(FEB NEWS) Students of the Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Airlangga have once again achieved a proud achievement in the International Student Summit Malaysia 2026, held by Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia on February 13–16, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the international essay competition, the AgriTerrace Team won the Gold Medal in the Essay category, 1st Runner Up (Best Essay Overall in Each Sub-theme), and contributed to the Grand Champion achievement along with other Universitas Airlangga delegates.
The competition, attended by more than 100 teams from six countries—Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkmenistan, Somalia, and Kenya—provided a platform for ideas based on research, technology, and policy analysis based on international academic standards. Through their work, titled “AGRITERRACE: Strengthening Smallholder Resilience through AI-Driven Satellite Analytics and Microfinance in Climate-Vulnerable Regions,” the team proposed the integration of AI-driven satellite analytics and adaptive microfinance schemes to increase the resilience of smallholder farmers in climate-vulnerable regions, using an institutional economics and financial inclusion approach.
The AgriTerrace team, led by Jose Centurio (Economics 2024), along with Fawaz Januar Iksan, Laura Amaria Dwiputri Julianti, Fachry Haris, and Mesakh Roi Pratama Ginsu (Economics 2024), demonstrated competitive academic performance in every selection stage. A panel of judges, consisting of lecturers and multidisciplinary academics from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, assessed the participants' work based on originality of ideas, analytical rigor, relevance to the SDGs, impact, and quality of argumentation and delivery.
This competition not only tests the quality of ideas but also trains cross-cultural presentation skills and scientific argumentation under the pressure of global competition. "Strong innovation comes not only from brilliant ideas, but from the ability to integrate technology, economic analysis, and team collaboration under the pressure of global competition," said a representative of the AgriTerrace Team in a written interview.
They also emphasized that this achievement is an important milestone in strengthening their confidence in contributing at the international level. "More than just a medal, this experience has shaped our mindset: that innovation is born from the courage to think critically, collaborate across perspectives, and boldly bring local ideas to the global stage. This is not the end of the journey, but rather the starting point for broader contributions," he added.
The selection process was conducted in stages and competitively, starting with administrative selection and submitting draft essays, and ending with a final essay selection, which selected over 100 international teams. The selected teams then participated in scientific presentations via posters and PowerPoint presentations, before eight Gold Medal winners were selected to advance to the grand final and overall ranking.
The AgriTerrace Team's achievements in this event also reflect its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger. The AGRITERRACE initiative focuses on strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers in climate-vulnerable areas through the use of data-driven technology, thereby driving increased productivity, income stability, and sustainable food system resilience.
This contribution also aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education. Participation in international academic competitions is a form of research-based learning that encourages students to integrate economic theory, technology, and policy analysis in a global context.
Furthermore, the integration of AI-driven satellite analytics and adaptive microfinance supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers in climate-vulnerable areas. This financial inclusion and technology-based approach demonstrates that economic innovation can be designed to create sustainable impact.
The use of technology to optimize land and agricultural resource use also aligns with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. This innovation encourages more efficient production practices, adapts to climate change, and promotes long-term sustainability.
The AgriTerrace Team's success in winning the Gold Medal and First Runner-Up, as well as contributing to the Grand Champion title, confirms the capacity of FEB UNAIR students to integrate research, technology, and policy analysis in global forums. This achievement proves that research-based and collaborative ideas can compete and make an impact at the international level.
Going forward, this achievement is expected to inspire other students to continue developing relevant, adaptive, and solution-oriented innovations to address global challenges.