Young Researchers Team – 2022

Hi everyone! My name is Yusuke Sakai from Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS). I am majoring in English and studying business management in some lecture classes. I am also the leader of the KUFS Eco Group, and we are currently engaged in some activities related to ecology and the environment. In my free time I enjoy cooking, reading, watching movies or dramas on Netflix, and working out.

Hello everyone! My name is Yuwa Kan from Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. I live in Shiga, which is really close to Kyoto. I am majoring in English, and I love history. Speaking of history, what I am really interested in is the connection between cultures. How they are related, how they accept each other, and how they integrate is fascinating for me. When I have free time, I like to go jogging, and although it’s tiring, I use it to refresh my mind. In my neighborhood, there is a beautiful lake. Actually, it is the biggest lake in Japan, and I always enjoy its beauty whenever I go on a run.

Hello! My name is Shizuki Sogawa and I am a student at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies in Kyoto, Japan. I study English and I am interested in various things such as social issues, learning languages, translating, volunteering and so on. I grew up in the countryside in Wakayama so I like the beautiful scenery of mountains and sea. My important values are to actively challenge something new and to be myself to broaden my horizons. In my free time, I like watching movies, listening to music, enjoying fashion through which I can freely express myself, gardening and hanging out with my friends.

Hi! I’m Masahiro Iwamoto. I am a student at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies in Kyoto, Japan. I was born in Brazil and raised in Japan. I really like to study English and listen to western songs. Additionally, I like to watch dramas. I would like to be an interpreter, so now I’m studying English very hard to improve my English skills. I’m studying English, listening to some English songs and watching some dramas or movies. By doing so, my English skills are becoming better little by little. I also like to play sports very much. I have played volleyball for approximately six years.

Hello everyone! My name is Ena Kambashi, a 3rd year student at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. I major in International Issues and global/community engagement in the university, and I’m really interested in this. I’m from Hyogo, Japan, which is close to Kyoto, and there’s a lot of nature in my hometown. I really like communicating with people who have different backgrounds, so I’ve joined in some volunteering activities while at the university. I’ve been learning English since I was three years old, so it’s been an 18-year journey for me. I’m really fascinated with English, and I can’t imagine my life without it.

Hello, everyone!!! I’m Narumi Shimamoto, a 3rd year student at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. I have lived in Kyoto city for the past three years, but before I came to Kyoto I lived in Fukui prefecture, which is located to the north of Kyoto. It is famous for seafood, dinosaur fossils, and the manufacturing of spectacle frames. I like to communicate with various people, so I often facilitate events or participate in local events as a volunteer. I’m also very interested in aspects of Korean culture, such as K-pop, fashion, cosmetics, food, and so on.

Hello everyone! My name is Thanavut Prateep Na Thalang. I am a foreign student from Thailand who is studying at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. It has been 5 years since I came to Japan. I came to Japan when I was 15 years old. I was born and raised in Bangkok for 15 years and then I decided to come to study in Japan because I love Japanese culture, tradition, and lifestyle. I came to Japan when I was in high school until now. My hobby is taking photos. I love taking pictures very much because I want to keep every moment as a memory. Thank you very much for inviting me to this wonderful project!

Hello everyone! I am Haruka Miki. I was born and raised in Hyogo Prefecture and started living alone in Kyoto when I became a university student. I have many hobbies because I like to try new things and gain new knowledge. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, baking, drawing, walking, reading, and taking pictures. I recently started a Bullet Journal and have become interested in hand lettering. Since I spend more time at home, I enjoy looking up and trying foreign food recipes on YouTube and feel like I am traveling the world.

Hi, I’m Mao Kemmotsu from Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. I’m in the Faculty of Global Engagement, Department of Global Tourism. I am from Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo, but I live in Kyoto now. I love trips and Kyoto! So I enrolled in this university to learn language, tourism, and the culture of Kyoto. I played softball from 9 to 15 years old. For now I love softball and I think softball and the people I met through it absolutely changed my life. I learned a lot from them, and it gave me the base of my humanity. I love Japanese culture, tradition, architecture and history, so Kyoto is the most special place for me. I’m really happy to live and learn there! I’m also excited to join this project. It’s one of the wonderful gifts which Kyoto gave me.

Hello everyone! My name is Mizuki Kobata. I am a student of Kyoto University of Foreign Studies in Kyoto, Japan. I am in the Faculty of Global Engagement. I major in Global Tourism. I am from Osaka. I enjoy traveling to explore new cultures. This is why I chose Global Tourism as my major. I’ve been to New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, and Taiwan with my family. I lived in New Zealand for three years and went to high school there. I met a lot of people from different cultural backgrounds which inspired me a lot. In my free time, I enjoy visiting museums, temples, and shrines. Kyoto has many museums, temples and shrines which attract me a lot. Every time I visit those places, I learn new things about the culture and history of Japan which is really interesting.

