Wednesday, July 16, 2025 –Bianca Haidi, a dedicated student of Food Technology at i3L, has been awarded the prestigious SingCham Uplifting Scholarship, standing out as one of only eight recipients across Indonesia. This achievement not only highlights her academic excellence but also reflects her passion for international collaboration and innovation in the food industry.

A Moment of Surprise and Gratitude

Bianca first discovered the news not through the official announcement, but via an unexpected Instagram message from a Kompas intern requesting an interview. At the time, she was participating in a summer exchange program and had missed the scholarship award ceremony. The realization came the next day when she received the official email—followed by widespread media coverage including a feature on detik.com.

“I was in denial at first,” Bianca shared. “This was a large-scale scholarship with so many amazing candidates. But seeing my name in the official press release, I felt overjoyed. All the long hours writing essays and preparing for interviews finally paid off.”

Why She Applied for the SingCham Uplifting Scholarship

The opportunity was initially shared through i3L’s Student Development email. Though hesitant at first, it was her academic advisor, Ms. Hanny Angrainy, who reignited her confidence to apply. With a strong background in international relations—from teaching English and coaching MUN to public speaking and debate—Bianca brought a unique perspective to her essays, which focused on ASEAN relations, especially between Indonesia and Singapore.

She also incorporated her Food Technology knowledge into her application. Drawing from courses such as Technology of Fruits and Vegetables, Bianca tackled case studies on food waste and agricultural distribution systems. “My education at i3L really helped me contextualize global issues in food technology. It gave me the tools to write impactful essays and demonstrate a real understanding of the scholarship’s themes,” she explained.

How the Scholarship Supports Her Career in Food Technology

Winning the SingCham Uplifting Scholarship opens many doors. For Bianca, the financial support enables her to explore international platforms—be it conferences, competitions, or research projects. More importantly, it has allowed her to build a professional network with business leaders in both Indonesia and Singapore.

“I see this as a major stepping stone for my career in Food Technology. I hope to gain hands-on experience through internships and build long-term professional relationships,” she added.

Looking Ahead: An Internship at an International Bank

Part of the scholarship includes a professional internship at a leading international bank—an opportunity Bianca is thrilled about. “I’m excited to be exposed to the real-world operations of an international institution,” Bianca said. “This fast-paced environment will equip me with both hard skills, like data analysis and SOPs, and soft skills, such as critical thinking and adaptability.”

Advice for Fellow Students Applying for Scholarships

When asked for advice, Bianca emphasized two key points: read widely and stay confident. “Read about your interests—be it science, international relations, or economics. The more you read, the more equipped you’ll be during the application process. It helped me avoid writer’s block and gave me confidence during the interview,” she said.

She also encouraged students to not be intimidated by the scale of an opportunity. “It’s easy to compare ourselves to others, but we all have something valuable to offer. Even if you don’t succeed, the process itself teaches you how to think and write more clearly. So go for it—you have nothing to lose.”