Hadela Pratiwi S., a student at the Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), was selected as a delegate to the 2026 Asian Undergraduate Symposium (AUS), organized by NUS College at the National University of Singapore in collaboration with the ASEAN University Network (AUN) from 5–18, July 2026. This international program brought together students from various Asian countries to collaborate, exchange ideas, and develop solutions to various global challenges under the theme “Communities in Action.”
Over the course of two weeks, participants took part in a series of activities that combined academic learning, field experiences, project development, and cultural exchange. The program began with orientation and team-building sessions to foster collaboration among participants from different countries and disciplines. Subsequently, participants attended three academic panels addressing the themes of Sustainability & Innovation, Heritage & Culture, and Inclusivity & Resilience. Various speakers—including academics, practitioners, and community leaders—discussed issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, mental health, leadership, and the importance of building inclusive and sustainable communities.
In addition to attending in-class sessions, the delegates also participated in a “Learning Journey,” a hands-on learning experience at various organizations and communities in Singapore. Participants visited Orang Laut SG to learn about the history and culture of Singapore’s maritime communities; Vidacity to explore waste management, the circular economy, and Lingzhi mushroom cultivation practices; CREUSE, which develops products made from upcycled wood waste; Growthbeans, which focuses on developing self-awareness and coping mechanisms; and Skillseed, which offers community-based learning experiences to foster empathy and social leadership.
In the second week, participants took part in the Marketplace of Ideas, where each delegation proposed one project idea based on what they had learned during the symposium. All ideas were then showcased and selected through a voting system by fellow participants. The 40 ideas with the most votes had the opportunity to present their concepts during the Idea Pitching session, after which participants formed cross-national and interdisciplinary project groups to collaboratively develop solutions. Once the groups were formed, each team received intensive guidance through several mentoring sessions, a Project World Café, and the creation of project posters. Participants also attended a Fireside Chat with Minister of State Jasmin Lau, a discussion on the importance of original research in the era of artificial intelligence, and a Cultural Night featuring cultural performances from various participating countries as a form of appreciation for Asia’s cultural diversity.