Hello! My name is Balqis Maesara Jamail and I am a second year Anthropology and Sociology student at Universiti Sains Malaysia. I’m of Malay and Filipino descent and I’m the 10th out of 12 children. I’m also queer. I’m currently pursuing a HR internship in Kuala Lumpur during my semester break. I love immersing myself in books, anime, cosplay, Studio Ghibli films, games, looking for random cafes around KL, and romanticizing life. I’m diagnosed with BPD and GAD and therefore big on mental health awareness. I also have 8 cats and love them more than anything in the world!

Hi, my name is Muhammad Danieal Bin A. Razak and I’m a second year student in the Anthropology and Sociology department at Universiti Sains Malaysia. I am a Malay and have 3 siblings of which I am the middle one. I was born and live in Johor, and I love doing research about family and LGBTQ matters. It may sound a bit weird, but I love to hear about their problems and the decisions they have to make. My ambition is to become a teacher, and even though it’s outside of my course, I will try my best. The thing I love most is going out, or on holiday, with my friends to help release tension and relax.

Hola! I am Alissa Anne Alexander, but people here call me Lissa. I grew up in Malaysia and have lived here for 21 years. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in the Faculty of Social Sciences on the main campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia. As a student of social work, I am involved in PIHDM which assists people who require the essentials for life, and several other NGOs with the help of a church youth organization. Good day! Nice knowing all of you.

Hi everyone! My name is Muhamad Firdaus bin Mohd Nazri. I’m 22 years old, originally from Malaysia, and the second child of four siblings. I am taking my Bachelors in Social Work, at the School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. I am involved in associations and clubs at the University, and in addition, I am also active with several charitable NGOs as a volunteer. In the field of volunteering, I participate in humanitarian missions and in organizing programs that have an impact on the community.

Hi, my name is Muhammad Ikhmal Hafiz and I’m a second-year student from the School of Social Science. I’m majoring in Development Planning and Management and minoring in Management. I have a lot of hobbies such as diving, reading, jogging, and anything that can be extreme. I enjoyed doing this fieldwork because it helped me to develop something new for myself. Good judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement.

My name is Nur Ain Adlina binti Mahamad Asri. I live in Keratong, Rompin, Pahang. It takes 10 to 12 hours to arrive at USM. I’m a second-year student in the School of Science and am majoring in Development Planning and Management. I love shopping and travelling. I will work hard to get the things that I want. Recently, I travelled to Langkawi using the money that I have to work with my family. I also love watching movies and dramas.

Hello Everyone! My name is Audrey Kor Yong Jing. I’m a third year student taking a Bachelor of Economics degree in the School of Social Sciences, USM. I was born at Sungai Petani, Kedah, but currently live in Butterworth, Penang. My hobbies are drawing, watching movies and listening to music. I love to watch the Harry Potter series of movies, too.

Hi everyone! I am Andrian Lopez Matius. I am a second year student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Economics degree at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang. I particularly enjoy studying Economics as I love to seek the answers to the world’s problems. I was born in Sibu, Sarawak, and am currently staying at Kuching, Sarawak. During my leisure time, I like playing games, watching netflix series, and jogging. I also like to join volunteer activities as I love to engage with, and help, people.

Hello everyone! My name is Ahmad Syukri Bin Mohammad. I’m from Malaysia, and I am 23 years old. I’m a student at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, and am currently a third-year in the School of Social Sciences. I’m taking a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, where my major is Political Science, and my minor is Development Management and Planning. I’m a person who likes to try new things, and general knowledge related to world issues is my hobby.

Hello everyone! My name is Nur Athirah Binti Khairul Ferdaus. I am from Malaysia, and I am 21 years old. I study at Universiti Sains Malaysia and am currently in my second year of studies. I am taking a Bachelor’s Degree in the School of Social Sciences, where my major is Political Science, and my minor is Psychology. I am a person who can blend in well with new people and love to express my opinion whenever I get the chance to do so. My dream is to explore and experience new things in this world.

Hi everyone, my name is Mariane Bea D. Bauzon and you can call me Bea. I am the youngest in our family of five. I am 21 and currently studying towards my Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science at San Pedro College. I live in Midsayap, Cotabato. I am very grateful to be a part of the Young Global Research Project (YGRP) as it is an opportunity to discover inspiring stories in our community and to share these stories with a wide audience.

Good day, everyone! My name is Eishi Iannah Andreille C. Mutia and I am 20 years of age. You can call me Eish. I am a third year college student and I am studying for my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). I am currently residing in Davao City together with my family. I am the eldest daughter and I have a sibling. I chose nursing because I want to work in different hospital departments and also serve the community.

