"Padang Juara" Double Degree Scholarship: A Strategic Collaboration Between Padang City Government and Putera Sampoerna Foundation

The dream of Padang’s youth to access world-class education is no longer just a fantasy. Through the flagship program "Padang Juara" (Padang Champion), Mayor Fadly Amran is proving that a city’s best investment is in its Human Resources -- preparing them to compete on the global stage. For Uda and Uni who wish to secure this scholarship for your children or relatives, let’s explore this golden opportunity.

"Padang Juara" Double Degree Scholarship

Uda Uni (Brother and Sister),

We can all agree that education is every child's right. It is more than just a title; it is a powerful tool to elevate one’s dignity, uplift the family, and break the cycle of poverty.

However, dreams often clash with reality. We frequently see high-achieving students forced to bury their ambitions, due to financial constraints. Many bright minds from Padang have had to stop dreaming, big simply because of the cost of education.

This is exactly what Mayor Fadly Amran is tackling. He is committed, to ensuring that no gifted child in Padang is held back by economic circumstances alone.

 

Strategic Collaboration in the Heart of Padang

A Strategic Collaboration Between Padang City Government and Putera Sampoerna Foundation
Picture: padang.go.id

Driven by this vision, the Padang City Government has strengthened its partnership with the Putera Sampoerna Foundation (PSF). The latest Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2026/2027 academic year, was officially signed at the Abu Bakar Ja’ar Hall, Padang City Hall, on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

The event was attended by Mayor Fadly Amran, PSF Senior Director Elan Merdy, and PSF Head of Government Relations Mutmainah Syahri. Their presence underscores Padang’s vital role in cultivating competitive future leaders.

 

8 Top Students Selected Through Global Standards

This year, the enthusiasm among Padang’s students was extraordinary. Out of 319 applicants who underwent a rigorous selection process monitored since 2023, eight top students were chosen. Under the coordination of the Padang City Department of Education and Culture, led by Yopi Krislova, these students are set to depart this June.

The 8 high-achieving students are:

Araya Rizkia Arfi from 16 Senior High School Padang.

Muhammad Faiq Azzahwan from 1 Senior High School Padang.

Sabrini Syamsul Putri from 9 Senior High School Padang.

Ridho Agustian Putra from 9 Senior High School Padang.

Salma from 9 Senior High School Padang.

Farid Ade Akbar from 10 Senior High School Padang.

Vella Meilany from 9 Senior High School Padang.

Amanda Tanisha Khumayarah from 5 Senior High School Padang.

 

The Advantage of an American Curriculum and Double Degrees

What makes this scholarship unique? The selected students will study at Sampoerna University, and graduate with two degrees simultaneously (Double Degree): one from Sampoerna University and one from Arizona State University, USA.

Mayor Fadly Amran emphasized that these standards are world-class. He noted that these graduates will hold credentials equivalent, to his own educational background from *Seattle University, USA. He wants Padang’s youth to stand tall, and confident alongside professionals from any country.

"As long as I am a Mayor, this program will continue to grow," Fadly Amran asserted. He believes that true development isn't just about physical infrastructure, but a massive investment in the next generation.

 

Fully Funded Facilities and Global Expansion

This scholarship is fully funded, meaning all costs are covered, including:

1. Full tuition fees until graduation.

2. Dormitory facilities.

3. Monthly living allowance.

4. Daily meal allowance.

 

The investment is already paying off. The previous cohort has shown brilliant academic results, with an average GPA above 3.0, and one student even reaching a near-perfect 3.94.

The city's ambition doesn't stop here. The government is preparing to expand collaborations to other global hubs, such as Guangdong (China), Japan (via Career Planning Japan), and the Dubai Government.

 

A Final Note for Uda Uni

To all the parents and families, let this be a fuel for your children's spirits. Remind them to stay diligent and persistent, regardless of current financial situations.

Logically, studying abroad might seem like an impossible dream, when funds are tight. However, when a door like the "Padang Juara" scholarship opens, that dream becomes a reality. Our duty is to support, and pray for them so they are ready when opportunity knocks. We hope this information is inspiring. Warm regards from Padang!