Transformative Journey with the YSEALI Academic Fellowship 2025

“Magical.” That’s how Riski Nopriyama, a proud alumnus of the Faculty of Law, Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), batch 2018, described his experience with the prestigious Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowship 2025. The six-week program, held from April 17 to May 25, 2025, in the United States, opened doors to knowledge, culture, and lifelong global connections—an unforgettable chapter in both his personal and professional journey.

Growing up in Aceh, a region marked by environmental challenges and unequal access to education, Riski was determined to explore how other countries, particularly the United States, address these pressing issues through entrepreneurship and innovation. “I’ve always been curious about how the U.S. empowers communities through education and social enterprise, especially in regions with limited resources,” he said.

The selection process for YSEALI was both competitive and rigorous. Riski prepared for the two stages—administrative screening and an interview—by staying true to his story. “I wrote my application essay with honesty, highlighting the values I’ve carried, the challenges I’ve faced, and the goals I hope to achieve. During the interview, I shared my learning aspirations and my interest in sustainability and the blue economy.” The news of his acceptance arrived while he was studying in Pare, East Java. “I was shocked and incredibly grateful.”

At the University of Connecticut, Riski joined a cohort focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment. Throughout the program, he visited several U.S. cities, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, New Jersey, New Haven, Chicago, Princeton, and Washington, D.C. He participated in seminars, company visits, volunteer programs, and enriching academic sessions at Ivy League institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Yale, Brown, and Princeton.

One of the most profound moments was a leadership session. “It taught me so much about resilience and empathy. It reshaped how I think about strength and collaboration.” Another meaningful experience was being invited to present Indonesian culture in an academic setting at the University of Connecticut. “Representing Indonesia and Southeast Asia in front of such a diverse audience was incredibly meaningful.”

Living and learning alongside 24 young leaders from across Southeast Asia was an eye-opening and emotional experience. “We learned from each other. Saying goodbye was one of the hardest moments—we built such meaningful bonds.”

Riski brought Indonesian culture to life throughout the fellowship. He wore batik to formal events, distributed Acehnese souvenirs, and—together with fellow Indonesians—hosted an “Indomie party” that quickly became a crowd favorite. Of course, there were moments of adjustment. “The cold was intense—it got as low as 1°C. And praying five times a day without designated breaks like in Indonesia took some planning. But I learned to navigate it by kindly asking for time and space, and everyone was very accommodating.”

One of the biggest lessons Riski took home was a shift in how he defines leadership. “In the U.S., we met so many people whose work was driven by purpose, not profit. That left a lasting impression on me. I now believe that leadership should be centered on kindness, collaboration, and long-term impact.”

Upon returning to Indonesia, Riski began developing a platform that advocates for sustainability, education, and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He also remains actively involved in the YSEALI alumni network, using it to expand access to development opportunities for youth in Aceh. During the fellowship, he collaborated with fellow participants to launch a regional initiative promoting youth engagement in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Southeast Asia.

To students dreaming of joining YSEALI, Riski offers heartfelt advice: “Don’t hesitate to apply, and never let your background hold you back. Coming from a rural or underserved area is a strength—it gives you a grounded and genuine perspective. And don’t worry if you don’t have perfect English or a TOEFL score. As long as you can communicate your ideas clearly and sincerely, you’ll be fine.”

He encourages future applicants to reflect deeply on what he calls the “Three Whys”: Why you? Why your issue? And why do you need to learn from the U.S. through YSEALI? “If you answer those questions with clarity and honesty, you’ll stand out. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to alumni—we’re here to help.”

Riski Nopriyama’s YSEALI journey is more than just a personal success story. It’s an inspiring example of how determination, sincerity, and a desire to create change can open doors to global opportunities. “I never imagined I’d step foot in the United States—let alone speak at universities like Harvard or MIT. This journey was truly magical. It changed how I lead, how I think, and how I want to contribute to the world.”