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The academic journey was, of course, filled with challenges. My physical and hearing limitations sometimes made
communication difficult, especially when some professors spoke quickly or at a low volume. To overcome this, I took
detailed notes, asked questions after class, and relied on peers who willingly shared their materials. The openness
and cooperativeness of the lecturers made adaptation much easier. I appreciated how transparent and approachable

they were, which created a learning environment where Icould grow without fear of misunderstanding or exclusion.

These experiences taught me the value of persistence and community support in overcoming barriers.

Despite the occasional struggles and sleepless nights, I found genuine excitement in studying. Every discussion, paper,
fulfi

and deadline pushed me a step further. My most llingmoment came when I completed my final research paper
and received the highest score for it. That recognition was more than an academic achievement. It was a validation
of all the effort, late nights, and selfdiscipline I had invested throughout the programme. It reminded me that
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perseverance, even in quiet and difficult moments, always leads to meaningful results.

Living and studying in Malaysia also gave me a broader understanding of inclusivity and good governance. I found that
academic life at Universiti Malaya values openness, dialogue, and transparency. It was easy to approach lecturers and
engage in honest discussions about ideas. That culture of openness not only helped me grow academically but also
inspired me to envision a more participatory approach to policymaking, where communities are not merely recipients

of policy but active contributors to it.

Now that I have completed my Master’s degree, I can and see how much I have changed since my first day on
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campus. I arrived as a student eager to learn policy frameworks, and I leave as a researcher capable of producing

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grounded, contextsensitive policy analysis. My time at Universiti Malaya has taught methat policymaking is not just
about designing solutions but about understanding the people those solutions are meant to serve. It has also
strengthened my belief that evidence and empathy must coexist in every policy decision.

LEFT
Presentation on the research titled ‘Towards
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Deinstitutionalisation: Incorporation of Community
Based Support System into Mental Health Intervention
Plan in Jakarta’.

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