Once again, students from the Tourism Marketing Management (MPP) program at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) have made proud achievements. Putri Ayu Salamah and Agim Abdul Hakim successfully represented MPP after being selected as awardees for ILIAS 2024, joining 98 other participants from various universities and regions across Indonesia.

The International Leadership in Action Summit (ILIAS) 2024 is a leadership development program organized by YPM Salman ITB. It took place from August 20 to 25, 2024, across Bandung, Singapore, and Malaysia.
With the theme “Empowering Future Leaders: Fostering Innovation for Global Impact,” this program aims to shape future leaders who can make a global impact through innovation and leadership.

As part of the program, participants had the chance to visit Singapore and Malaysia to learn about their education, economic systems, and environmental policies. They also presented and discussed their innovative ideas with international leaders, making this summit more than just a conference. It became a powerful experience of cross-cultural learning and global collaboration.

The Journey to ILIAS: From Spontaneity to a Golden Opportunity

Putri Ayu Salamah: Last-Minute Application, Big Win
For Putri, joining ILIAS wasn’t something she planned. In fact, she didn’t even know about the program until a friend tagged her in a twibbon post late at night. When she found out the program was fully funded and had a large quota, she got curious.

“I immediately called my friend and asked about it. She said, ‘Just try, Put, maybe it’s meant for you.’ So, I submitted my application literally five minutes before the deadline,” she said.

After going through the selection process, she made it to the interview stage. But when the results came out, her name wasn’t on the list. Naturally, she felt disappointed. However, a week later, a surprising WhatsApp message changed everything.

“Suddenly I got a message: ‘Congratulations, Putri Ayu Salamah, you’ve been moved from the waiting list and selected to join ILIAS!’ I was shaking. I truly believe this wasn’t just luck—it was the result of effort, prayer, and God’s plan!”

ILIAS became a series of “firsts” for her: her first time on a plane, her first trip abroad, and her first time as a delegate in an international event. She also had the chance to meet inspiring people from various backgrounds, including LPDP awardees from University College London (UCL) and PhD students from Egypt.

For her, ILIAS was an amazing opportunity to discuss key issues in Indonesia—especially in education.

“I’m so grateful to be part of this program and to learn from these incredible people,” she shared.

Putri’s Tip:
"Information is everything, and having the courage to begin is the first step to success. A life without risk will never win!"

Agim Abdul Hakim: From Curiosity to Reality
Unlike Putri, Agim found out about ILIAS from a campus friend who casually encouraged him to apply. Even though he knew the competition would be tough—with thousands of applicants—he gave it a shot.

“I always believe that if something is meant for you, it will find its way to you. That mindset has brought me many good opportunities, including ILIAS,” he said.

August 2024 became a life-changing month for him, as he got the chance to attend ILIAS in Malaysia and Singapore. For Agim, the program truly broadened his global perspective, improved his analytical thinking and leadership skills, and inspired him to better understand sustainable development issues.

“ILIAS pushed me to connect what I’ve learned in class with real-world practices. I also had the opportunity to work with experts in developing innovative solutions to global challenges,” he explained.

Agim’s Tip:
"Success happens when we’re ready to make the most of our luck and opportunities. Don’t fear failure—it’s part of the journey. Knock on every door of challenge, and don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone. Dream it, fight for it, and make it happen!"

ILIAS 2024: A Truly Valuable Experience
Teh Putri and Kang Agim’s participation in ILIAS 2024 proves that MPP students have what it takes to compete on the international stage. This program was not just a trip abroad. it was a powerful learning experience filled with cultural exchange, leadership development, and global networking.

Their success also serves as a motivation for other students to be brave, take chances, and pursue meaningful opportunities. With a strong will to grow, may more MPP students follow in their footsteps and continue bringing pride to the university on a global scale. Congratulations, Putri and Agim!
May this experience be the first step toward even greater achievements in the future

Author : Mira Hanifah