M. Irham Maolana, an Indonesian Literature student at Diponegoro University, was selected as a fully funded delegate for the International Youth Goals (IYG) Chapter 4 Program, which was held on November 10-13, 2025, in Singapore and Malaysia. This opportunity was achieved after going through a highly competitive selection process, starting from the administrative filing stage, national insight tests, global issue tests, to essay tests participated in by thousands of participants from various regions. From this series of selections, Irham was declared one of the best delegates and was entitled to participate in this international program with full funding.
During the program, Irham had the opportunity to explore the culture, education, and social dynamics of two developed countries in Southeast Asia. In Singapore, he visited various educational and iconic landmarks such as Merlion Park, Universal Studios, Gardens by the Bay, and other destinations. One of the most inspiring activities for him was a campus visit to Nanyang Technological University (NTU), one of the world’s best universities known for its research and innovation ecosystem. Through this campus visit, Irham gained insight into global academic culture, research orientation, and international higher education standards that serve as a reference for many educational institutions around the world.
The program then continued to Malaysia with a series of visits to Melaka, the Petronas Twin Towers, Genting Highlands, Batu Caves, and a number of other cultural destinations. Not only did Irham explore the cultural diversity and historical sites that are an important part of Malaysia’s identity, he also had the opportunity to make an academic visit to the University of Malaya (UM), one of the best universities in Southeast Asia. The visit opened up a dialogue on the Malaysian education system and enriched his understanding of the dynamics of higher education at the international level.
In addition to cultural exploration and campus visits, International Youth Goals #4 also presented a series of international seminars discussing global issues, particularly regarding education and sustainable development (SDGs). The delegates were invited to gain a more comprehensive understanding of global issues, while also being trained to hone their critical thinking skills through a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) session themed “The impact of bullying on the quality of education: how does bullying affect learning and what concrete steps can be taken to overcome it?”. In this session, each individual was challenged to present arguments and offer concrete solutions related to bullying practices in the educational environment.
Another important moment was the presentation session of the SDGs project results that had been designed long before the program departure. Irham and his teammates—Risyd Zahra Salsabila (a student at President University) and Lakeisya Fauziyyah (a student at BPI 1 High School in Bandung)—presented an idea titled “Eduglo (Education for Global Literacy): A Program for Strengthening Global Literacy and Education in Facing the Demographic Bonus towards Indonesia Emas 2045.”
This idea was born from reflections on the low literacy rates in Indonesia, which encouraged them to design solutions focused on strengthening global literacy and cross-cultural understanding for the younger generation. Through Eduglo, they emphasized the importance of broadening the global horizons of Indonesian students so that they can compete in the midst of globalization while maximizing the opportunities of the demographic bonus.
The presentation received high praise from the judges and led Irham’s team to win the special award for Best Team. Not only was the team successful, but Irham also received personal recognition that was a source of great pride. He was also named 2nd Top Delegate of the International Youth Goals Chapter 4 Singapore–Malaysia, a prestigious achievement that affirmed his contribution, competence, and performance throughout the program.
The experience of being a fully funded delegate and his first trip abroad made this journey a cherished memory that shaped his perspective as a student. For Irham, participating in International Youth Goals #4 was not only an opportunity to learn, but also a space that brought him together with inspiring young people from various regions. The program broadened his perspective on global education, enriched his understanding of cultural diversity, and provided new insights to contribute more significantly to education and the future of Indonesia.