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AN INDONESIAN STUDENT IN SINGAPORE REFLECTS ON LEADERSHIP, LEARNING, AND THE EVOLVING ROLE OF YOUTH VOICES IN A CONNECTED SOUTHEAST ASIA

Belinda Amelia Leonardo, an Indonesian content creator and student currently pursuing Finance at RMIT University in Singapore, represents a new generation of young Southeast Asians navigating education, leadership, and digital creativity on an international stage. Born and raised in Jakarta, she has steadily built a profile as an engaged youth voice, balancing academic pursuits with public speaking, content creation, and active participation in youth organizations and international programs. Her journey includes involvement in leadership initiatives, participation in academic olympiads, and volunteer work with communities focused on education, sustainability, and youth empowerment. Through these experiences, Belinda has developed a multidimensional path that reflects both intellectual curiosity and a commitment to social impact.

In a conversation with IndoConnectP, Belinda spoke thoughtfully about her upbringing, academic journey, and the motivations that drive her work today. The discussion explored themes of personal development, lifestyle, leadership, and the evolving role of young people in shaping conversations around education and global citizenship. Reflecting on her experiences living and studying abroad, she shared insights into how creativity and self-development can intersect with broader discussions on opportunity, collaboration, and regional exchange.

Growing up in Jakarta, Belinda recalls a childhood shaped by the dynamic rhythm of Indonesia’s capital. The city’s energy, diversity, and resilience left a strong impression on her early worldview. “Jakarta is vibrant and full of contrasts,” she explained. “Growing up there meant constantly experiencing different cultures, ambitions, and social realities existing side by side.” Raised in a humble Chinese-Indonesian family alongside her two older sisters, she credits her family’s emphasis on education and perseverance as formative influences. Watching her parents and siblings navigate challenges instilled a belief that progress often emerges from persistence and shared learning.

Her decision to pursue finance at RMIT University in Singapore grew from both academic curiosity and practical experience. During her school years, Belinda experimented with small entrepreneurial projects alongside friends and family, experiences that sparked her interest in the financial systems underpinning business innovation. Singapore, widely recognised as a regional financial hub, offered a natural environment for such ambitions. “It has always been a dream of mine to study abroad,” she said, “but I also wanted somewhere that still felt connected to home.”

Beyond the classroom, Belinda’s university experience has been shaped by an active engagement with youth communities and leadership initiatives. She has been involved in organisations such as Plan International Indonesia and youth-driven networks including Local Youths Indonesia and Green Generation Indonesia, platforms that encourage young Indonesians to participate in social advocacy and environmental awareness. One milestone she highlights is her selection for the Girls Takeover initiative organised by Plan International Indonesia in collaboration with MRT Jakarta, where she symbolically assumed the role of a Constructive Director for a short period. The experience, she said, demonstrated the importance of including young women in leadership conversations across traditionally male-dominated sectors.

Yet Belinda emphasises that the most meaningful achievements are often invisible to the public eye. “Many people only see the highlights — the medals or leadership roles,” she reflected. “But behind those moments were also failures and setbacks that shaped who I am.” For her, resilience and reflection have become essential elements of personal development.

Content creation has emerged as a natural extension of these experiences. Drawing on her background in public speaking and youth engagement, Belinda uses digital platforms to share insights about education opportunities, student life abroad, and self-development. Her content frequently blends practical advice with personal reflection, exploring topics that range from academic growth to lifestyle interests. “When I create content, I approach it the same way I would approach a stage,” she noted. “I think about what value people might take away from it.”

Living in Singapore has also broadened her perspective on culture and global issues. The city’s multicultural environment, she explained, encourages openness and curiosity. Daily interactions with students from diverse backgrounds have deepened her awareness of shared challenges across borders, from education access to sustainability. At the same time, the experience has strengthened her connection to her Indonesian roots. “Being abroad sometimes makes you reflect more deeply on your own culture and identity,” she said.

Belinda’s journey reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of Southeast Asia’s younger generation. As Indonesian students pursue opportunities abroad while maintaining close ties to their home communities, they often become informal bridges between cultures and ideas. For Belinda, this role carries both responsibility and inspiration. She believes that education, dialogue, and collaboration remain central to addressing complex global issues.

Looking ahead, she sees her work in content creation, education, and advocacy as part of a broader commitment to empowering young voices. “Growth often happens when you step outside your comfort zone,” she observed. “But at the same time, it’s important to stay connected to your roots.”

In many ways, Belinda’s story captures the spirit of a generation navigating new pathways between local identity and global opportunity. Through education, creativity, and leadership, she continues to explore how young people can contribute ideas and perspectives to a rapidly evolving world. Her journey and insights can also be followed through her digital platforms, where she actively shares her experiences and perspectives on education, self-development, and youth engagement — Instagram: @amelialeonrd, TikTok: @amelialeonrd, and LinkedIn: Belinda Amelia Leonardo.

Credit: Rezkia Maghriby Yoandra