A proud moment for Indonesia unfolded at the Asia-Pacific Conference of Young Scientists (APCYS) 2025 in Taiwan, where five remarkable young women researchers carried the nation’s name to the highest stage of recognition. Held from July 23 to 27 at National Taiwan University and Chung Yuan Christian University, the international conference brought together bright minds from across Asia-Pacific, celebrating innovation, creativity, and perseverance.
This year’s APCYS featured categories spanning Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Life Sciences, and Environmental Science. Among 57 participants from 11 countries, Indonesia stood tall with its team of five female student-researchers, selected through the prestigious Lomba Peneliti Belia (LPB) 2024 competition. Their success translated into two Gold Awards and two Silver Awards, a testament to both talent and rigorous preparation.
In the spotlight, Viveca Gracia Satyawibawa and Gracesylla Eka Bonita of SMA Kolese Loyola Semarang presented their innovation “See-Skin: Intelligent Skin-Cancer Screening at Your Fingertips”, clinching a Gold Award in Computer Science. Equally inspiring, Karen Patricia Subrata from SMA Cita Hati East Campus secured a Gold Award in Mathematics with her research “Unraveling the Secret: Causality Behind Mechanistic Transmission of Type-2 Diabetes in Women.”
Silver honors were proudly brought home by Lady Floppytha Kamilah Azzahra of SMAN 5 Surabaya, who impressed judges in Environmental Science with her study on reducing carbon monoxide emissions using activated carbon from coconut shell waste. Meanwhile, Angelique Kania Wiguna of SMA St. Angela Bandung earned a Silver Award in Mathematics with her work on relative risk mapping for dengue through the SMR method.
These young scientists’ journey was not without intense preparation. Between January and July 2025, they underwent three intensive training camps in Bandung and Jakarta, supported by experts from Universitas Katolik Parahyangan, Institut Teknologi Bandung, 1928.id, and mentors from the Center for Young Scientists (CYS). Their trip was led by CYS Director Dr. Monika Raharti, accompanied by Dr. Farah Kristiani.
With 57 participants from 11 nations—including Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Guam, Mexico, Russia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Netherlands, and Turkey—the APCYS provided not just competition, but also a platform to foster a love for science among high school students.
As the Indonesian delegation returns with these achievements, the success of these five young women scientists symbolizes resilience, brilliance, and the boundless potential of youth. Their accomplishments light a path for future generations, reaffirming that with passion, guidance, and perseverance, young minds can shine brightly on the world stage.
