Script Wawancara MEXT Kosen 2023

^^Hendy Cahya Suwandi^^ – GJ0616

1. Introduce yourself!
その後も英語で答えていきたいと思います

Thank you for the opportunity. Good Morning/Afternoon, My name is Hendy Cahya Suwandi.
You can call me Hendy. I am 20 years old. I graduated from Bogor Vocational Highschool of
Chemical Analyst, a four-year vocational high school in analytical chemistry major. Therefore, it
makes me skillful in practical chemistry. Our school also provides additional chemistry subjects
to deepen our understanding of theory. I have won several national chemistry competitions
during school, including the biggest ones such as OKTAN ITB, CC UI, and OKN UGM. I currently
work as a Chemical Analyst at PT Kalbe Morinaga Indonesia, a Japan Food and Beverages
Industry. My primary job is to ensure the product's quality matches the regulated standard. In
addition, I also learned how to develop the process for the production of a new product
choosing all necessary operations, machine tools, and other aspects of planning and control of
manufacturing. I am amazed how engineering can change something useless into valuable
things. I also learned and got used to the style of working in a Japanese company. Those make
me passionate about chemistry and engineering, intend to know deeper about Japan. In the
future, I want to be a researcher in the manufacturing industry, focusing on developing
Indonesian natural resources.

2. Why you decided to resign from your work?

As I have said before, I want to be a researcher. To achieve it, continuing education is essential
because my knowledge is still lacking to understand something fundamentally and research in a
field. In addition, I see higher career opportunities if I continue my studies than if I stay in this
position. For that, I have prepared to resign from my work. I have also discussed this with my
family and my superior, who are very supportive of my decision. I will leave my job without
leaving any problems and complete all my tasks before I leave the company.

3. Why do you want to study in Japan? Why choose Japan? What your impression about japan?
First, what attracts me to Japan is the Japanese lifestyle. I feel this since I work for a Japanese
company. They are very disciplined, value time, and have a high work ethic. And I have to apply
it in my work. Unconsciously, this makes my daily life better.
 I am also very interested in Japan because of the rapid development of technology and
innovation there. For example, vending machines are scattered in various regions in Japan. This
kind of technology in Japan helps life.
. Japan is a country that focused on investing its future in science. As a result, science is growing
rapidly in Japan and it's proven by there were so many nobelist who comes from japan, including
chemistry. Chemistry itself in Japan has developed very well and made many contributions to
the world. For example in 2019, Mr. Akira Yoshino won the chemistry Nobel for developing
lithium-ion batteries. Later, Japan also won many awards in various chemistry subjects. I think
chemistry and japan are moving together side by side. If I study chemistry in Japan, I believe I
can maximize my potential.
And also, to support technological development, Japan has advantages in research and
innovation. One example is Mr. Akira Yoshino, who won the chemistry Nobel for developing
lithium-ion batteries.
Studying in Japan provides an opportunity to explore technology and innovation and good
Japanese work ethics. I believe that a good work ethic and deep understanding of research and
innovation can maximize my potential.

4. If u want to be a researcher, why dont you choose Gakubu instead of Kosen?

The reason why I chose the kosen program is that it fits my background as a graduate of a vocational
school. I learned a lot about practical chemistry and wanted to deepen it. I also work in a laboratory
where I am busy daily with practicals. Kosen provides a focus on lab work, practical work, and
hands-on exercises, as well as having advanced theoretical knowledge. So I think KOSEN is the most
suitable place to continue my studies. But, after i learn a lot about practical science in kosen, I intend
to continue to an undergraduate degree to achieve my future of becoming a researcher.

5. Why this major?

I chose Chemical Engineering, Organic Materials Engineering, and Biological Chemistry for my
major because I like chemistry and have experience and a deep understanding of chemistry. The
reason why I like Chemistry is that chemistry describes a phenomenon in detail that cannot be
seen directly physically. Chemistry gives a lot of answers to the things that happen around me.
I also believe that to become a researcher who is an expert in their field, we must be focused
 and consistent. I want to focus more on chemistry to innovate and develop in this sector. That's
why I chose the three majors.

6. What kinds of things do you think you can contribute to Japan and your home country?
Indonesia is a country that has abundant natural resources and human resources. Seeing this,
Indonesia should be able to excel in the manufacturing sector. However, Indonesia is still
classified as a developing country due to the lack of utilization the resources. Despite its small
number of resources, Japan is able to become a leading country in manufacturing precisely
because of the advanced knowledge and technology fostered by its excellent education system. I
believe that a great combination of human resources, natural resources, education, and
technology will be essential for the country's future, especially for Indonesia and Japan.
Innovating renewable energy such as biofuel is one of the ways to take advantage of the
resources and technology. This innovation can reduce and recycle waste to become energy,
reduce pollution, and help Indonesia and Japan grow economically.
I believe with experiencing and learning more about those things in Japan, I can contribute to
making Indonesia an advanced country. Also, I can make a connection and become a mediator
for Japan to develop manufacturing together. I am sure that a collaboration between Japan's
technology and the natural resources and human resources of Indonesia will be a great solution
to success.

