Embarking on A Journey of New Perspectives
Biotechnology is quite a common major in Indonesia. Still, it has yet to fully benefit from proper facilities, support, knowledge, and funding from the government. As a biotechnology student concentrating in medical biotechnology, my life path took an unconventional turn when I decided to explore business management and healthcare studies through the IISMA program at the University of Pennsylvania in Fall 2023. The day I stepped out of the Philadelphia airport was the day when my transformative journey began.
Enrolled at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, I encountered intersections between my biotechnology studies and the courses I chose, which were largely outside the field of STEM. I opted to explore social science subjects like anthropology, psychology, and business management, along with a healthcare course that aligned more closely with my background. This multidisciplinary approach provided me with a unique perspective, enabling me to see the medical biotechnology field from a scientific lens along with the vantage points of business acumen and healthcare industry requirements.
Combining the Worlds of Science and Business
One of the highlights of my IISMA experience was the Venture Capital and Entrepreneurial Management course, an immersive experience in learning how to build a startup from the ground up and secure the crucial capital required for growth. I chose the course to gain foundational knowledge in creating a biotech startup, where I learned the importance of visionary leadership, unwavering determination, and the intricacies of navigating the complex business world. Indonesia holds immense potential in the biotechnology sector, and nurturing the growth of biotech startups in the country can lead to groundbreaking advancements in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Application of knowledge in venture capital can make a meaningful impact on Indonesia’s budding biotech startup ecosystem. I am motivated to contribute to this endeavor by leveraging my venture capital expertise to identify and support promising biotech ventures.
Another highlight was the Healthcare Reform and the Future of the American Healthcare System course, which granted me insights into health policies and the evolving healthcare demands of our society. The course helped me to understand the vital connection between biotechnology and healthcare, deepening my appreciation of how these fields intersect. Like many other countries, Indonesia has been propelled toward a digital health transformation, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of the technological era. One of the most significant benefits of digital health transformation is the increased accessibility and simplicity of healthcare services. Digital platforms make it easier for the public to access healthcare information and services, reducing the barriers that often exist in traditional, paper-based systems. This accessibility is particularly crucial in a vast and diverse country like Indonesia, where remote and rural areas may have limited access to healthcare facilities. To solve connectivity issues, I had the honor to talk with one of the guest lecturers, Dr. Kevin B. Johnson, where he mentioned the implementation of local hub models, where centralized healthcare facilities equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies serve as regional hubs, providing specialized care and expertise to those in rural communities.
Beyond the classroom, I actively participated in one of Penn’s Biotech Consulting Clubs called In Transcription, where I honed my problem-solving skills and worked on real-world biotech projects. From In Transcription, I understood the fundamentals and essentials of establishing a biotech startup, from the formation of the teams to the operations within the startup in turning research into commercialization. Additionally, I participated in a research volunteer on synthetic DNA vaccines for HIV, which fueled my passion for innovation and research in the medical biotechnology sector. This experience allowed me to witness the immense potential of biotechnology to address pressing healthcare challenges. With its diverse population and unique healthcare needs, Indonesia presents a compelling backdrop for applying cutting-edge biotechnological solutions. By harnessing my research and innovation skills, I am eager to contribute to the development of biotechnological solutions tailored to Indonesia’s specific healthcare requirements.
Fuel for Moving Forward
My journey overseas was not simply about acquiring knowledge. It was about realizing a dream to contribute to the growth and nurturing of Indonesia’s medical biotech ecosystem. The experiences and knowledge gained at the University of Pennsylvania have deepened my understanding of the intricate interplay between science, business, and healthcare, equipping me with the tools required to drive change.
After returning to Indonesia, I had the opportunity to implement what I learned from the healthcare course mentioned above when I was selected for the No Patient Left Behind Fellowship in February 2024. No Patient Left Behind is a non-profit dedicated to making medicines affordable for every American. Through this fellowship, I got the opportunity to attend lessons on investing, drug development, health economics, and public policy and engage in live sessions with leading healthcare experts and biotechnologies across the biotech ecosystem.
I envision a future where Indonesia stands as a global biotech hub. With this objective in mind and reflecting on my experience doing international research internships in multiple countries, I hope to establish a global internship program network akin to the esteemed “Magang Merdeka” but tailored for STEM students. This network will provide Indonesian STEM students with the invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in biotech companies and research institutions across the globe. It will empower our youth with practical skills and knowledge and foster international collaborations.
Through nurturing biotech startups and future biotechnologists, I hope to play a part in accelerating the country’s progress in this critical field so that the youth of Indonesia can become global leaders. My long-term vision is not only to contribute to the worldwide biotech landscape but also to ensure that Indonesia becomes a significant player in the biotechnology arena. Together, we can drive innovation, create job opportunities, and address pressing challenges with cutting-edge solutions, ultimately benefiting the nation and the world.
Editor: Armafitriani Zaitoon
