The Directorate of Partnership and Global Relations in collaboration with the Directorate of Student Affairs Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), recently hosted the Annual Learning and Reflection Meeting for Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship awardees on Saturday, November 15, 2025. The KNB Scholarship is an Indonesian government-funded program designed to support students from developing countries in pursuing higher education across Indonesian universities.
Bringing together KNB students from 2021 to 2025, the event not only served as a reunion space, but also as an opportunity for both students and university representatives to discuss experiences, challenges, and areas for improvement.
Throughout the session, the students participated in interactive games and activities aimed at building a collaborative atmosphere, as well as providing a reflective space during their journey in UGM so far. They also engaged in a series of insightful discussions, where the students shared updates on their academic journey, challenges faced, and support they found meaningful during their study.
“While there’s a lot of things that can be improved regarding the KNB scholarship, I’m grateful for all the help given from UGM and the ministry for us,” said Witness Dhliwayo, KNB awardee 2024 from Zimbabwe who is currently studying in the Faculty of Agriculture. “I also really appreciate the opportunity to connect with fellow KNB students here.”
In addition, Najihah Saad, KNB awardee 2023 from Thailand, shared her experience in navigating daily and academic life in Yogyakarta. “One challenge that stood out to me was the language,” said Najihah, who is studying in the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences. “I look like a local, so students often speak to me in Indonesian, even in Javanese. Sometimes I struggle to understand what they say. So, I wish UGM could give more help to future awardees in preparing to overcome the language barrier,” she concluded.
Not only students, but UGM representatives from the Directorate of Partnership and Global Relations and Directorate of Student Affairs also contributed to the session by giving valuable perspective in managing the scholarship. They also provided feedback, guidance, and encouragement for the students as they continue their studies in UGM.
The meeting concluded with a strengthened connection and sense of community among KNB awardees at UGM. Through the collaboration of the directorates within the Directorate of Student Affairs, Directorate of Finances, Directorate of Education and Learning, and Directorate of Partnership and Global Relations, UGM aim to respond positively to the inputs provided by KNB students so that the program can run optimally at UGM. Also, the university hopes that this event will continue to serve as a space for learning and improvement, while celebrating the diverse KNB community.
Recent Comments