7. What trouble that you will involve in Japan and how you can through them?
The problem that I might face is the first language. I'm not very good at Japanese. Therefore, I
started learning Japanese little by little over the past two months. I hope that with my current
preparation, it won't be too difficult for me to adapt to Japan.
The second trouble is that Muslims are the minority in Japan. Finding halal food will be pretty
difficult, but I will try cooking, eating fish, and adjusting to eating more vegetation. Shalah is not
a quiet problem because I can do it anywhere, as long as clean and facing kiblah.
The third trouble is adapting to the culture. Japan is a country that has a unique culture. I will
learn as much as possible before going there, so I will adapt faster.
The last is weather

8. How can you handle your stress?

In my opinion, stress is a natural thing, especially in studying or working. Usually, when I feel
stressed, I decide to sleep so I can restore my focus and energy. Besides that, I also do things I
 like, like watching movies and going out to breathe fresh air, which has worked for me until now.
If it still doesn't work to relieve my stress, I will share my problem with my family, like calling my
mother. If I share my pain with someone, especially the people I love, It will decrease the
burden.

9. Kosen is spread around the rural areas in Japan, are you ready?
Placed in a rural area can be quite challenging because access and facilities are not as complete
as in the city, but my focus is on my goals. I intend to continue this scholarship and try to adapt
to the environment that I will face later. On the positive side, being placed in a village also has
many benefits, such as a low cost of living, and a healthy environment. It can increase my focus
on learning.

10. Are your parents support you to study in Japan?

Initially, my parents disapproved of me continuing my studies in Japan because of economic
problems. However, I tried to convince them that with this scholarship, I could continue my
education without considering living expenses. I tried to consult with the awardee of this
scholarship regarding financial matters, and I explained it to my parents. With the experience of
working and living in an area far from my family, I convinced my parents that I could live
independently and manage my finances well. Finally, my parents agreed and were very
supportive of my decision.

11. While in Indonesia, where do you live?

I lived with my parents until I graduated from a vocational school in Bogor. After graduating, I
continue to work out of town in Karawang, living far from my family. I live alone in a rented
house.I learned how to live independently, manage finances, manage time, and take care of
myself.

12. What is your future goal?

I want to contribute to the science and technology field to advance Indonesia. In the future, I
would like to become a researcher in manufacturing, focusing on developing the natural
resources of Indonesia. Currently, Indonesia still relies on fossil-based fuels as an energy source.
Meanwhile, the increasing energy consumption is inversely proportional to the decreasing
availability of fossil fuels, which makes Indonesia have to switch to alternative energy sources.
On the other hand, the potential such as biofuels will be very promising as an alternative energy
 source, but the processing is still very minimal. Therefore, I want to become a researcher to
solve this problem.

13. If you got this scholarship, you can’t extend it to undergraduate, what will you do?
Indeed, I will not give up. I will try to find other scholarship programs to support me in finishing
my study program in Japan. To avoid that I don't get a scholarship, I will try to save my money to
cover my tuition fees while I am looking for another scholarship. I don't want my dream just to
be a dream.

14. If you fail this scholarship, what will you do?

If I fail this year, I will try again next year. If I fail again, I will try the research student program.
Certainly, my passion for studying in Japan will not die.

15. What will you do in Japan beside learning?

There are three things that I want to do in Japan. First, I want to voluntary teaching chemistry
because knowledge is not what is memorized but what brings benefits. Second, I want to join an
Islamic community there to help the community, whether with my thoughts, energy, or
wealth. I hope I do not only bring benefits to Japan and Indonesia but ummah too. The last, I
want to explore Japan, and also learn about Japanese history and culture in depth to increase
my knowledge about Japan

16. What is your biggest achievement?

My best achievement begins with my failure. I have won the National Chemistry Competition
OKTAN ITB 2019, one of the biggest Chemistry Competitions in Indonesia. This competition is
very competitive because it is followed by participants who won the international chemistry
competition. I have tried this competition three times. I failed two times in my first and second
years. In the first year, I only came as a participant; the following year, I stopped in the
semifinals. At the time I was very disappointed. However, I was not discouraged. I tried to learn
the material that I had not mastered and tried the following year again. Alhamdulillah, I won
first place the following year.

