The Story of an LPDP Scholar at UQ Australia

Zuhhad Naafil, an alumnus of the Department of Management at Universitas Syiah Kuala, is currently pursuing his Master’s in Entrepreneurship & Innovation at The University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane, Australia. As an awardee of the prestigious 2024 LPDP Scholarship, Zuhhad shares his inspiring journey as a young entrepreneur with a mission to empower others and give back to his home region, Aceh.

Among the many renowned universities in Australia and around the world, Zuhhad chose The University of Queensland for three key reasons. First, its dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly UQ Ventures, provides an ideal space for young entrepreneurs and students to learn, grow, and build meaningful networks within a multicultural society. Second, the program structure of the Master of Entrepreneurship & Innovation perfectly matched his academic and professional goals, enabling him to sharpen his entrepreneurial mindset and gain practical insights. And third, the university’s strong network of industry-connected lecturers and alumni, including inspiring figures such as Dr. Henry Burgers—his lecturer in Building Innovation Capability—offers students invaluable academic and real-world mentorship.

Arriving in Brisbane for the first time was an unforgettable experience for Zuhhad. He found Australian culture to be refreshingly different, especially in terms of communication styles. People were more direct, which initially felt distant compared to the warm and welcoming demeanor typical in Indonesia. Academically, he discovered that learning at UQ was deeply engaging and inclusive. Lectures encouraged open discussion, every opinion was valued, and students were empowered to speak freely without fear of judgment. Lecturers, too, preferred to be treated as equals, fostering a learning environment based on mutual respect rather than hierarchy.

The academic system also brought new experiences. Assignments were fewer but more in-depth, and many courses didn’t rely on traditional exams. Students had access to recorded lectures and course materials via UQ’s digital learning platform, Blackboard, offering flexibility and independence in learning. While the 2-3 hour class sessions could be intense, they were always rewarding.

Interacting with international classmates added another layer of richness to his experience. From casual conversations to group work, Zuhhad enjoyed exchanging ideas with peers from China, Germany, France, Japan, Latin America, and beyond. Everyone brought their own perspective, accent, and energy to the discussion, making every interaction unique and enjoyable.

Zuhhad also took proactive steps to adapt to his new academic environment. He often arrived early to campus to familiarize himself with lecture rooms and accessed past student assignments from the online library to understand expectations more clearly. These efforts paid off in helping him succeed in a new and rigorous academic culture.

Outside the classroom, Zuhhad actively participates in campus and community activities. He joined events organized by UQ Ventures, such as the iLab Pitching Night, where students present their business ideas in front of a jury for a chance to win seed funding. He also stays active by competing in badminton tournaments around Brisbane and coaching part-time during semester breaks—not only to stay fit, but also to build connections with international communities, which he considers an essential resource for every entrepreneur.

Despite being far from home, Zuhhad remains connected to Indonesia’s socio-political and economic landscape. He regularly joins discussions through Komunitas Berpikir (KOPIKIR) and engages in conversations with entrepreneurs back in Indonesia and Aceh. Whether during coffee chats or sports breaks, he continues to reflect on business trends, opportunities, and the evolving dynamics of entrepreneurship both at home and abroad.

For Zuhhad, studying abroad is not a break from Indonesia—it’s a step toward preparing for greater contribution. He aspires to empower Acehnese youth by encouraging them to recognize the potential around them and transform it into entrepreneurial opportunities. He believes that building prosperity through business and collaboration is key, and that young people should not solely rely on limited government job vacancies. Instead, they should be inspired to create, innovate, and lead.

“Being an international student is not just about studying abroad,” Zuhhad reflects. “It’s about growing as a person, building networks, and preparing to make an impact. I hope my journey inspires others, especially young Indonesians, to pursue higher education, face challenges with courage, and ignite entrepreneurial change.”

As he eloquently concludes, “Knowledge is like a dagger—not to harm, but to peel the fruit for those you love. It allows us to protect and to give.”