Rice Straw Project as a Solution: UNDIP Informatics Student Selected for Two Prestigious Programs and Awarded SGD 5,000 Grant from National University of Singapore (NUS)
Posted on: 2025-08-28 14:09:37
Muhammad Aris Maulana, a third-year Informatics student from the Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Universitas Diponegoro (Class of 2023), participated in two prestigious international programs hosted by the National University of Singapore (NUS) from July 4-19, 2025: the Regen Asia Summit (RAS) and the Asian Undergraduate Symposium (AUS) 2025. Both programs brought together hundredsof young leaders across Asia to engage in dialogue, exchange knowledge, and design innovative solutions for pressing global challenges.
Aris’ journey began with the Regen Asia Summit (RAS) held on July 4-5, 2025. This two-day forum focused on the theme of regeneration, an approach that goes beyond sustainability by restoring ecosystems and empowering communities. More than 600students, 31 ASEAN youth leaders, and 100 thought leaders, including social innovators, researchers, and representatives of indigenous communities, participated in a series of panel discussions, workshops, and intergenerational dialogues highlighting the crucial role of youth in advancing regenerative development in Asia. One of the key moments for Aris was a fireside chat with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the President of Singapore, who emphasized the importance of intergenerational collaboration in building a more equitable and resilient future.
Following RAS, Aris continued to the Asian Undergraduate Symposium (AUS) 2025, held on July 7–19, 2025. Under the theme “Interconnected Communities”, AUS combined panel sessions, intensive workshops, learning journeys, and collaborative project development. Aris joined Group J, working with a diverse team of international students to design STRAWVO (From Burned to Earned), an initiative that transforms rice straw waste into valuable materials to promote waste reduction, climate action, and sustainable rural economies. During AUS, Aris also participated in a fireside chat with Minister Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State forSustainability and the Environment and Senior Minister of State for Education, gaining insights on the role of youth-led innovation in driving regional progress.
The highlight of Aris’ AUS experience came when STRAWVO secured a fundinggrant of SGD 5,000 to be implemented in Singkarak Village, Sumatra, Indonesia. This grant enables Aris and his team to turn their regenerative concept into tangiblecommunity action, integrating informatics technology with local empowerment.
Through these programs, Aris gained profound experience in international collaboration, sustainable social project development, and cross-culturalcommunication. He also expanded his academic and professional network across Asia, strengthening the role of Indonesian students in contributing to the global stage.