17. Mention your strength and weakness?

I am critical in learning. In studying, I do not only consume what the teacher gave me. I tend to
go deeper into why something happens, not what the result is. This made it easier for me to
 keep up with the lessons, get good grades in class, and win several chemistry competitions. I am
persistent. I don't give up easily on achieving what I aspire to. For example, after losing in a
chemistry competition, I tried the following year again, until I won the match. In addition, I am
an adaptable person. For example, when I am in a new place, I can quickly make friends and
adjust to the environment.

I am a perfectionist person. The negative thing is that it takes me longer to do my tasks to

achieve perfect results. Sometimes, I should do something earlier or set a deadline for an
assignment earlier so that I have a greater chance of giving my best to my work.

18. Describe your biggest mistake.

My biggest mistake, I was not independent since childhood. I never do housework such as
making the bed, taking care of my clothes, or even washing the dishes after eating. Of course,
this became a big problem when I first lived apart from my family. I can't manage time to clean
my house and have a bad diet. This causes me to have insufficient sleep and impacts my health,
ultimately making me sick. After that, I realized and began to be disciplined to do housework
and take care of clothes so as not to pile up and regulate my diet. Small habits such as washing
dishes after eating, and tidying the bed in the morning, are difficult for me. However, I keep
trying to cultivate these good habits until now, and I can finally be independent in life.

19. Where do you know this scholarship?

I know about the monbukagakusho scholarship from my senior, a monbukagakusho awardee. He
told me about this scholarship when he was in a chemistry competition training at my school. At
that time, I just only knew it. Then last year, my classmate also became an awardee for this
scholarship, which motivated me to join it. I discussed it with him, and I got to know more about
this scholarship.

20. Why you interest in this scholarship, not other scholarship?

Monbukagakusho is my first known scholarship to study in Japan, and some of my alumni have
also s2,s awardees. Furthermore, This scholarship scan be participated by vocational high school
students. Besides that, This scholarship also offers many facilities like full tuition fees, free visa
processing fees, and many more directly under the Japanese Ministry of Educaption, Culture,
Sports, Science, and Technology.
21. Why we must choose you?
I have a good chemistry background. I graduated from analytical chemistry major school, which
makes me more advanced in doing research and more deep in chemistry theory. I have a deep
interest in chemistry and won several national che2mistry competitions. I am an adaptable and
persistent person. I believe it will help me to embody my plans and adapt to college faster. If my
dream to be a researcher in Japan and my future research plans are a success, it will increase
japan's chemistry development and give solutions to my home country, which is passive in
developing the natural resources sector. I believe the collaboration between Japanese
technology and the natural resources of Indonesia will be the best solution to make a successful
and strengthen Japan and Indonesia's bond. I will be your best investment.

22. Can you speak Japanese?

Honestly, my Japanese language ability is fair. Two months ago, I started taking a Japanese
language course. Besides that, I also use applications that help in Japanese. For now, I can
already understand basic Japanese grammar and memorize some kanji. I plan to continue
studying Japanese until it is fluent.

23. Do you read any books?

I have a deep interest in chemistry so I love to read many chemistry books. Often, I bought it by
myself but sometimes I get it to from my school as a high-ranking reward. selain itu, saya juga
senang membaca buku pengembangan diri seperti atomic habits dan juga suka membaca manga
dengan genre detective dan juga science seperti Dr. Stone dan Detective Conan. Selain
menghibur, manga tersebut juga menambah wawasan pengetahuan saya.

24. Do you want to work in Japanese company in the future?

Yes, I do. After I graduate from this program, I intend to work in japan to adapt and learn in a
Japanese company. Because in Indonesia, the company where I work now is a company that
comes from Japan. I am familiar with the applied culture of my company, such as kaizen or
continuous improvement and 5S (Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke who Make Work
More Effective and Efficient. Therefore working directly in Japan is a valuable opportunity for
me. Besides that, by working in a Japanese company, I can participate in advancing Japan (as a
country that provides scholarships) and also learn many new things so that they can be applied
to my country.
25. What is your favorite book/movie/song?
As I said before, I love chemistry, so I love to read chemistry books. My favorite book is Organic
Chemistry by Solomons. I like that book because the book is colorful, and easy for me to
understand the content. This book also provides general knowledge about the latest facts in
chemistry today. My favorite movie is Sherlock Holmes, Enola Holmes, interstellar, or every film
about Science-Fiction and detectives. My favorite song is love yourself.

26. What subject is your favorite in school?

My favorite subject is Chemistry because my school is a vocational school, and most of our
subjects are chemistry. Among the existing chemistry lessons, I like organic chemistry the most
because these subjects are related to life around me. Natural materials such as drugs, polymers,
and fuels are discussed in organic chemistry lessons.

