Outstanding Achievements of a Pharmacy Student Waris Rahman as University of Bengkulu Most Outstanding Student 2025
Most outstanding student (Mapres) is an inspiration to their peers on campus. They excel not only in academics but also in student activities, demonstrating a high level of dedication to self-development and contributions to their institutions. This is reflected in the figure of Waris Rahman, a student of the Bachelor of Pharmacy Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), University of Bengkulu, who was named the Most Outstanding Student of University of Bengkulu in 2025, representing the undergraduate (S1) level.
Waris Rahman receiving the 2024 Outstanding Student Reward from University of Bengkulu
The Beginning: Enthusiasm, Challenges, and Curiosity
Waris officially became a student at University of Bengkulu in early August 2023. At the start of his academic journey, he felt great enthusiasm but also faced challenges in adapting to campus life, especially in the Pharmacy field, which demands precision and discipline. Nevertheless, Waris did not limit himself to classroom activities. He soon realized that university life is not just about GPA, but also about self-development and meaningful contribution to both society and the institution.
It didn’t take long for Waris to start proving himself. In early September 2023, just one month into college, he participated in the National BPJS Health Quiz Competition, representing University of Bengkulu. Although he did not win any titles at that time, the experience left a lasting impression. He was guided by two highly dedicated Pharmacy lecturers: apt. Delia Komala Sari, S.Farm. and apt. Reza Pertiwi, S.Farm., M.Farm.
“I felt strongly supported by the Pharmacy Study Program. Even though we didn’t win, the appreciation and encouragement from my lecturers, faculty, and the university were amazing,” said Waris.
From that experience, Waris learned that the process and courage to try are far more important than just the final result. This sparked his confidence and initiative to become active in other activities.
English as a Gateway to Opportunities
Thanks to his background in English, both from his family and his training at Colorado Course, where he studied English since childhood, Waris began to explore communication roles. He served as an English MC at Pharmacy Fair, an annual event organized by HIMAFAS1. His natural and confident presentation led him to be trusted as moderator in the International Studium Generale with Asst. Prof. Mohammad N. Uddin from Mercer University, USA. All of this happened during his first semester.
“I wanted to prove that even freshmen can be trusted to take on important roles in international events, as long as they are willing to learn and seize opportunities,” said Waris.
Representing Indonesia and His Institution in International Competitions
As time passed, Waris became increasingly active in various scientific competitions, both individually and in teams. One of the most memorable and proudest achievements for him was when he and two fellow Pharmacy students, Muhammad Muzhaffar Amani and Annadine Zahrina Ajeqy, won the Gold Medal at the Global Youth Innovators Competition (GYIC), an international-level idea presentation competition.
Their team was mentored by the dedicated Pharmacy lecturer apt. Yona Harianti Putri, S.Farm., M.Farm., who consistently provided feedback and guidance throughout every stage of the competition.
GYIC 2024 Team from University of Bengkulu with their Supervisor
Waris didn’t stop there. He went on to compete in the Global Competition for Life Sciences (GloCoLis) in collaboration with his senior Zaza Nurrahmadanti, and again succeeded in winning another gold medal. These series of achievements further strengthened his position as a student who excels not only in class but also in prestigious scientific forums.
Carrying the Name of Pharmacy, FMIPA, and University of Bengkulu to the Regional Level
In mid-2025, Waris decided to take part in the Selection of Outstanding Student (Pilmapres), mentored by apt. Yogie Andika Tri Nanda, S.Farm., M.Pharm.Sci., who guided him in writing his creative idea proposal. Starting at the Faculty level, Waris won 1st Place, then advanced to the University level where he again won 1st Place, officially becoming the Outstanding Student of University of Bengkulu 2025. Waris then represented University of Bengkulu in the Pilmapres Regional Selection for LLDikti 2.
In this competition, Waris had to compete with top students from leading universities across southern Sumatra. Undeterred, even as a 4th-semester student competing against many students from the 2022 cohort, he confidently showcased his best abilities and succeeded in winning 2nd Place at the LLDikti 2 Regional Level.
Prof. Dr. Iskhaq Iskandar, M.Sc., Head of LLDikti II, presenting the Certificate and Trophy to Waris Rahman
“I’m truly grateful. At the award ceremony, the 1st place was won by an Agribusiness student from the University of Lampung (Class of 2022), and 3rd place by a Medical student from Sriwijaya University (also Class of 2022). For me, being able to stand on the same stage as them is an incredible honor,” he said.
Advancing to the National Level Selection
Currently, Waris is undergoing the initial selection for the national level of Pilmapres, competing with the best students from every LLDikti region across Indonesia. His portfolio is under evaluation, and he is preparing for the possibility of advancing to the next stage, which will be announced in September 2025.
Amidst all his achievements, Waris remains humble. He believes his success is not solely due to personal effort, but largely thanks to the full support of his lecturers, peers, seniors, and the institution that has consistently guided and encouraged him.
“I always remind myself: I’m not fighting alone. Whatever the final result may be, I want to continue bringing honor to my Pharmacy Study Program, FMIPA, and University of Bengkulu. And I hope to keep inspiring fellow students to dream big and achieve great things,” Waris concluded.