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JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Indonesian student Moses Mayer has been the talk of social media recently. Currently in the 12th Grade of the Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), Moses has earned international accolades and awards in language, math, science, robotics, informatics, and computing while representing his home country of Indonesia in global competitions.
He has also developed a smartphone application called SampahLink (TrashLink) that connects households with trash collectors. With the app, he hopes to improve the welfare of scavengers by also giving them access to microfinancing that will help them purchase the necessary tools for their grueling job and participate in training programs.
"Moses is the exemplary portrait of a JIS student who has the drive to accomplish great things and strives to do what's best for the wider community," said JIS Head of School Dr. Tarek Razik.
"Our students are given a plethora of opportunities and support at JIS to pursue their interests while giving back to a society that has been a significant part of their lives. This inspires us to continue supporting Indonesia's commitment to improving education across the country."
Moses has accomplished a great deal in his academic career so far, having won a number of math Olympiads as well as informatics and computer science competitions, both on the national and international stage. They include a gold medal in the Indonesian National Science Olympiad (OSN) and National Mathematical Olympiad of Singapore (NMOS), a bronze medal in the International Olympiad of Metropolises in Moscow and the Junior Balkan Mathematics Olympiad in Romania, as well as top prizes in competitions held in China, Kazakhstan and Hong Kong to just name a few.
To Moses, JIS has played a large role in fostering his interest in mathematics and computer science.
"From the moment I joined JIS, my teachers allowed me to take more advanced math classes so I could further widen my knowledge [in the subject]. JIS also supported me through every Olympiad and national training program," he said.
Moses' love for mathematics also inspired him to tackle the growing trash crisis in Indonesia's large cities. In a research paper titled "On the Game-Theoretics Model of Indonesia's Pollution State," the 12th Grader used the study of mathematical models called Game Theory to create a formula aimed at controlling our waste problem.
He developed the mathematical research under the guidance and mentorship of Carl Yerger, a Mathematics and Computer Science Associate Professor at Davidson College in North Carolina, the United States.
This was the start of SampahLink.
"I often see scavengers going through trash on the side of the road, searching for recyclable materials they can sell. But so many people -- especially households -- often wonder how they can get rid of their dry waste," he said.
"This is where I got the idea for SampahLink, which connects trash collectors with people looking to dispose of their dry waste. This is done through a smartphone app that can benefit both sides and improve the welfare of scavengers."
Through SampahLink, Moses hopes to reduce pollution, raise awareness about the importance of recycling, and create a better life for trash collectors -- a marginalized group that is often ignored.
And to jumpstart this ambitious endeavor, he plans to develop a career overseas, gain more experience in the field, and connect with international networks.
"I hope to bring these connections back so they can help boost the Indonesian economy. And of course, I will use my skills and knowledge of data science, mathematics, and computer science to tackle various social problems," Moses explained.
He adds that his ultimate dream is to serve his home country as a successful social entrepreneur and "play a part in improving living standards across Indonesia."
Moses is currently preparing for university, having been accepted into some of the top schools in the world, including five Ivy League schools. For the past few months, he's had the tough task of choosing between Harvard University, Princeton, Yale, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania, as well as M.E.T UC Berkley, UCLA, the University of Michigan, and Carnegie Melon.
The long and meticulous process of applying to these schools required him to write detailed essays in English about an assigned subject. In one essay, he discussed the role math has played in his life and how it inspired him to fight for the environment and less-fortunate communities. He also described how SampahLink and the microfinancing club he established had already made strides in their shared goal to reduce pollution, promote recycling, and help those in need.
Moses' acceptance into some of the world's best Ivy League universities is a testament to his well-rounded achievements in both the academic and non-academic realm of being a student. And because of his exemplary accomplishments in and outside the classroom, he was able to beat out tens of thousands of the brightest young minds from across the globe to earn his well-deserved spot.
And who does he look up to the most?
"[Prominent engineer and former president] B.J. Habibie is very intelligent -- a genius. He took the opportunity to study abroad and bring back the knowledge he gained to Indonesia so he could further develop the country. I want to be just like him," Moses said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Razik added that Moses' numerous achievements at the international level could inspire Indonesia's younger generations, reminding them to never give up.
"Of course, on their road to success, they must study the problems we face as a society and actively work toward finding a solution that will offer a better life for everyone," he added.
About Jakarta Intercultural School
JIS was founded in 1951 by United Nations workers who aimed to introduce relevant schooling in English for children of expatriates in a newly independent Indonesia. Originally named the Joint Embassy School (JES) after our British, American, Australian and then-Yugoslavian embassy partners, JIS became a pioneer for international education in the archipelago and the region.
A name change in 1974 saw us become the Jakarta International School and finally Jakarta Intercultural School in 2014. Today, with high expectations for results-oriented and engaged learning, JIS helps each community member learn to be Best for the World.
As we continue our over 65-year journey, we value each learner whose personal story enriches our own. With some 2,400 students, over 250 faculty members and countless alumni and parents contributing daily to the school's legacy and the world around us, our diverse community remains encouraged, humbled and motivated to continue growing as lifelong learners.
For more information, please go to https://www.jisedu.or.id/
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