Throughout the Academic Year (AY) 2022-2023, students of the Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) have achieved more than 182 accolades in various prestigious competitions, spanning from regional to national and even international levels. In recognition of these accomplishments, UPH honored over 300 high-achieving students at the UPH Awards 2023 event on Thursday, October 26, 2023, held at the Grand Chapel of UPH’s Lippo Village Campus in Tangerang. 

These achievements encompass a wide range of fields, including the arts, sciences, sports, technology, and community service projects. What’s even more impressive is that the number of achievements and student awardees has increased by over 100% compared to the previous year. In 2022, there were 86 accomplishments by 158 students, and in 2023, the number rose to 182 achievements by 381 students. In recognition of this remarkable success, UPH was also awarded by LLDIKTI Region III as the Private Higher Education Institution (PTS) with the most national student achievements in 2023. 

UPH Rector Dr. (Hon.) Jonathan L. Parapak, M.Eng., Sc., along with faculty and study program leaders, presented the awards to the students. In his remarks, the UPH Rector expressed his pride in the students’ achievements. 

He stated, “I am deeply moved by the commitment of our students to give the best for the glory of God. This is an extraordinary accomplishment, and I am proud to be a part of this high-achieving community. Thanks to all of you who have excelled and represented UPH with distinction.” 

Shining in National and International Stages 

One of this year’s UPH Awards recipients, Louise Shania Sabela, a Law study program student from batch 2022, achieved outstanding success both individually and in group categories. She secured first place in seven competitions, nationally and internationally. Her accomplishments included winning first place in the HIDAYS HIMAPA UGM 2023 Essay Competition, the “Sayembara Beropini” 2023 Article Competition, International Essay Writing Competition, and earning second place in the Scientific Essay Competition, Wildlife Education Essay Competition 2023, President University Legal Debate Competition, and first place in the Model United Nations Competition. 

Louise stated, “Participating in these competitions has broadened my horizons and experiences, both within and beyond my field of study. I believe that these achievements are not just a source of pride but also a way for us to contribute to others, including our alma mater, and to serve as role models and share our knowledge with those around us.” 

Yong Yee Wen also achieved remarkable success by winning five competitions. She claimed first place in the AMSA-Indonesia: Merchandise Design Competition 2022, the AMSA-Indonesia: Creativity for Community (CFC) Competition 2022, was selected as the Chief of Delegates for the Asian Medical Students Conference (AMSC) 2023 in Taiwan, earned second place in the Indonesian Medical Students’ Training and Competition (IMSTC), and fourth place in the National Research Proposal Competition (NRPC) by AMSA-Indonesia. 

Yong Yee Wen, a 2020 Medicine student, explained that she participated in various competitions to explore her capabilities. She not only sought to develop her skills but also aimed to make a positive impact on society. 

“I believe that all these achievements are the result of the potential bestowed upon us by God. Some of the competitions I entered may not have been related to medicine, but they allowed me to realize that I am capable and can excel in fields like design,” she said. 

In the sports category, Erick Ahmad Fathoni, a 2021 Management study program student, secured a Bronze Medal in the 4×100 meters relay swimming event at the SEA Games 2023 in Cambodia. This achievement exemplifies that young age is not a barrier to attaining international success. 

As a point of information, these awards in the form of plaques were presented to UPH Lippo Village Campus students from various faculties and Student Activity Units (UKM). Among them were the Faculty of Arts (FIS), the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), the Faculty of Psychology, the School of Design (SoD), the Faculty of Law (FH), the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), the Faculty of Medicine (FK), the Faculty of Tourism (FPar), the Faculty of Health Sciences (FIKES), the Faculty of Science and Technology (FaST), the Faculty of Education (FIP), the Faculty of Computer Science (FIK), and UKMs such as Nusantara Dance Company (NDC), UPH Choir, and Spirit Dance Company (SDC). 

Rector Awards 2023 Trophy In conjunction with this event, the prestigious Rector Awards 2023 trophy, recognizing the best faculty, was also presented. This year, the trophy was awarded to the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB). 

The Rector Awards trophy was evaluated based on several aspects, including the number of achievements, the highest average Student Engagement Program (SEP) Points for first-year students, student involvement in the Independent Learning Campus (MBKM), the percentage of faculty and staff members participating as mentors, supervisors, student guides, and project competition proposal reviewers, and the number of journals published at the national and international levels, whether indexed in the Science and Technology Index (Sinta) or Scopus. 

UPH remains committed to providing holistic education to support students in honing their skills by participating in various competitions, both nationally and internationally. Through these experiences, UPH students are prepared and transformed into outstanding leaders who have a positive impact on society, inspire many, and, most importantly, become highly competitive graduates on the world stage.