EduAsiaNews, Bandung – Ganesha Rahman Liswantoro, a student in the Engineering Physics Program, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), won first place in ITB’s 2026 Student Achievement Award (Mahasiswa Berprestasi or Mapres). This achievement reflects his journey of academic excellence and exploration across multiple fields. The final selection and announcement of ITB’s 2026 Mapres took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Ganesha Campus.
Prior to participating in Mapres, Aga, as he is familiarly called, was known as a student actively exploring various opportunities, including organizational involvement, competitions, and personal development. He admitted that he never specifically targeted the Mapres title but focused more on the process and the experiences gained.
“If something seems interesting, I try to participate. I never imagined I could become Mapres,” he said.
Family Support and Broad Exploration
From a young age, Aga grew up in a family that placed education as a top priority. He attended a prestigious school in Jakarta and developed interests in both academic and non-academic areas.
“I have always been a jack-of-all-trades type. I try to pursue it from all angles,” he explained.
During his school years, he actively participated in a variety of activities, including the National Science Olympiad (OSN) in Physics, English debate competitions, and international music competitions. This shaped him into a well-rounded individual excelling in multiple fields rather than focusing on just one.
His achievements continued into university, where he secured first place in the International Paper Competition Youth Innovation Competition 2024, first place in the Marine Icon 2024 Business Case Competition, and first place in the Youth Entrepreneur Project (YEP) 2025 Business Plan Competition. In the same competitions, he also received awards for Best Feasible Project and Best Presentation.
Beyond competitions, he received various recognitions, including a Student Startup Grant under the 2025 Student Entrepreneurship Program and the SOBAT BUMI scholarship from Pertamina. These accomplishments reflect his development not only in academics but also in innovation and entrepreneurship.
University as a Turning Point
Aga admitted that during high school, he rarely won competitions. His turning point came during the Tahap Persiapan Bersama (TPB) at ITB, when he won first place in a competition, marking a crucial moment in his journey.
“That experience enlightened me. I realized competitions could actually be fun,” he recalled.
This success became the starting point for subsequent achievements and reshaped his perspective on competitions, which had often ended in failure before.
International Achievements and Scientific Contributions
One of his international achievements includes research on electric vehicle battery thermal management systems. This research resulted in a scientific publication, with Aga as the first author of the paper titled “Alternative Liquid Cooling Agents for Optimization of Electric Vehicle Battery Thermal Management System: A Comprehensive Review”, which was presented at the TIME-E 2025 Conference and published in an IEEE journal.
He presented his research before international academics, including researchers and professors from various countries, and notably, he was the only undergraduate student presenting at the forum.
“Initially I felt intimidated, but it became motivation to keep improving,” he said.
He has also been involved in innovative research projects such as fog capture technology, which converts fog into drinkable water, planned for implementation around Mount Bromo. Currently, he is developing a computer vision–based drone stabilization project for logistics on moving vehicles.
Study Method: Efficiency Over Hours
In addition to his studies, Aga is active in ITB’s Engineering Physics Student Association (HMFT) and the Techno Entrepreneur Club (TEC). Amidst these activities, he emphasizes the importance of effective study methods, conducting independent research to find optimal ways of learning, and leveraging flow state to increase focus and productivity.
According to him, study time does not need to be long but must be efficient. What initially takes four hours could be completed in one hour.
Flow state, he explained, is a mental condition of complete focus on a task, which research shows maximizes brain performance. He also applies the Pareto principle (80/20), prioritizing activities that yield the greatest impact with the most efficient effort, while maintaining balance by ensuring adequate rest to prevent burnout.
“I make sure to get eight hours of sleep, which is non-negotiable,” he said.
Failure as Part of Success
Before entering ITB, Aga experienced setbacks, including failing to pursue studies abroad. However, he turned these experiences into opportunities for growth, evaluating his study methods and focusing on controllable factors.
“Failure is not the opposite of success; it is part of success,” he stated.
He also emphasized that achievement is determined not only by hard work but by a combination of key factors.
“Success equals hard work × method × opportunity,” he said.
Many people focus solely on hard work and luck without considering the methods used. According to Aga, the right method is key to maximizing the results of one’s efforts.
Making an Impact
In life, Aga prioritizes not just personal happiness but also creating positive impact for others. He aspires to become an engineer in instrumentation and control, working in industry or robotics. In the future, he plans to focus on the industry first before pursuing further studies at higher academic levels.
If you want, I can also make a condensed, magazine-style English version that highlights only his key achievements and inspirational points. This would read more engagingly for general audiences. Do you want me to do that?
