(FEB UNAIR) Surabaya, 2025 — Another proud achievement was achieved by a student of the Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Airlangga (FEB UNAIR). Nicholas Soesilo, an Accounting student from the class of 2022 who is currently undergoing the Fast-Track Master of Accounting program, won 1st place in the National Accounting Outstanding Student Selection (APA Awards 2025) held by the Indonesian Accountants Association (IAI) on November 10, 2025.
The national competition was held on Monday, November 10, 2025, coinciding with Heroes' Day and International Accounting Day, at Graha Akuntan, Menteng, Central Jakarta. Participants came from universities across Indonesia and underwent a rigorous selection process starting at their respective campuses. From the national selection, 12 top participants were selected, which were then narrowed down to five finalists. In this final round, Nicholas excelled and won first place at the 2025 APA Awards.
The finalists were judged directly by important figures in the fields of accounting and law, namely Arief Tri Hardiyanto (Inspector General of the Ministry of Communication and Digital), Deny Poerhadiyanto (Partner of the Law Firm and Curator of FAFAFA ASW & Rekan, as well as the National Supervisory Board of IAI), and Janoerto Alamsyah (Executive Director of the ASEAN Federation of Accountants/AFA). In addition to Nicholas from Universitas Airlangga, the other four finalists came from Bina Nusantara University, Gadjah Mada University, Surabaya University, and Udayana University.
The 2025 National APA Award will begin with a tiered selection process, starting at the university, provincial, and national levels. Participants must meet administrative requirements, including a minimum GPA of 3.50, a minimum fifth-semester status, a maximum age of 23 years, and complete documentation such as scientific papers, profile videos, CVs, transcripts, and Chartered Accountant Ambassador promotional materials. The national selection process consists of a desk evaluation, an online semifinal on November 4, 2025, and a Grand Final broadcast live on the IAI YouTube channel.
In the final round, Nicholas presented his scientific paper entitled "Integration of Eco Risk Navigator in the Implementation of IFRS S2." This innovative work presents an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based accounting solution to address sustainability reporting challenges, particularly those related to climate change risks in the IFRS S2 standard. EcoRisk Navigator enables companies to transform physical risks due to climate change into measurable financial information through location-based simulations, comprehensive risk analysis, and projections of short-, medium-, and long-term financial impacts. This innovation aims to bridge the competency and data gap in ESG reporting so that companies can make more accurate strategic decisions.
Nicholas explained that his motivation for participating in this competition was a desire to test and develop his potential as a prospective professional accountant. "This is a very prestigious competition, especially since it's being organized directly by an Indonesian accounting institution. I want to contribute to rebuilding the role of accountants—from mere presenters of historical data to visionary predictive analysts," he said.
In this competition, Nicholas was also guided by two lecturers from FEB UNAIR, namely Mr. Novrys Suhardianto, SE., MSA., Ak., Ph.D., CA, and Mrs. Niluh Putu Dian Rosalina Handayani Narsa, SA, M.Sc.
Nicholas' achievement ends with the motto he holds as the principle of his academic journey:
“Shaping the Future Accountant with Purpose and Integrity.”
This victory not only brings honor to Universitas Airlangga , but also strengthens the role of FEB UNAIR students as a young generation ready to become leaders of the accounting profession in the future.