Mabuhay! My name is Hanna Mae R. Baloyo, and I am studying towards a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at San Pedro College. I was born on October 21, 2001 and I currently live in Davao City, Philippines. My father is also from Davao City, while my mother is from Samal, Davao Del Norte. I have one sister and I’m the youngest. My interests include volunteering, reading books, watching movies and spending time with my friends. I aim to pursue a career in healthcare because I want to serve the community and help people in need.

Maayong adlaw! I’m Bella Cleodette U. Pacana, a Bachelor of Science student and Medical Laboratory Science clinical intern at San Pedro College, Philippines. I started volunteering at the Philippine Red Cross in 2015, and I have also been a campus journalist since grade school. I am very passionate when it comes to voluntary service, arts, literature and music. I am going to pursue a career in the medical field because I want to not only heal people but also touch their lives and have an impact without asking for anything in return. I spend my free time reading books, watching movies, biking, swimming, doing something creative, volunteering and spending quality time with friends and family.

Good day, everyone! My name is Hyacinthe Te, and I am 20 years old and a third year Nursing Student from San Pedro College, Davao City, Philippines. I was born and raised in General Santos City, but moved to Davao City seven years ago. I am currently the class president of my section and the president of Volunteer Service Provider. I am fond of doing volunteer work and taking part in community engagement activities. After graduating from nursing school, I would like to study to become a medical doctor. I enjoy reading, writing, music and watching films.

Good day, everyone! I am Jacob De Cilis, a 22-year-old Filipino, currently in my fourth year as a student of San Pedro College (SPC) in Davao City, Philippines. I am presently studying for my Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science. As a student at SPC, I am fond of conducting research and doing medical laboratory tests and procedures. Aside from that, I enjoy collaborating in a group or with a partner, and I am willing to participate in various activities or events such as volunteer programs, contests, and such. Among my hobbies, the two worth-mentioning are joining community engagement activities and having fun with colleagues and friends.

Greetings! I am Juvin Chlayne Gloryne L. Elid, or “Juvin” for short. I was born, raised and currently reside in Davao City, Philippines. I am a medical technologist intern at San Pedro College. I enjoy collaborating with other people from different parts of the world as well as learning new languages and different cultures. I love traveling, spontaneous adventures, nature, hiking, chasing waterfalls and cliff jumping. During my free time, I read books, watch TV series or movies, play the piano and enjoy sports.

Hello! My parents named me Flormarie L. Tuado but everyone calls me Bambi. I was born and raised in the humble province of Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental – a place filled with mountains and beaches. I became a volunteer, because fortunately I am surrounded by kind people who love to help others especially those who are in need and I got inspired. During my spare time, I like to read books, climb trees and teach lumad or native children like me in the neighborhood how to read and write as well as basic mathematics. My goal is to become a voice for young children who want to have a better life through education.

Hello! My name is Aiyana Jul A. Decena, and I am a third year Pharmacy student at San Pedro College in Davao, Philippines. I aspire to be a medical doctor. I’m from a family of five, and I am the eldest daughter. I enjoy watching TV, journaling and reading self-help and poetry books. I am a firm believer in the words of Sigmund Freud: One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful. Hence, to you who are reading this, your struggles are driving you towards growth. So hang in there!

Hi everyone! I am Ai-jay V. Cortez, a 21-year-old student of San Pedro College, Davao City, Philippines. Currently, I am a fourth year intern in the program of Medical Laboratory Science of San Pedro College. I am also an active leader in the Student Congress. We initiate school events, projects and community extension programs. I usually spend my free time painting and making digital art. I also love to read novels and watch documentaries.

Hello everyone! My name is Camila, and I am a psychology student at the University of Surabaya. I also work remotely as a virtual assistant. I was born in 2002 in Madiun, Indonesia and I was raised there until I moved to Surabaya for college. My hobbies are watching shows and playing video games – if I have time between college and work. One of my dreams is to study or live abroad. I’m very eager to learn more about other countries and their cultures, which is why I joined this program.

Hello there! My name is Gerald Natanael Suteja, and I am a student at the University of Surabaya (UBAYA) in Indonesia. I was born and raised in Surabaya, but I have moved around quite a bit, even spending a few years in Brisbane, Australia. Currently, I’m back home in Indonesia, studying for a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology. My hobbies include reading, watching anime, and occasionally cosplaying with friends. It’s always good to see what the world is like, so traveling has also become a hobby of mine. The best place I’ve been to has to be Japan, and I am very hopeful that I can one day return to Japan and encounter its rich culture and history!

