UNAIR NEWS Nelson Rachel Rafael, a student of the Accounting Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), 51动漫 (UNAIR), was selected as a fully funded delegate and earned three prestigious awards at the International Youth Innovation Summit (IYIS) Batch 21. The event took place in Singapore and Malaysia from Tuesday to Friday, April 7 to 10, 2026, where he introduced a digital platform for coastal MSMEs in Kenjeran.
During the international competition, Rafael received 1st Best Project Innovation, 1st Best Presentation, and the individual title of Most Innovative Delegate. These achievements followed a rigorous selection process that required participants to pass administrative screening, a national insight test, and a Focus Group Discussion (FGD).
Solution for coastal MSMEs
Rafael檚 success on the global stage is closely tied to his digital platform innovation, MarExa (Maritime Export Accelerator). The concept was inspired by his observations of MSMEs in the coastal area of Kenjeran Beach, Surabaya, where many local businesses show strong potential to reach global markets but face operational and market barriers.
淲e see MarExa as a practical solution. The platform offers four main features for MSMEs: MasterClass for expert-led education, Retail Partner for supply chain networks, Global Revenue for export e-commerce integration, and Revenue Streams, Rafael explained.
As an accounting student, Rafael contributed his academic expertise directly to the Revenue Streams feature, by designing a financial reporting system focused on transparency and accountability. 淚 emphasized the importance of transparent management of revenue and capital. With this system, financial reports can be managed optimally and monitored in real time, he added.
Communication strategy and global perspective
Rafael faced challenges in leading a cross-age team remotely and adapting to the use of Malay during the judging process. However, he managed to overcome them through thorough preparation. 淥ur key to success was consistent online practice and preparing storytelling techniques along with strong opening and closing statements to engage the judges, he said.
Beyond the competition, visits to leading ASEAN universities such as National University of Singapore (NUS) and Universiti Malaya (UM) provided him with new insights into the highly competitive global academic environment. 淒are to step out of your comfort zone and do not be afraid to move forward. Believe in your potential and actively seek international opportunities, as they do not always come twice, Rafael said, encouraging fellow students.
Author: Muhammad Yasir Dharmawan D.
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
