In a modest home in Paser Regency, the southernmost region of East Kalimantan Province, Deyan Syahirah Khairunnisa grew up under the guidance of her parents’ wisdom. Among the many meaningful pieces of advice, one sentence was deeply etched in her heart: “Pursue education as high as possible, because that is the path to changing your fate.” That message became the compass guiding Deyan’s steps, eventually leading her into the professional world, where she contributes and creates value with what she has.
However, long before reaching the world of work, Deyan had to navigate a winding journey. Since childhood, she frequently moved from place to place, following her parents’ assignments as teachers. She received formal education in several locations across West Nusa Tenggara Province, beginning at SDN Inpres Sondosia Bima, continuing at MTS Darul Ulum Dompu, and completing her secondary education at MAN 1 Bima. Through these journeys, Deyan learned two essential lessons: adaptability and perseverance.
According to Deyan, every new environment—including schools—taught her about diversity and the inner strength needed to adjust. “Since I was little, I’ve been used to adapting. I learned to adjust quickly to new surroundings. My parents always said that school is not just about grades, but about building character,” she said warmly.
For Deyan, the habit of moving between homes and social environments also nurtured a strong sense of curiosity. This was one of the reasons she developed an interest in physics, a discipline that explores how nature works. That interest led her to the University of Mataram (UNRAM), majoring in Physics Education—a field that demands sharp logic and high perseverance.
While pursuing her university studies amid various limitations, Deyan heard about a scholarship offered by PT Sumbawa Timur Mining (STM). At the time, only ten top-performing students could benefit from the program. With determination, Deyan decided to enter the competitive selection. “I knew the scholarship was highly competitive. But I thought, if I don’t try, I’ll never know how far I can go,” she recalled.
The selection process was not easy. It involved a series of tests, including an online interview session where participants had to present an innovation. Deyan introduced a gravity acceleration measuring device based on Arduino—a simple yet meaningful project. She designed it independently, and the project was successfully published in a national scientific journal. Deyan passed the test despite experiencing internet connection issues that made her anxious.
Thanks to Deyan’s confidence and capabilities, along with support from her family, she became one of the selected recipients of the first batch of the STM Achievement Scholarship. This accomplishment became a crucial foundation for Deyan in shaping her path toward professional life.
I don’t come from a wealthy family, so the scholarship wasn’t just financial aid—it was trust and an opportunity to change my future.
During the scholarship program, Deyan received not only tuition support but also various types of training and networking opportunities. She fully utilized the program to sharpen both her technical and non-technical skills. The STM Achievement Scholarship Program—launched in 2021 and now offering 109 scholarship slots for Dompu youth—has strengthened Deyan’s steps in realizing her life aspirations, one by one.
From Campus Life to the Professional World
After graduating in December 2022, Deyan began preparing herself to enter the workforce. She believed that the knowledge and skills she had acquired would be valuable in navigating this transitional phase. It didn’t take long before Deyan joined PT Global Arrow—a security partner of STM at the Hu’u Project, a copper exploration initiative in Dompu Regency. She took on a role in the administrative team.
In her position, Deyan was driven to learn new things. She felt challenged to apply her analytical and numerical skills to help the team grow more effectively. “My tasks are mostly related to data, timesheets, employee salaries, finance, and vendors. But behind those administrative duties, I also learn how to maintain interdepartmental communication and ensure everything runs according to the system,” she explained.
Deyan quickly became a recognizable figure in the workplace thanks to her collaborative attitude and eagerness to learn. Her enthusiasm even led to her being selected as a model for the STM Achievement Scholarship program to inspire others. Her face was displayed in strategic locations across villages surrounding the Hu’u Project area. “I felt emotional seeing my photo there. Not because I was proud of myself, but because my friends and the local community said they felt proud too,” she said with sparkling eyes.
Although she is now employed, Deyan remains committed to improving her capabilities. Her current goal is to enhance her English proficiency and formal communication skills. “Sometimes I get nervous when speaking in front of a crowd. But I’m learning to be more confident, because if I don’t try, I’ll never know what I’m capable of,” she said. She also hopes to pursue a master’s degree in the future, focusing on management or human resource development.
Life Values: Humility and Hard Work
If she had to summarize her life principles in two words, Deyan would choose humility and hard work. These two values, she said, have always guided her every step and served as reminders in both joyful and difficult times.
I believe that with humility, we can find our place anywhere, and with hard work, we can achieve anything.
She speaks not only for herself, but also for the younger generation in her hometown. Through her story as a recipient of the STM Achievement Scholarship, Deyan seeks to affirm that one’s place of origin is not a barrier to dreaming big. “I want young people in rural areas to know that the world is vast. Don’t stay in your comfort zone. Go out and see the world, learn new things, and keep creating,” she urged.
Deyan Syahirah may not be a dazzling figure on a grand stage, but her story carries its own light that inspires others. She grew up in a modest family, faced challenges with resilience, and proved that education can elevate anyone who is willing to strive. “If you fail, don’t lose heart. Failure is not the end—it’s part of the journey toward greater achievement,” she concluded.
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Discover more inspiring stories from STM Scholarship recipients here.
