A student of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Brawijaya (Fapet UB), Rifa Naziihah was selected as the Control Board at the International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences (IAAS) World 2021-2022. IAAS is an international organization for students in the field of agriculture.
After completing the requirements and conducting a presentation, Rifa defeated two candidates from Peru and Nepal with 100% votes.
Rifa as the Control Board will be responsible for IAAS membership of each country as well as updating the IAAS Constitution & By-Laws based on the General Assembly’s decision, by considering the grammar and spelling of the sentences, providing input and advice on activities and association development to the Executive Board, as well as providing special support in certain area.
IAAS has Local Committees (LC) in 11 universities in Indonesia, such as UB, Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Padjadjaran University (Unpad), Yogyakarta Muhammadiyah University (UMY), Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Udayana University (Unud), Jember University (Unej), Mataram University (Unram), Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), Sebelas Maret University (UNS), and Diponegoro University (Undip).
Rifa said that participating in the activities of IAAS LC made her more familiar with livestock sector, training soft skills, such as leadership, public speaking using English, extensive networking both nationally and internationally and being responsible.
The IAAS LC UB activities which were attended by the students of 2017 batch included visiting farms, social activities in Taji Village for eight months (Village Concept Project), learning to drive a tractor, and participating in the National Exchange Program at IAAS LC IPB.
“For me, IAAS is not just an organization but a place where I can develop myself.” she said
She has been active in IAAS LC UB activities since 2017 and continued to the Regional level of Asia Pacific by becoming a Quality Board in 2019. A year later, in 2020, Rifa was elected as Regional Director at IAAS Asia Pacific and is the first female Regional Director. IAAS Asia Pacific has six member countries, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal and Taiwan.
From 22 July to 8 August 2021, Rifa had the opportunity to take part in 64th IAAS World Congress in Alanya, Turkey, and became a committee with IAAS members from various regions.
“IAAS made a positive impact and I have never regretted all the time, effort and thought I put into it. I am very grateful to all parties who provide support, including Fapet UB and Universitas Brawijaya,” said the student who was a participant in the 2020 NTCA Indonesia Australia Pastoral Program.
“It’s natural to be afraid to take a step, but don’t let the fear beat you,” she said (dta/Humas UB/ Trans. Iir)
