HOWELL SAROK ANAK FRANCIS MENGGA SECURES BEST WORKING PAPER RECOGNITION AT ASEAN YOUTH CONFERENCE 2024

JAKARTA, 22 November 2024 - Howell Sarok Anak Francis Mengga, a student from the Engineering Campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and a native of Bintulu, Sarawak, has brought immense pride to the university by winning the Best Working Paper at the ASEAN Youth Conference 2024 held in Jakarta from 20 to 22 November.

The conference, themed 'Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience for Our Shared Future', brought together delegates from all 11 ASEAN countries, and Howell's visionary approach to strengthening regional ties through youth-led initiatives stood out among the impressive line-up of participants.

Howell's award-winning paper proposed actionable solutions to promote economic resilience and connectivity, addressing pressing regional issues such as economic disparities and the need for greater cooperation among ASEAN nations, demonstrating his deep understanding of the challenges facing the region and his commitment to creating impactful solutions.

Born into a modest family, Howell attributes much of his success to the unwavering support and encouragement of his parents, Francis Mengga, a technician, and Jenifer Sahim, a nurse, whose guidance, and belief in his potential have been instrumental in his journey.

Howell's early education at SMK Bintulu and Labuan Matriculation College laid the foundation for his academic pursuits, which he now continues in Mechanical Engineering at USM's Engineering Campus, where his cultural roots and personal experiences have shaped his visionary proposals.

"Coming from a small town, this achievement feels surreal, it's proof that hard work and determination can lead to remarkable success," said Howell, expressing his gratitude and humility upon receiving the prestigious award.

"However, the road to victory was not without its challenges, as I had to ensure that these ideas resonated across different cultural and socio-economic contexts, while also overcoming my initial lack of confidence in interacting with participants from diverse backgrounds and experiences," said Howell.

The conference itself was a transformative experience, with intense discussions, brainstorming sessions and presentations of innovative ideas, all which Howell embraced with enthusiasm and determination.

He attributes his success not only to his own unwavering drive, but also to the guidance and encouragement of his family, mentors, and colleagues at USM, who always believed in his potential and provided invaluable support.

"I also see this award as more than just personal recognition, as it also represents a responsibility to inspire others and contribute to meaningful change within the ASEAN community," said Howell.

Expressing his commitment to remain involved in regional initiatives, Howell had also emphasized the importance of cooperation and shared progress, underscoring his belief that unity and resilience can overcome even the most daunting challenges.