My name is Patrick Anderson and I am a student at the University of Surabaya (UBAYA), which I entered in 2020. I was born in Jakarta, Indonesia but I grew up in Surabaya. I’m currently majoring in Biotechnology and learning lots of fun stuff. I’m the kind of person that is hungry for knowledge and experiences. One thing that I like about Biotechnology, or science in general, is that there will always be innovation around the subject, something new to research and understand. YGRP is also a new experience for me and that’s why I was very excited to be a part of it. Meeting lots of new people with the same interests was fun and I am looking forward for more experiences like this in the future!

My name is Irene Santoso and I am a third-year psychology student at the University of Surabaya (UBAYA) in Indonesia. Currently, I live in Surabaya, but I was born and raised in Surakarta. I enjoy psychology because it changes my way of seeing the world. It struck me how much the past and our environment has on our lives. With regard to psychology, I’m most interested in the clinical field. Aside from being a university student, I spent my leisure time reading, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family.

My name is Joshua Tanujaya and I am from Indonesia. I’m a chemical engineering student from the University of Surabaya with dreams of developing innovations to overcome obstacles in society. I enjoy reading novels, playing games, watching movies, hanging out and having a lie in.

Hello everyone! My name is Sarah Pondung. I am a medical student from the University of Surabaya with aspirations to become a competent, empathetic doctor. I am from Indonesia, but I was born and raised for most of my life in the Middle East, in Kuwait. My passion lies in volunteering, writing, poetry and in appreciating the little things in life. I aim to contribute to the medical field through dedication and hard work. I plan to specialize in either psychiatry or pediatrics.

Hello everyone! My name is Jessica Angelina Ahad and I am 19 years old. I am an undergraduate student at the University of Surabaya, Indonesia. I study Law in the Department of Law and I enjoy doing research and analyzing how people interact. I have also had an interest in volunteering since high school. I was also an exchange student at Northern Illinois University, Chicago. In my leisure time I enjoy reading, singing, watching Korean dramas, and hanging out with my friends.

Hi everyone, I’m Nicole Tiffany Gloria Setiono Thenoch but you can call me Nicole for short. I am currently a pharmacy student at the University of Surabaya in Indonesia. I have always been passionate about anything connected to the medical field because I find it very cool to be able to help others in need. When in need of entertainment I mostly read, watch shows or spend time with friends or family. I have also enjoyed participating in debate competitions since high school as they challenge me to think critically and express myself clearly.

Hello everyone, my name is Jovanka Rya Ivana. I have lived in Malang for the last 18 years and am currently living in Surabaya for college. I’m majoring in psychology at the University of Surabaya, and this year I will be in my third year. I have liked drawing since I was a child, and that hobby led me to get involved in many events in college. I’m really hoping I can develop my drawing and design skills further and try to work as a freelancer. I’m interested in psychology but I’m actually still undecided about what I want to be or what specifically in the field of psychology I wish to focus on.

My name is Precella Silvia and I live in Surabaya. I’m a senior at the University of Surabaya majoring in Biotechnology. As part of my studies, I have researched Bioinformatics, Drug Development, and Molecular Biology. I am also an activist and serve as President of the Student’s Representative Board. My passion for teaching has driven me to be a private tutor. Currently, I teach mathematics, physics and chemistry to middle and high schoolers. I also love music, having played piano since I was in second grade. Over the last 3 years, I learned how to make digital art and it led me to set up my own online business. My dream is to pursue a master’s degree overseas and research medical science to improve the quality of life in Indonesia.

Hi everyone! My name is Pawich Wongkamhang, but my friends call me Simon. I am a senior student at Chiang Mai University, majoring in Marketing Communication, minoring in Humanities and English. My main focus for study is in the area of Public Relations. I love working in a team and learning new things.

Hi everyone ! My name is Acharaphon Kanjai, but my friends call me May. I am a senior student at Chiang Mai University. I’m studying Marketing Communication and my major is mainly the study of Public Relations. I live in Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand. I enjoy working with people and also love to travel to new places. In my free time I love watching movies and playing games. I am also an animal lover because they are really wonderful and make my heart calm.

Hi everyone! My name is Voravit Osathananda (Victor) and I come from Chiang Mai, Thailand. Currently I am studying Food Process Engineering at Chiang Mai University (CMU) and also working part time as a language translator for the Faculty of Medicine, CMU. Over the past ten years I have learned English to an advanced level, along with a basic level of Mandarin. I enjoy talking with a wide range of people from around the world to further explore and understand cultures, history and ways of living. I have been fortunate enough to travel with my family to over ten countries with Japan being my favorite. In my free time I like to stay active and play competitive ultimate frisbee, motocross, plane spotting, martial arts, cooking, baking and hanging out with my friends.