Hasanuddin University awarded a golden ticket to Rehan, a student at SMA Negeri 8 Pinrang, in recognition of Rehan’s international achievement of being acknowledged by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
The strengthening of the national digital talent ecosystem has again gained momentum through an affirmative step by a university. Amid the need for outstanding human resources in technology, appreciation for the achievements of young people is an important part of encouraging the emergence of future innovators able to compete globally.
In this context, Hasanuddin University awarded a golden ticket to Rehan, a student at SMA Negeri 8 Pinrang, in recognition of Rehan’s international achievement of being acknowledged by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
Rehan recorded a proud achievement after successfully identifying a gap in NASA’s security system. The finding placed Rehan in the Hall of Fame (HoF) and earned an official letter of recognition for contributing to the detection of a vulnerability in the systems of the United States space agency.
The golden ticket was handed over directly by Unhas Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc., accompanied by the Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs (Prof. drg. Muhammad Ruslin, M.Kes., Ph.D., SpBM(K)), in the Rector’s Meeting Room, 8th Floor of the Rectorate Building, on Tuesday (5 May).
Through this scheme, Rehan gains access to continue studies in the Informatics Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, without going through a test route in the 2026/2027 academic year. The policy is a tangible expression of the institution’s support for young talents who emerge from various backgrounds.
Prof. JJ stressed that the step is not merely a momentary gesture of appreciation, but part of the campus’s long-term commitment to facilitating the development of students’ interests and talents on a sustained basis.
“This award is not just a form of appreciation, but also an investment in the nation’s future. We want to ensure that talents like Rehan have room to grow, learn, and contribute to the development of technology,” explained Prof. JJ.
Prof. JJ further emphasized that Unhas will continue to open strategic spaces and opportunities for high-achieving students, including giving Rehan access to capacity-building programs such as a double degree abroad and relevant international collaboration.
“This is not the last. Unhas will continue to facilitate the interests and talents of the younger generation. Indonesian children have big dreams, and we believe they can become pioneers in informatics and other fields, and are able to compete with other countries,” Prof. JJ added.
According to Prof. JJ, the achievement Rehan gained through self-taught learning is proof that great potential can grow from anyone. This moment is hoped to be a broad source of inspiration, as well as a reminder that learning spaces can become showcases for the emergence of the nation’s outstanding talents.
Meanwhile, Rehan expressed gratitude for the opportunity given and a commitment to keep developing capacity in the field of technology.
“I thank you for this opportunity. I hope this becomes the first step toward continuing to learn and grow,” Rehan said.
Rehan also gave a message to the younger generation not to hesitate to develop their potential, even when facing limitations.
“To my friends, if you have talent, keep developing it. Don’t be pessimistic just because of limitations, including economic factors,” Rehan added.
Through this step, Unhas affirms its role in building an education ecosystem that is inclusive, adaptive, and achievement-based. This initiative is expected to be not only a form of individual recognition, but also a trigger for the emergence of more Indonesian digital talents as the country moves toward the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. (*/kmhs/mir)
Editor: Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.