Felicia Servina Djuang from the Master’s Program in Mathematics at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FMIPA UGM), was recognized as the fastest master’s graduate during the Graduation Ceremony for the 2025/2026 Academic Year Period I, held on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, at Grha Sabha Pramana. Djuang completed her master’s degree in only 1 year, 1 month, and 11 days, while the average study period for 2,028 master’s graduates was 3 years and 1 month.
Djuang explained that her achievement as the fastest master’s graduate was made possible through the Master’s to Doctorate Scholarship Program for Outstanding Undergraduates (PMDSU).
The program offers students the opportunity to pursue their master’s and doctoral studies simultaneously within a four-year timeframe.
“Through this scheme, I was able to take doctoral courses while completing my master’s thesis,” she said on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.
She shared that strong support from her academic supervisors and a supportive learning environment were key factors in enabling her to complete her studies in such a short time.
Djuang said her supervisor was highly supportive and encouraged her to finish her thesis as soon as possible.
“Since my first semester, I took all the required courses to fulfill the credit requirements while simultaneously working on my thesis. That way, I could complete both within two semesters,” she explained.
During her thesis writing process, Djuang faced unique challenges, as not all research in mathematics is conducted in laboratories.
Unlike other fields, mathematics research is more theory- and computation-based, making research ideas the main driver of progress.
“In mathematics, there is no laboratory research like in other fields. So if you don’t have a solid idea, you can get stuck. But if you work on it little by little every day, new ideas will surely come,” she said.
Djuang’s desire to become a lecturer was the main reason she pursued both her master’s and doctoral degrees through the PMDSU.
The opportunity motivated her to pursue her studies and earn her degrees more quickly.
“Since the scholarship opportunity is rarely available, I took it when it opened. Typically, to become a lecturer, one is required to hold a doctoral degree. This program allows students to continue directly from master’s to doctoral studies, so the chance of becoming a lecturer is greater,” she explained.
In addition to focusing on her thesis, Djuang remained active in various academic activities on campus.
She participated as a committee member in academic events and presented her work at several faculty seminars and conferences.
Despite her busy schedule, she managed her time with great discipline, limiting her participation in student organizations to maintain focus on her studies.
According to her, the key to success lies in consistency and maintaining a daily routine, dedicating time each day to work on her final project.
“At the very least, you need to work on it every day. Even if it’s just a few sentences, if you keep at it daily, you will finish it eventually,” she said.
Her family has been very supportive of her goal to become a lecturer, as she has demonstrated an interest in and skill at teaching since high school, particularly in mathematics.
Her passion grew from observing her former teachers’ teaching methods, which she felt could be made clearer, especially in a subject often perceived as difficult by many students.
“Since high school, I’ve enjoyed teaching my junior classmates. My parents also recognized my talent and potential as a teacher, so they fully support my plan to become a lecturer,” she shared.
Djuang encouraged other students who are working on their final projects to stay motivated and never give up.
She believes that every UGM student has their own strengths and potential, but those qualities only shine through hard work and consistency.
She also emphasized the importance of maintaining regular discussions with supervisors and peers to generate new ideas and insights.
“Make it a habit to meet your supervisors regularly because discussions often spark new ideas. It’s also good to exchange thoughts with peers, as every conversation can bring fresh inspiration,” she concluded.
Author: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: Felicia Servina Djuang