UNS – Cheryl Marlitta Stefia, a doctoral student in Economics (PDIE) at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, has achieved a remarkable milestone. The national selection process in Indonesia chose her as one of the 15 recipients of the Australia Awards Fellowship. Cheryl specializes in Marketing Management under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Budhi Haryanto.
This prestigious award marks a significant step in Cheryl’s academic journey. It is also expected to contribute to sustainable economic development in Indonesia.
The fellowship is part of the Australian government’s commitment to supporting foreign policy and development priorities. The program aims to strengthen partnerships and enhance individual and institutional capacities to address key national and regional development challenges.
Cheryl was selected from thousands of applicants across Indonesia. “I feel honored and grateful to be chosen among so many outstanding candidates,” Cheryl said, as quoted from feb.uns.ac.id on Friday (31/1/2025).
This achievement not only reflects Cheryl’s dedication and academic excellence but also highlights her potential to contribute to Indonesia’s economic growth. According to Cheryl, her dissertation idea played a crucial role in securing her place in the fellowship program.
“My dissertation focuses on women’s economic empowerment through the Dynamic Marketing Management theory. This theory is highly relevant to the challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in today’s digital era. Dynamic Marketing Management helps MSMEs survive and grow amid rapid market and technological changes. With this approach, MSMEs can be more adaptive and responsive to shifting consumer demands,” Cheryl explained.
Guidance from Professors
Cheryl’s success stems from the intensive guidance of Prof. Dr. Budhi Haryanto, a professor at PDIE. “We are very proud of Cheryl’s achievement. Her research contributes to academia and has significant practical implications for the development of MSMEs in Indonesia. The application of Dynamic Marketing Management in Cheryl’s research is an innovative approach that can help MSMEs become more flexible and resilient in global market dynamics,” Prof. Budhi said.
During her fellowship at Flinders University, Cheryl will focus on research related to women’s economic empowerment. She will explore how dynamic marketing strategies can promote inclusivity and sustainability in economic development. Her research aims to provide concrete solutions for MSMEs in Indonesia to navigate global challenges.
Support from Various Parties
Cheryl expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her, especially her family, academic advisors, and university colleagues. “I hope my research results can bring real benefits to society and serve as a reference for policymakers in supporting women’s economic empowerment in Indonesia,” she stated.
By focusing on women’s economic empowerment and innovative marketing strategies, Cheryl is expected to make a significant impact on MSME development in Indonesia. Additionally, this fellowship program strengthens international relations and collaboration.
Cheryl’s achievement showcases UNS’s commitment to inclusive, high-quality, and sustainable education. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number 4, ‘Quality Education,’ and Number 17, ‘Partnerships for the Goals.’
HUMAS UNS
