
The most influential factor in my enrollment was the faculty. The professors in this program are leading researchers in digital learning, artificial intelligence in education, and instructional design; their expertise and mentorship opportunities were a massive draw for me. I am particularly interested in the program's strong emphasis on research innovation and the chance to participate in cutting-edge projects.
This hands-on approach began in my very first semester. I have designed lesson plans for computational thinking, conducted literature reviews in e-learning psychology, and developed research proposals for methodology. In a Training and Development course, we even designed learning environments using AR, VR, and AI tools. This experience allowed me to directly engage with cutting-edge technologies and apply theoretical frameworks to practical instructional designs. To support this, the university library provides comprehensive access to high-impact international journals and databases, which allows me to conduct in-depth literature reviews efficiently. My university is far more relevant, dynamic, and ambitious than people might expect.
During my master’s and doctoral studies in Taiwan, I have actively engaged in international academic and professional activities that have significantly broadened my scholarly perspective. I have presented my research at international conferences in Japan and India, supported by competitive research grants from the Research Center for Science and Technology for Learning at NCU, EVREC at NTUST, and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). These awards reflect not only the merit of my research but also the strong institutional support system available to graduate researchers in Taiwan.
Beyond the lab, I have committed myself to leadership and service. In 2023, I was selected for the Presidential Staff School Program in Indonesia and honored as an International Tourism Ambassador by Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications. I also served as the International Student Representative, delivering the graduation speech at NCU in 2023. My involvement extends to the Overseas Indonesian Students’ Association Alliance (PPI Dunia) and the Asia-Pacific Society for Computers in Education (APSCE). I even contributed to community development by founding an Indonesian Muslim prayer room near Zhongli Station to support the spiritual and social needs of the Indonesian diaspora.
Learning Mandarin has been a vital part of my journey. Between 2019 and 2021 at the NCU Language Center, the most challenging aspect was practicing spoken communication with native speakers. However, at NTUST, I have had many opportunities to interact with local Taiwanese students outside of my EMI (English as a Medium of Instruction) courses. These real-life interactions have significantly improved my speaking confidence and cultural understanding.
My commitment to educational development also extends beyond Taiwan through the Darisky Institute, where I contribute to AI literacy and social-emotional learning (SEL) in Indonesia. In 2025, I participated in SEL and Global Citizenship Education workshops organized by UNESCO in New Delhi, receiving a grant to implement follow-up educational actions in Indonesia. Furthermore, I serve as the Manager of the Indonesian Team in the professional Formosa Futsal League 2026, demonstrating leadership in sports diplomacy, and collaborate with the University of Oxford on AI in Education initiatives (AIUEO).
These diverse experiences illustrate a balanced profile of academic excellence, international collaboration, leadership, and community engagement. The university’s strong research environment has been the most valuable resource for connecting me with the professional academic world. Through conferences and collaborative projects, I have gained direct exposure to international scholars and high publishing standards. 
After graduation, I plan to pursue a career as either an assistant professor or a postdoctoral researcher, whether in Taiwan or abroad. My study experience here has expanded my international academic network and strengthened my research competence. The university’s career counseling services and global collaboration opportunities have inspired me to aim for an international academic career path. Whether I stay in Taiwan or move elsewhere, I am ready to contribute to the global research community.