27. Kalo ada waktu luang, kamu ngapain aja?

Some things I usually do in my spare time include homework and resting. Besides that, I also like
studying and watching movies. In my opinion, restoring energy in free time is very important so
that you can be enthusiastic about the next activity.

28. Who do you look up to? Who is your role model?

My role models are Nadiem Makarim and Sandiaga Uno. Nadiem Makarim is the Minister of
Education and Culture of Indonesia, while Sandiaga Uno is the Minister of Tourism and Creative
Economy. I like them because they are people who are competent in pursuing a field and focus
on following that field. As a result, they can bring good change to Indonesia. I want, with the
chemistry that I will study later, I can also bring a good change to Indonesia in the future.

29. What do you want to do with your career? Where do you see yourself in 5/10/20 years?
After graduating from college, I plan to continue my undergraduate studies in Japan. If it is
impossible, I will work first while preparing for the entrance examinations for undergraduate. I
plan to continue my master's degree at a well-known university like Harvard or MIT to broaden
my horizons and deepen my knowledge of chemistry. I believe this step can help me achieve my
goals as a researcher.
30. Cara menjembatani Indonesia-Jepang (sebagai mahasiswa)?

31. Budaya jepang tau apa aja?

Saya mengetahui beberapa budaya jepang seperti kimono, origami, dll. Tapi budaya jepang yang
paling menarik bagi saya adalah Hanami. Saya memiliki mimpi untuk dapat melinat Bunga sakura
secara langsung bermekaran. Jika dilihat dari internet saja sudah indah, apalagi melihatnya
secara langsung. Selain itu, saya juga mengetahui dan tertarik dengan festival kembang api atau
hanabi di jepang. Saya sangat tertarik untuk melihat berbagai macam jenis kembang api di mana
semua orang berkumpul untuk melihat hal yang sama. Melihat banyaknya budaya menarik di
jepang, membuat saya tertarik untuk lebih dalam mengenal kebudayaan tersebut

32. Did you join any organization in past? Were you involved in any activities at school or in your
community?
Yes. I was the chief executive of the Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW event at my vocational
school. My job is to be in charge and ensure that all event activities run smoothly. I learned how
to communicate with organizational colleagues and deal with and resolve problems. This trains
my leadership skills. In addition, I also participate in a learning community called the Q&A group,
especially in the field of chemistry with Chemistry Q&A. More than 50k students have followed
this account. My job there is to create content to educate students in Indonesia. In addition, we
are also trained on how to convey chemistry in a way and language that everyone quickly
understands.

33. Why KOSEN?

I chose the KOSEN because I came from a vocational high school and was familiar with the
practice. I also work in a laboratory where I am busy daily with practicals. Kosen provides a focus
on lab work, practical work, and hands-on exercises, as well as having advanced theoretical
knowledge. So I think KOSEN is the most suitable place to continue my studies.

34. How will you overcome being homesick?

I think Homesick is natural, especially when far away from family and friends we love. When I
experience homesickness, I will contact my family and friends because good communication can
reduce my longing for them and will indeed increase my enthusiasm when studying in Japan
later. In addition, I will also fill my spare time in Japan by joining Indonesian student
 associations in Japan to add relationships or eat some Indonesian foods. But I don't want to
keep feeling homesick. I will adapt well to the new environment and culture in Japan.

35. How will you use the scholarship money?

I will put the scholarship money to good use. I will use it to live in Japan, as well as to facilitate
my study needs. I will also save for emergencies. Because I want to continue my undergraduate
studies in Japan, just in case I don't get a scholarship, I will also keep it.

36. What is the biggest challenge in your life? How you overcome it?

I come from an underprivileged family. So, it is not easy for me to adapt to school studies. I often
fast because I don't have pocket money. I only have transportation costs. This isn't comforting my
focus on studying. But I didn't just stand still. I try to earn extra money to help my family financially,
such as teaching lessons and selling. Besides that, I also study hard so that I can win many
competitions and can earn money for my school needs.

37. What is kaizen

Kaizen is a Japanese work philosophy; KAI means change, and ZEN means good. This can be
interpreted as a continuous improvement.

So, kaizen is the philosophy of work focused on continuous development and improvement. This
can be started by discovering specific errors that need to be repaired. Applying this kind of
philosophy, will help us to solve problems quickly and make work effective and efficient

38. Why biofuels? (ethanol and biomass)

The reason why I want to develop biofuels is:

1. Combate climate change by substituting fossil fuels with renewable alternatives such as
biofuels is an efficient way to reduce these emissions.
2. Responding to higher energy consumption. With a higher energy consumption, we need to
use natural resources more efficiently and increase the use of renewable ene
3. The last reason is that biofuels recycle waste to become energy. So it will help the
environment