Lina Budiarti (34) has finally realized her dream of furthering her education after waiting eight years to enroll in a Master’s program. At 33, considered late by some standards, Lina is about to complete her studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
Her journey is truly remarkable. A 2008 Undergraduate Management Studies Program at FEB UGM, Lina pursued her Master’s degree through the Master of Science in Venture Creation (MSVC) entrepreneurship scholarship offered by NUS. She was the first FEB UGM alumna to receive this scholarship.
Lina, who graduated in 2015, shared her motivation for continuing her education. She decided to continue her studies to develop entrepreneurial skills that could support the business she had started.
“I’ve wanted to continue my education for a long time to improve myself, and the MSVC program is perfect for supporting my career as an entrepreneur,” she said recently.
Lina has been involved in business since she was a student at FEB UGM. Between 2011 and 2013, she ran a café and restaurant business called Ookafee. Since 2016, she has been running an online business, Ecommurfe, targeting global markets.
Lina expressed her gratitude for receiving the MSVC scholarship, which covered her tuition fees and provided direct guidance from experienced entrepreneurship mentors. The scholarship is open to ASEAN citizens, especially those who want to start new ventures and grow their businesses. Students are mentored in business development, leveraging NUS Enterprise’s technology resources and accessing networking and market opportunities.
She started her studies at NUS in 2023. Through the MSVC program, she has had extensive opportunities to deepen her knowledge of entrepreneurship, gain new business development experiences, and network with entrepreneurs from across Asia and Europe.
“There are many advantages to studying MSVC at NUS. Apart from learning theory in the classroom, students receive business mentoring from Singaporean practitioners. They are also exposed to Singapore’s business environment through internships at leading companies such as Nestle Singapore, Shopee Singapore, Alibaba, and others at Block71,” she explained.
Lina shared the challenges of pursuing her Master, a journey of perseverance and determination. Before successfully securing the MSVC scholarship on her first application, she faced two rejections when applying for the LPDP scholarship. She shared tips for students applying for scholarships, emphasizing the importance of preparing all the necessary documents and aligning them with a clear vision of entrepreneurship.
“Don’t hesitate to apply for different scholarships. Every effort will bring results, and there are many opportunities out there,” she encouraged.
In November 2024, Lina will graduate from NUS with a Master’s degree. After graduation, she hopes to use the knowledge she has gained to support her business and contribute to the development of Indonesia’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Lina Budiarti’s journey proves that perseverance and resilience lead to success. It is always possible to pursue your dreams, and every step, no matter how challenging, brings you closer to your goals.
Reportase: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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