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Following in the path of 4 Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) alumni who continued their studies abroad with Indonesian Education Scholarship (BPI), one Thursina IIBS student successfully secured the coveted 2023 Advanced Indonesia Scholarship. Muhammad Roayna Azzam Muntaqo was awarded the 2023 BIM higher study preparatory scholarship and had the opportunity to be a part of a prestigious summer camp program in Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore. 

Nicknamed Azzam, this 12th grade student found out about the scholarship info in late 2022. He then began a long and thorough process to prepare his application, starting from doing more detailed research on the scholarship and its partner institutions. “After I got the info, I researched the scholarship and found out that it covered my dream university, NTU. Without thinking too much, I then took note of the requirement details before applying,” revealed the Balikpapan native. 

According to Azzam, NTU is not the only university organizing a summer camp this year. There are also many universities hosting similar programs in Canada, China, Australia, and other countries around the world. However, Azzam was particularly drawn to NTU as his summer camp destination due to its close proximity to home and its reputation as one of the most renowned universities not just in Asia, but also in the world. Based on QS World University Rankings, NTU is the 26th best university in the world. 

“Other than the close distance from Singapore to Indonesia, I also take into consideration the quality of the institution, which, as it turns out, is very good. According to Asian University Rankings, NTU is the second best university in the continent. This solidifies my decision to continue my study in NTU,” he explained. 

Out of so many high school applicants, there were only a total of 350 students who received the highly competitive scholarship. 20 of them decided to take their summer program in NTU Singapore, Azzam among them. 

For approximately three weeks (June 28 - July 15, 2023), Azzam learned so many lessons to equip him for his further studies preparation. In addition to learning English, Azzam also gained the motivation and encouragement he needs to keep creating better change. 

“I met so many people that made me feel quite insecure. They all have these incredible  achievements and work on their belts. This further pushes me to keep on learning, to keep improving on the subject I want to specialize in,” recounted Azzam. 

During the program, Azzam also had the chance to learn about the advanced technology as well as the fascinating cultures of Singapore. By being around students from various parts of the world, Azzam also felt encouraged to keep growing and developing himself. 

Moving forward, Azzam plans to study Computer Science in NTU. He chooses this major because, according to him, computer science offers very excellent work prospects for its graduates especially in this ever-evolving digital age where communication through technology has become essential. “In this increasingly sophisticated era, I think this sector can be a very big contributor to our life,” he noted. 

One requirement of the BIM application was to submit an essay. In preparing his, Azzam acknowledged the valuable assistance he received from the Thursina International Office (TIO) team and alumni, who helped him throughout the essay-writing process. According to him, writing an essay is not just putting words together, through an essay one must be able to honestly and engagingly tell the reader about themselves and what they have achieved. 

At the end of the interview, this exceptionally accomplished student emphasized the importance of working hard to discover one's talents and passions. “We must keep trying and hope for the best; leave the rest to Allah,” he wrapped up. “We should also prepare a plan B for everything we’re going through, and remember to keep wishing for the best from Allah.”