More exciting news has come from Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS). A couple of 12th-grade students, Muhammad Husain Ali and Hibaturahman Althaf Widyadana, have succeeded in English Business Plan Manifest ITS 2025, a prestigious competition organized by the Business Management Department of Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS). Husain won second place, while Althaf was named the Best Speaker for his impressive presentation skills before the judges.
The competition challenges participants to develop creative business ideas and present professionally in English. During the two-week preparation period, they balanced their time between academic responsibilities and intensive training.
Ustaz Agus Mulyana, S.Pd., Gr., the homeroom teacher and competition facilitator, explained that they not only developed innovative business proposals but also practiced public speaking, argument clarity, and business strategy development to ensure optimal performance in the final round. "The preparation was quite short, but they demonstrated strong commitment and determination," said Ustaz Agus.
For Husain and Althaf, the victory was no surprise. Both are known for actively participating in various competitions, both nationally and internationally. Previously, they had participated and gained success in events such as the World Youth Innovation Forum (WYIF), the Indonesian Young Scientists Association (IYSA), and INNOPA (Indonesia Innovation Promotion Association). The achievement at ITS this time is proof that Thursina IIBS students are capable of competing on an academic stage, demanding professionalism and global thinking.
Ustaz Agus also assessed that the success of these two students showed outstanding potential of Thursina IIBS students.
"I'm beyond proud. Even with limited time for discussion, they were able to adapt and deliver excellent results. It shows their potential is truly great, and I simply helped to guide them," he said.
Ustaz Agus added that great enthusiasm for learning and self-confidence are the keys to the students' success in national-scale competitions alike.
More than just a victory, the experience in the English Business Plan Manifest ITS 2025 provided valuable lessons on how to deal with real-world challenges, from designing a realistic business idea, public speaking, to collaborating in a team. Husain and Althaf successfully demonstrated that critical thinking and effective communication skills can go hand in hand with the character values instilled at Thursina IIBS.
Furthermore, Ustaz Agus offered valuable advice to the students, "The greatest potential doesn't just appear. It grows through a long and tiring process. Just enjoy the journey, savor every step." It seemed to reflect the journey of these two outstanding Thursina students: that success isn't just about results, but about the courage to go on the process, learning, and achieving amidst the challenges of the times. (iz/lil)
