Hi friends! I’m Muti, one of the Sakura High School Program (SSHP) alumni. Back in 2017, when I was in high school, I had the opportunity to join this program. Ever since then, I had the privilege of becoming the main coordinator of the Sakura Alumni Association in Indonesia (SAAI) from 2019 until 2022.

The Sakura Science Program has always been a highlight during my high school years. I learnt a lot about science and Japanese culture from this program. There were a lot of life-changing experiences we had, and it is difficult to pick which one is the best. One of the most memorable moments was when we had the chance to have dialogues with the Nobel laureate in chemistry, Professor Ryoji Noyori. I became one of the students who had the opportunity to ask about his work in asymmetric hydrogen catalysis. He mentioned that it was a coincidence to discover this method during his lab work. But later he told us that nothing in life is a coincidence, he would not have worked in that laboratory without his diligent ethics. He would not have created an amazing team with his lab partners without their similar passions in chemistry. Success is always based on our hard work and determination in achieving it. Other things will follow through. That wisdom has been engraved in my memory until now. I am committed to applying it in my work ethic since then.

Currently, I am in my last year of medical studies. In my spare time, I teach advanced chemistry to high school students. I help them prepare for the national chemistry olympiad. My passion for chemistry has grown since I had dialogues with Professor Ryoji Noyori. Despite being a medical student who learns human anatomy, physiology, and also mechanisms of disease, I think it is better to incorporate other basic sciences into medicine, especially chemistry. During my studies, I had the chance to become a research intern at the Drug Development Research Center, Indonesia Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI). Our research focuses on herbal medicine and cancer therapy utilizing Indonesia's biodiversity.

My experiences in joining SSHP 2017 widens my perspective on the importance of incorporating hard work and persistence into every aspects of my life. Sakura Science Club is still committed to connecting and empowering its alumni around the world until now. As a former coordinator of SAAI, I am utterly grateful for all the support the SSP board members have given to the alumni. I would like to thank the Japan Science and Technology Agency for this opportunity. Thank you for igniting my passion for science. Sakura Science Club, we are one!