Hello everyone!

My name is Ramadhan Sanyoto Sugiharso Widodo, but feel free to call me Rama. I'm currently a PhD student at Sungkyunkwan University in Korea and a lecturer at the University of Respati Indonesia in Indonesia. Back in 2023, while I was studying my fast-track bachelor's and master's degrees at Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology in Indonesia, I got the chance to join the Sakura Science Exchange Program at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) in Nara, Japan. I worked in the Imaging-based Computational Biomedicine (ICB) Laboratory, and it was one of the experiences that changed my life for the better.

The Sakura Science Exchange Program is truly amazing. Our group program focuses on the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging, with the aim of addressing challenges related to an ageing society. I gained so much knowledge about the innovations in medical imaging. However, it wasn't just about technology. I also gained direct experience of Japanese culture, which made me want to visit Japan again someday. This combination of learning and cultural immersion truly broadened my perspectives.

What made it even more special? It was my first in-person outbound study program. Previously, I had never studied abroad in person, and it opened doors wide open. After the Sakura Science Exchange Program, I found myself in an outbound study program, including a short study program and a conference in Australia, China, Thailand, and Taiwan. Each journey was built on the foundation of my first step in Japan. Professionally, it enhanced my portfolio and prepared me for a PhD program in Korea. It showed me that I could thrive in new environments. The Sakura Science Exchange Program was the catalyst that ignited the journey that followed.

These days, I'm deeply interested in exploring the world of pixels and patterns, especially in medical imaging, AI in healthcare, and computer vision. There is something truly exciting about uncovering the hidden stories within data that can help doctors prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases. My time at NAIST provided me with practical experience in developing AI solutions for healthcare, and that has shaped what I want to pursue next. I am always open to collaborating with people who share similar interests. There is so much we can do together! I am looking for research opportunities in the future that can make a real impact.

Here's a fun fact: I am one of the coordinators of the Sakura Alumni Association in Indonesia (SAAI). It's been a pleasure to interact with people from diverse backgrounds through events such as the Sakura Science Alumni Workshop on SDGs and the Alumni Meeting. The Alumni Meeting is my favourite, where we sit with other alumni, exchanging ideas, and building new connections. It's truly inspiring to see how everyone's experiences are interconnected. I hope that SAAI can grow into a hub for knowledge exchange, exciting research collaboration, and even cultural exchange, not only in Indonesia but also with Sakura Science Club members around the world.

Sakura Science Club, We Are One!