Aceh, Indonesia – Amirunnas, a student in the Biology Master’s program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) and a young conservationist from Aceh, has achieved another remarkable milestone. He has been selected to participate in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellows Program (PFP), a prestigious program focusing on sustainability and the environment in the United States in 2025.
This program offers young leaders from Southeast Asia the opportunity to work directly with renowned organizations in the environmental field. Over several weeks, Amirunnas will undergo intensive training, professional internships, and gain access to a global network to enhance his capacity in conservation and sustainability efforts.
An Acehnese Conservationist with a Global Vision
Amirunnas is known for his dedication to wildlife conservation and empowering local communities in Aceh, a region rich in biodiversity. He has been involved in various environmental preservation projects and sustainable resource management. “I am very grateful and proud to be selected. This is a great opportunity to learn from experts in the United States and bring that innovation back to Aceh to implement it,” said Amirunnas.
As a YSEALI participant, he will learn cutting-edge strategies in environmental management, species conservation, and the application of innovative technologies in the sustainability sector.
Selected Through a Highly Competitive Process
YSEALI PFP is known for its highly competitive selection process. Participants are chosen based on their experience, contributions to their communities, and leadership potential. Amirunnas’ success reflects his dedication and capacity to address environmental conservation challenges in Aceh. This program also opens opportunities for international collaboration through a global network that includes young leaders from various countries in Southeast Asia.
Pride in His Achievement
Amirunnas’ success is met with pride by the Dean of FMIPA-USK, Prof. Dr. Taufik Fuadi Abidin, S.Si., M.Tech. “Amirunnas has shown extraordinary dedication as a student in the Biology Master’s program at FMIPA-USK and as a young conservationist. His selection for the YSEALI program is a source of pride for both the faculty and the university. We hope that this experience will bring a positive impact, particularly for the environment in Aceh and Indonesia,” said Prof. Taufik.
Furthermore, Prof. Taufik emphasized that this achievement is part of Universitas Syiah Kuala’s efforts to become a World-Class University. By continuously encouraging its students to gain global exposure, USK is committed to producing a generation capable of competing on the international stage, both academically and in social contributions.
Commitment to Better Conservation
As a Biology Master’s student, Amirunnas is expected to bring back knowledge and experience gained in the United States to strengthen conservation efforts in Aceh. By applying innovative strategies, he has the potential to make a significant impact on forest ecosystem preservation, wildlife protection, and local community empowerment.
“Amirunnas is a true testament that FMIPA-USK students are not only capable of competing at the national level but also internationally. We are extremely proud of his achievement,” added Prof. Taufik.
About the YSEALI Professional Fellows Program
YSEALI (Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative) is a U.S. government initiative to empower young leaders in Southeast Asia. The program includes direct training, professional internships, and cross-country collaboration in various sectors, including the environment, education, and community development.
Amirunnas’ participation in YSEALI PFP 2025 not only brings personal pride but also elevates the name of FMIPA-USK and Aceh on the global stage. This milestone serves as an inspiration for other students to continue pursuing excellence and supporting USK’s vision of becoming a world-class university.
