Medan, October 3, 2026 – Another outstanding achievement was recorded by students of the Applied Bachelor's Degree Program in Statistics, Faculty of Vocational Education, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), at the national level. The USU Applied Bachelor's Degree Program in Statistics student team successfully won 3rd Place in the Essay Competition at the Incredible Research and National Competition (INSTINCT) 10 Universitas Riau 2026.

INSTINCT 10 Universitas Riau 2026 was held from October 1–3, 2026, at Universitas Riau (UNRI) and brought together students from various higher education institutions across Indonesia in various competition categories. The event served as a platform for students to develop critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, as well as to systematically express their ideas through competitive works.

In the Essay Competition category, the USU Applied Bachelor's Degree Program in Statistics student team, consisting of Salwa Tafabila Barus as the team leader, and Arya Dwi Ardhana Wibowo and Hafiza Sabrina Sirait as members, successfully won 3rd Place after competing against participants from various higher education institutions across Indonesia.

The final round of the Essay Competition was held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Srikandi Building, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Riau (UNRI). Meanwhile, the announcement of the winners was held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Tjokro Hotel Pekanbaru.

This national-level competition carried the theme “Optimizing the Role of the Young Generation in Digital Economic Transformation toward a Sustainable Future.” The theme encouraged participants to present critical and innovative ideas regarding the role of the younger generation in responding to developments in the digital economy and building a sustainable future.

During the preparation process, the USU Applied Bachelor's Degree Program in Statistics student team received guidance from Saddam Husein Nasution, M.Si., as their supervising lecturer. The guidance also helped the students develop their ideas, strengthen the substance of their writing, and prepare their work and presentation for the final stage of the competition.

The achievement of 3rd Place in this national-level essay competition demonstrates the ability of students of the Applied Bachelor's Degree Program in Statistics to develop ideas critically, creatively, and systematically. This achievement also demonstrates that students are able to apply their academic and analytical skills to produce works that can compete at the national level.

The Applied Bachelor's Degree Program in Statistics, Faculty of Vocational Education USU, extends its congratulations and appreciation to Salwa Tafabila Barus, Arya Dwi Ardhana Wibowo, and Hafiza Sabrina Sirait for their achievement. Appreciation is also extended to Saddam Husein Nasution, M.Si. for the guidance and assistance provided throughout the competition.

This achievement is expected to motivate other students of the Applied Bachelor's Degree Program in Statistics to continue developing their critical thinking skills, broaden their knowledge, and actively participate in various competitions as part of student potential and achievement development at the national and international levels.