Bianca Haidi Named Top Scholar Award 2026: A Journey of Courage, Leadership, and Global Achievement
Jakarta, 07 August 2026 — i3L University proudly congratulates Bianca Haidi, a food technology student, Class of 2023, for receiving the prestigious Top Scholar Award 2026. It acknowledges students who have shown outstanding academic performance, leadership, research excellence, community engagement, and international achievements throughout their studies.
Bianca, a recipient of the Top Scholar Award, is a prime example of the principles that i3L University seeks to impart, including academic excellence, creativity, resiliency, and a dedication to making a significant contribution to society. Her journey shows how dedication, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace new challenges can lead to exciting opportunities.
Bianca’s decision to study food technology began during her final years in high school when she was still exploring her career options. While researching different fields, she realized that food would always remain an essential part of human life despite rapid technological advancements.
Her decision became even clearer after attending an education fair, where she had a one-on-one consultation with i3L University’s promotion team. Learning about i3L’s modern laboratories, international opportunities, and industry-relevant curriculum convinced her that the university was the right place to pursue her ambitions.
Today, Bianca appreciates that food technology is much more than studying food chemistry. Through her education, she has learned how scientific knowledge is applied to develop food products that are not only delicious but also nutritious, safe, and sustainable.
Like many successful students, Bianca’s academic journey was not without obstacles. During her second semester, she struggled with foundational science courses that did not yet directly relate to food technology.
However, everything changed once her coursework became more food-focused. By connecting scientific theories to real-life food applications, she found it much easier to understand complex concepts and visualize biological and chemical mechanisms.
Her experience demonstrates that persistence, combined with genuine interest in one’s field, can transform academic challenges into valuable learning experiences.
One of the defining moments in Bianca’s university journey was being selected as a 2026 Amgen Scholars Program Awardee at the University of Tokyo.
During her internship, she conducted biotechnology research on visualizing the homomeric subcellular localization of the magnesium transporter AtMRS2-4 using an optimized split-YFP BiFC system under the supervision of Dr. Keitaro Tanoi.
Initially, the project was intimidating because biotechnology was outside her primary academic background. She hesitated to ask questions, worried they might seem too basic. However, after consulting Sir Gregory A. Llacer, founding director of the Harvard University Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships and global director of the Amgen Scholars Program, Bianca received advice that transformed her perspective.
His message was simple: ask questions without fear.
Once she embraced that mindset, her research progressed significantly faster. Supported by an encouraging laboratory team, Bianca also recognized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, as her background in food technology contributed valuable insights to biotechnology research.
Her exceptional performance earned her the Best Presenter Award during the Amgen Scholars Program Midterm Research Presentation at the University of Tokyo.
Bianca has established herself as an excellent student leader of i3L University, not just academically.
She served as the 2023 cohort representative for SCi (Society for Computing and Innovation) in the 2025/2026 academic year, leading numerous institutional initiatives on behalf of the student body. On top of that, she was a member of the i3L Promotion Team, the master of ceremonies for Orientation Week, a committee member for Graduation 2025, a teaching assistant for Scientific Writing and Presentation Skills, and the head of the Event Division for the Food Technology Gathering Night.
Bianca has also shared her experience with fellow students by serving as a speaker at internship seminars, scholarship preparation sessions, and educational events, helping other students pursue international opportunities.
Her commitment to community service is equally remarkable. She served as head of the committee for the i3L Family Fun Run 2026, an initiative organized by SCi in collaboration with the i3L Marketing and Communications Team.
These experiences demonstrate why Bianca is recognized as one of i3L University’s most inspiring student leaders.
Bianca has actively participated in research projects that contribute to scientific advancement.
She has been involved in the Pemberdayaan Kemitraan Masyarakat (PKM) project under Mr. Ananditya Nugraha, S.T.P., M.Sc., while simultaneously contributing to two research projects on food innovation supervised by Dr. Hanny Angrainy involving edible flowers and cereal bars.
Her research achievements culminated in an international scientific publication:
Angrainy, H., Ningtyas, A. A., Darmawan, J., Pratama, D., & Haidi, B. (2026). Utilization of Lavandula angustifolia and Clitoria ternatea in cereal bars: Impact on physicochemical properties. Food Research, 10(3).
This publication highlights Bianca’s dedication to producing research with practical applications in food innovation and nutrition.
Throughout her academic journey at i3L University, Dr. Hanny Angrainy, B.Sc., M.A., M.Sc., has served as Bianca’s academic advisor and one of her most influential mentors.
According to Bianca, Dr. Hanny has consistently provided guidance on career planning, internship opportunities, research projects, competitions, and academic writing. Whether reviewing research papers or offering advice during moments of uncertainty, Dr. Hanny’s support has helped Bianca confidently navigate important academic and professional decisions.
Her experience in both research and industry has also given Bianca valuable insights into different career pathways, inspiring her to continue pursuing excellence.
“The Top Scholar Award holds a lot of personal meaning to Bianca. “Looking back on this last year, I think my biggest win has been finding the courage to say yes to opportunities that were outside my comfort zone.
From conducting biotechnology research in Japan to leading student organizations and participating in international programs, every challenge became an opportunity to grow.
Her advice to fellow students is simple yet powerful: never limit yourself. Embrace opportunities even when they feel intimidating, commit wholeheartedly, and surround yourself with people who encourage your growth.
As one of i3L University’s recipients of the Top Scholar Award, Bianca Haidi shows that academic excellence comes not only from outstanding grades but also from leadership, resilience, continuous learning, and the courage to pursue opportunities that may feel uncomfortable. Her inspiring journey serves as a reminder that with determination, mentorship, and a strong support system, students can achieve remarkable success both nationally and internationally.
The Food Technology program at i3L aims to fulfil the needs of the society for sustainable food quality, safety, and security. This field applies the principles of science to ensure safe manufacture, packaging, and distribution. Students will complete a rigorous scientific curriculum that balances classroom lectures with practical sessions in our state-of-the-art laboratories. The Food Innovation Centre allows students to have trainings in our modern, on-campus food processing facilities, in which we strongly encourage our students to create innovative food products.
At i3L, we have broad industry networks and links to leading research organizations around the world to support students in finding suitable internships that can help them pave the way to their dream career in the food industry.