Hernando Hans Marsopa, a student of the Plant Protection study program, the Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) successfully participated in the Youth Exchange Chapter Singapore – Malaysia – Thailand. This international mobility initiative focused on youth capacity building through an integrated approach to education, diplomacy, leadership, and cross-cultural exchange. The program is designed to develop global perspectives, critical thinking skills, adaptive leadership, and international collaboration in support of sustainable development.
The program commenced with an institutional visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) abroad. This visit provided delegates with firsthand insights into diplomatic functions, the role of foreign missions in strengthening bilateral relations, consular services for Indonesian citizens, and international cooperation, particularly within education and human resource development. Participants subsequently engaged in a Group Conference, an academic forum bringing together delegates to discuss strategic global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Acting as youth delegates, participants presented analytical perspectives, ideas and actionable recommendations through scientific discussions and presentations that fostered analytical thinking, communication, negotiation and cross-cultural teamwork.
The itinerary also featured a Project Presentation session where delegates pitched outcomes from projects developed prior to departure. Participants presented innovative solutions addressing global development challenges, honing their skills in public speaking, data-backed argumentation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and practical solution design within an international arena. To expand academic horizons, participants visited top-ranked global universities in the region. These visits provided exposure to international higher education systems, academic culture, research infrastructure, university internationalization strategies, and opportunities for future academic networking and advanced study.
As part of contextual learning, delegates completed a country exploration across Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Through direct observation of educational destinations, historical sites, innovation centers, and cultural landmarks, participants gained a well-rounded understanding of each country’s development model, cultural diversity, tourism management, and creative economy practices. The program concluded with an Awarding Session to recognize participants’ academic and non-academic achievements throughout the exchange. International certificates were presented to honor active participation, competence, and successful completion of the program. Overall, the initiative provided delegates with comprehensive learning experiences in leadership, diplomacy, international communication, and cross-cultural collaboration.
This initiative aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education by providing transformative experiential learning and global academic exposure to students, as well as SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by building cross-border networks, diplomatic engagement, and international collaboration among youth. Through this participation, UNHAS reaffirms its ongoing commitment to empowering students to gain global exposure, build international academic networks, and contribute real solutions to sustainable development challenges in the region.
