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Profile

Scholarships Received:

• Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (University Recommended Scholars, Special Type)
• Saionji Memorial Scholarship (Academically Outstanding Students Category)

High School:
Regina Pacis Bogor

Why did you choose to study in CRPS?

Seeing the need for change in my home country, where social welfare issues are often overlooked, I became interested in the CRPS programs. I have always believed that strong public policies and effective social welfare systems are the foundation of a fair society. One of the CRPS courses, the “Multi-level Governance Program”, focuses on these areas and explores how governments and organizations can work together to create better systems for people’s well-being. This aligned with my goal and motivated me to pursue studies in CRPS. I believe that the knowledge and practical problem-solving skills I gain through this program will help me make meaningful contributions and bring positive change back home.

What was the most interesting class you have taken so far?

For me, the on-site research project is the highlight of the CRPS program. I had the opportunity to visit Thailand for a week, where our team assessed fire hazard risk management in Klong Toey, one of the slum areas in Bangkok. Together with students from Chulalongkorn University, we designed and conducted a survey among 35 local residents and carried out interviews with government staff, NGOs, such as the Duang Prateep Foundation, and fire rescue volunteers. It was a challenging experience as it was our first time identifying real-world problems and proposing practical solutions outside the classroom. However, I realized how diverse people’s needs are, and how challenging it can be in reality to design public policies that include and support everyone. And this experience made me even more interested in CRPS!

Could you tell us about your graduation thesis?

I became interested in sustainability and waste management when I joined the Policy Seminar. It was completely different from how I first became interested in CRPS, but that is part of the learning journey!

For my thesis, I worked under Professor Uehara Takuro supervision and focused on cigarette butt waste. Seeing cigarette litter everywhere made me wonder how we could better reduce this type of waste and its environmental impact. In fact, cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world! My research explored smokers’ perceptions and preferences toward a new waste collection approach called the deposit-refund system.

The project took about a year, but it honestly felt like a 24/7 commitment. It was filled with countless ideas, revisions, emails, and notes. I worked very hard on it, so much that my professor once told me to enjoy life outside of research!! Even so, I really enjoyed the process and found it very interesting. With my professor’s guidance and support, I am very grateful that my work has been published in an international peer-reviewed journal. If you are interested, feel free to check it out: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0335205

You might be wondering if writing a graduation thesis is hard. Well, it definitely is not easy. It requires passion, patience, and a strong desire to learn. But don’t worry! CRPS has many great supervisors who can guide you based on your interests and help you through the process.

What is your daily life like?

I spend most of my time studying at school from morning until the university closes at 10 PM, usually with my friends. This even includes some weekends. But it is not all about studying! I keep one day free for my part-time job, which helps me refresh. I work at a daycare, but there are many other part-time jobs you can find depending on your Japanese level and schedule. I also enjoy going out with friends, some of whom I met in the dormitory. I lived in the dorm during my freshman year, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made! Living in the dorm gives you a chance to meet new people, feel the warmth of coming home, and avoid loneliness. We often studied, cooked, and ate together in the living room, and it really felt like a second family. Oh, during school, my friends and I eat at the cafeteria every day! The food there is amazing. There are so many delicious and affordable options to choose from.

What are your plans after CRPS?

I have not decided where to go after graduation yet. However, I do know that I want to continue my studies in graduate school, either in Japan or another country. I hope to focus on something related to the environment, since it is my main interest and also connects to my research publication. Still, I am also open to other opportunities, including working in Japan or abroad.

How would You recommend CRPS?

CRPS warmly welcomes those who love to listen, think, and ask questions like what, who, where, when, why, and how. It is a great place for students who want to see the world from different perspectives and learn from their peers. CRPS is also home to many students who are eager to make a positive contribution to society!