By Shinta Adeia Sukma (Adel), Indonesia, 2025 Fellow
Head of Youth Program Development at YSC Indonesia
Co-Founder and Project Leader Greenroots Narratives and SEA Voice Connect ASEAN
My name is Shinta Adellia Sukma, Adel for short, and I had the privilege of participating in the NGO Fellowship 2025 supported by Taiwan AID and hosted at the International Cooperation and Development Institute (ICDI). This fellowship became one of the most meaningful learning experiences in my personal and professional journey.
The Begin Story of My Journey of Learning
From the very first week of capacity building, every session felt inspiring, well-structured, and thoughtfully designed. As someone currently building my own NGO in Indonesia, , the combination of lectures, discussions, site visits, and hands-on work at my host organization gave me a clearer vision of the kind of leader I want to become. This fellowship also opened my eyes to new possibilities and strengthened my vision to be more impactful for the community.
My learning journey began with a foundational introduction to the characteristics of civil society organizations in Taiwan by Professor Michael Hsiao (TAEF). This session grounded me in Taiwan’s NGO landscape and set the tone for the days ahead. We then explored the importance of trust-building with Tien-Mu Sun (Taiwan Nonprofit Self-Regulation Alliance), followed by an eye-opening lecture on international medical cooperation by Linus Lee (NCF), which broadened my understanding of cross-sector partnerships.
One of the highlights of the program was the session on fundraising strategies by Mei-Pao Lee (Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation). Her practical and inspiring approach made the complex world of fundraising feel achievable. A visit to the National Human Rights Museum added a meaningful historical context to our understanding of civil society and human rights work in Taiwan.
The following days continued to enrich my perspective. Through Ianju Chen’s session on optimizing social impact, I learned how to design programs that are not only meaningful but also measurable. Insights on advocacy and social dialogue from Ingrid Yeh (Garden of Hope Foundation) and organizational development strategies from Yi-Fan Feng (Harmony Home Foundation) gave me practical tools I can directly apply to strengthen my own organization.
Every session built upon the last, creating a holistic, cohesive learning experience that left me more confident and prepared to make meaningful contributions in my field.
A Heartfelt Appreciation for Taiwan AID
All aspects of the NGO Fellowship were truly exceptional. The dedication, hospitality, and professionalism of the entire Taiwan AID team deserve the highest appreciation. Every detail, from program design to day-to-day coordination—was handled with genuine care and impressive responsiveness.
Being selected as the youngest fellow at only 24 years old was both an honor and a challenge. With limited experience, I arrived in Taiwan with a little nervousness, wondering whether I was ready or deserving. But throughout the fellowship, that uncertainty transformed into confidence. I learned from my host organization, from seeing firsthand how NGOs in Taiwan operate with such professionalism, and from fellow participants who brought diverse expertise from across Asia-Pacific. Their passion and professionalism inspired me to grow every day.
Three Meaningful Weeks at ICDI
My host organization, ICDI, played a huge role in shaping my experience. Under the guidance of Cam (Director of ICDI), Jessica (International Program Development), and the entire ICDI team, I learned practical skills in community-based solutions, event planning, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Being involved in preparations for Taiwan’s COP5 gave me first-hand insight into how NGOs contribute to policy dialogue and international cooperation. I also had the opportunity to engage with Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council and Marine Administration, which helped deepen my understanding of ocean governance, knowledge that directly connects to my advocacy work in environmental and youth development in Indonesia.
Learning from Others
What surprised me most was how much I learned outside the formal sessions. Daily interactions with fellows, hotel staff, and even travelers I met along the way expanded my perspective and strengthened my cross-cultural communication skills.
From my fellow participants, many of whom are far more professionally experienced, I learned how to deliver ideas with clarity and confidence, how to communicate through powerful storytelling, and how to collaborate and negotiate with professionals across different sectors. Observing their approaches to leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork left a lasting impact on me. Their passion and professionalism inspired me every day. Their experiences, ways of thinking, and professional attitudes became some of my biggest sources of growth throughout the fellowship.
Becoming a Better Version of Myself
These three weeks helped me grow in ways I never expected. I feel more grounded as a young professional, more confident in building meaningful partnerships, more capable of navigating diverse working environments, and more inspired to strengthen the internal systems of my NGO.
Most importantly, this fellowship helped me rediscover my purpose, to create meaningful, community-driven impact at home, and to do so with greater intention, structure, and collaboration.
Looking ahead, I sincerely believe in the potential of creating an alumni network that bridges fellows, host organizations, and institutions across Taiwan. Such a platform would foster continuous collaboration, shared knowledge, and long-lasting partnerships, allowing the spirit of the fellowship to extend beyond our three weeks together.
I am profoundly grateful to Taiwan AID, ICDI, and all the mentors and colleagues who supported my journey. Thank you for believing in me, guiding me, and giving me the space to grow. This fellowship did not only shape my skills, it shaped my confidence, my mindset, and my sense of purpose.
I will carry these lessons and experiences with me as I continue working for better environmental, youth, and community development back home. And for that, I am sincerely and deeply thankful.