Becoming the Outstanding Student of the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) in 2025 was not an overnight dream for Albert Lukas Hasugian. A student of the Entrepreneurship Study Program at the SBM ITB, class of 2025, Albert, also known as Abek, began his journey in the Mapres (Outstanding Student) selection as early as his second year. However, his first attempt ended in disappointment.
“It just wasn’t my time,” he said when interviewed in Bandung on Wednesday (6/25).
That initial failure didn’t deter Abek. Instead, it motivated him to try again in his final year. He restarted the selection process at the study program level and advanced to the school level at SBM ITB. At the time, he kept his expectations low.
“I deliberately didn’t set high hopes, so there would still be room for disappointment if I didn’t make it,” he explained.
However, from that grounded mindset came a breakthrough, Albert was chosen to represent SBM ITB at the institute level. The responsibility weighed heavily, SBM ITB had produced ITB’s Outstanding Student for two consecutive years. This legacy pushed Albert to give his all. He actively sought information about the selection process, consulted previous winners, and prepared diligently, from compiling his portfolio of achievements to refining his innovative ideas.
“The process was long and exhausting. It drained my time, energy, and thoughts,” he said.
Albert had to juggle his internship in Jakarta, thesis work, and the intense preparation for the Outstanding Student selection. The Jakarta–Bandung commute became part of his routine. But he took it all in stride, driven by a strong sense of responsibility.
“This isn’t just about me, it’s about carrying the good name of SBM and ITB,” he said.
For Albert, earning the title of Outstanding Student is not just about winning or passing a selection; it’s about achieving excellence. More importantly, it’s a journey of personal growth.
“Failure, challenges, and rejection are all part of the process. Without them, I wouldn’t be the Albert I am today,” he reflected.
He believes that everyone has their starting point and finishing line, and that comparison is unnecessary.
“Take your time, do your best, and whatever the result, learn from it. That’s what truly matters,” was Abek’s message to his fellow students.
Today, Albert is not only ITB’s Outstanding Student. He has also gone on to represent the university at the regional level. He admitted that this was all beyond his expectations.
Albert’s story is a powerful reminder that being an outstanding student is not about who is the fastest, but about who is most prepared: prepared to fail, to learn, and to keep growing.
