Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully showed its fangs on “Spring 2014 SolBridge Asian Thought Leaders Case Competition” which took place at SolBridge International School of Business, South Korea (22-27/03/14).  Yuliana, Tara Mahdiani, and Lay Monica Ratna Dewi, students of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UGM, successfully won first prize at the event. This achievement not only increased FEB and UGM’s pride, but also Indonesia’s. They were the sole representatives of this nation.

Competition which themed “Asian Company Growth Strategy in a Globally Competitive Environment” was a race in solving business cases. Thirty two participants which are divided into ten teams competed in the event. They came from various universities, both in Asia and Europe. According to Lay Monica Ratna Dewi, one of the members of UGM’s team, with the team, she should formulate strategies and tactics to solve the problem given.

This event required participants to work on the case in a very limited time, it was less than 24 hours. Monic told EBNews that at that time they were given a challenge to work on a case about robotic vacuum cleaner LG Hombot. They should think of a way to make LG Hombot managed to attract the attention of consumers to switch on a robotic vacuum cleaner as well as being the number one product. UGM team itself has been doing a series of preparation before following the race. They were trying to work on a number of business cases and presented them.

According to Monic, this event gave positive influences for her. She learned to work together, listened to the opinions of others, controlled emotions, knew tendencies of herself, and worked under pressure. She was also very enthusiastic about being able to meet and interact with students from other countries. “The joy of being on the top just stayed 1 day only, but getting new friends and experiences are far more valuable and more pleasant for me when I return,” she said.

In addition, she also thought that competition was a right way to deliver her competitive soul. Monic had not disputed the impression that she probably would receive, like, as a person who wanted to always achieve things more than other people. However, she also felt that competitions taught her to deal with fear of failure. Monic argued, “I am trying to tell myself that I only have to do the best and let the Lord decide what He will give to me.” She also hoped that her fellows can choose the most suited path to develop themselves, though not through a similar path like hers.  “Do them faithfully, so that we can provide positive things for others. Know yourself, find yourself, and love yourself,” she said.

Source: Nadia/FEB