For many students, learning is usually conducted inside the classroom. But for Radya Nasywa Zahira, joining the SMI Youth Exchange Singapore–Malaysia–Thailand on September 15–21, 2025, opened the door to lessons that stretched across borders, cultures, and new experiences.
The SMI Youth Exchange is a program that brings together selected individuals to learn about diplomacy, education, and culture across three countries. Radya was chosen as a fully funded delegate for Batch 10, and for her, the program was an opportunity to gain real international exposure. She shared that it was not only about cultural exploration but also academic visits and meaningful discussions on global issues like the Sustainable Development Goals.
During the program, Radya and her fellow delegates took part in a variety of activities, from embassy visits in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to university visits at the University of Malaya and Prince of Songkla University. They also worked on a project presentation about the SDGs, while exploring famous landmarks such as Merlion Park, Batu Caves, the Petronas Twin Towers, the Sleeping Buddha, and Samila Beach. The experience wrapped up with an Awarding Night to celebrate the achievements of the delegates.
Out of all these activities, the most memorable moment for Radya was the project presentation in Kuala Lumpur. She was invited to step forward as a representative delegate to receive a certificate and had the chance to meet Ibu Siti Nur Azizah, Founder of Yayasan Semangat Muda Indonesia, and Ibu Friny Napasti, M.Pd, Principal of Sekolah Indonesia Kuala Lumpur. She also shared that she felt proud and grateful to be selected as Best Delegate nominee during the Awarding Night as it reflected not only her effort but also the teamwork and support from her fellow delegates.
The journey was not without challenges. Radya admitted that adapting to different cultures, languages, and the packed schedule was overwhelming at first. However, she learned to stay flexible, communicate effectively, and rely on teamwork to get through it. That sense of togetherness, she said, made all the challenges much easier to overcome.
Looking back, Radya feels that the exchange taught her an important lesson about collaboration. For her, it was not only about tolerance or respecting differences, but about building on those differences to find common solutions. She believes diversity becomes a strength when people are able to align their visions and values.
Beyond the cultural experiences, Radya also developed practical skills in public speaking, project management, and leadership. She gained valuable insights into diplomacy and Indonesia’s role in international relations, while also reflecting on how these experiences connect to her own path as a psychology student. She explained that seeing how culture shapes the way people think and interact will be very useful if she works in HR or in a company setting later on. The program helped her adapt, communicate with people from different backgrounds, and work as a team even in challenging situations. All skills she believes will be essential for her future career.
When asked to describe the program in three words, Radya chose “exciting, inspiring, and meaningful.” Her story shows that international opportunities like the SMI Youth Exchange go far beyond travel. They shape skills, perspectives, and connections that last a lifetime.
Writer: Luh Ayu Ken Kellyndra Ary Putri