Fashion
Three Indonesian nationals, who graduated from universities in UK, received awards from the UK government at the British Council’s Education Alumni Award 2016 held on Thursday, March 3, 2016.
The three graduates are Betty Purwandar, director of information technology at the University of Indonesia, Theresia Alit Widyasari, young entrepreneur and founder of three clothing companies, and Ahmad Fuadi, author of Negeri 5 Menara (The Land of Five Towers) novel.
Betty was awarded as the best alumni in the professional achievement category. After completing her computer science doctorate program at Southampton University, Betty returned home to work at the University of Indonesia (UI). Betty was considered as the best alumni for helping UI to reform and improve information technology services in the university.
“I learned how to study the World Wide Web and how the web can have positive impacts on humanity,” Betty said.
Theresia was awarded as the best alumni in the entrepreneurship category for facilitating young generations to design, produce and market their products through her brands. Theresia, who majored in fashion business at Westminster University, said that living and studying overseas had broadened her horizon and sharpened her business skills.
Despite doubts over the future of the fashion industry, Theresia remains confident with three of her brands, Bloop, Endorse and Urbie.
“I learned that being good is not enough. You have to be excellent and creative,” Theresia said in her speech delivered by her colleague, since she could not attend the event.
In addition to Betty and Theresia, Ahmad was awarded as the best alumni since his novel was considered to have positive social impacts on many people. With his readers, Ahmad founded a non-profit community called `Komunitas Menara` that provides education access and books to poor people.
Ahmad said that the award was a proof of how a teacher can be influential to students.
“My teacher told me to study anywhere, to go outside and not to limit myself. The advice gave me quite a push,” Ahmad, who was graduated from Royal Halloway, University of London, said.
The Education UK Alumni Award is an event to commemorate the UK Education Month and to tighten Indonesian and UK partnership in the higher education sector. The event is also held in nine other countries, namely Brazil, China, Hong Kong, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United States.
