A glorious achievement accomplished by a faculty member at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS). Cheryl Marlitta Stefia, a doctoral student in the Doctoral Program in Economics (PDIE), along with her supervisor Prof. Budhi Haryanto, brought home a Silver Medal at the International Competition on Education for All (ICEFA) 2024.

The competition—held on December 27, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur and organized by the Asia Institute of Education for All—attracted scholars, researchers, and students from across the globe, all sharing a common goal: to find new and effective ways to expand access to education for everyone, in line with the global Education for All mission.

Cheryl and Prof. Budhi’s essay, entitled “Engaging Remote Learners: Applying Gamification and Customer Behavior Insights to Break Educational Barriers in Indonesia,” stood out to the panel of judges. Their work shed light on a highly relevant issue—how gamification strategies and principles from customer behavior can be creatively used to enhance the participation and motivation of remote learners, especially in areas with limited educational access.

In her statement, Cheryl reflected on the achievement, emphasizing that it was the result of collaborative effort and a shared passion for exploring practical and innovative learning solutions that can be adapted in Indonesia’s educational landscape.

“We hope this research can inspire new approaches in Indonesian education, especially in overcoming challenges related to access and inclusivity,” she shared.

This recognition not only highlights Cheryl and Prof. Budhi’s dedication but also contributes meaningfully to conversations around education reform, particularly how technology and behavior-based strategies can support a more inclusive learning environment.

Their success also serves as an encouraging example for fellow Indonesian scholars and students to engage more actively in international academic forums and keep pushing the boundaries of educational innovation.