Could you please introduce yourself to the audience, as everybody here knows you as Weii?

Of course! My name is Nofianto Anto, but most people call me "Weii" as a nickname. Since I am of Indonesian Chinese descent, I have a Chinese name. One day, my mom called me Weii in front of my friends, so they started calling me "Weii" instead of Anto. I feel more friendly with them when they call me Weii instead of Anto because our relationship is more casual and less formal. My major is a Master of Development Policy, and my background is in law.

Kindly tell us more about your journey at KDI School and why you chose to study at KDI School.

I chose to study at KDI School because of its reputation as Asia's best public policy institution. I was interested in studying policymaking in the context of development, and KDI School offered a unique curriculum and diverse student body, which I believed would provide a great learning experience. My experience at KDI School was both difficult and gratifying. I could study under world-class professors, participate in vigorous debates with my classmates, and apply what I learned in numerous projects and internships.

In your story submission, you mentioned your second family (friends). Can you tell us more about them and how your friends influenced your experience at KDI School and your personal growth?

My experience at KDI School would not have been the same without my friends, who quickly became like family to me. We came from diverse origins and held different perspectives, but we all had common experiences and interests. My friends influenced my KDI School experience by offering me emotional support, academic engagement, and a sense of belonging. They also assisted me in better understanding Korean culture and navigating life in a new place.

What was the most significant lesson you learned from your friends? Is there any special day you won’t forget? 

The most important thing I learned from my KDI School friends is the value of empathy and open-mindedness. Tamar and I belong to Gen Z and are more focused on self-surveillance, whereas Marian and Sayuri are millennials, constantly thinking about others before themselves. I learned to view situations from several perspectives and value the diversity of viewpoints and experiences. We had many arguments, but we also learned so much about each other.

Despite our differences, we shared priceless moments in Korea that made me feel completely at home. There was the mother, who can be tough at times but always pushed us to study more in school. And there was the kind aunt who was always asking, "Have you eaten?" and recommending "Malatang" or "Kimchi Jjigae." Then there was the evil sister, who was constantly looking for an excuse to argue with me, but she too had a deep attachment and affection for me.

One memorable occasion was when my friends surprised me on my birthday at 5 in the morning. I was going to send my friend to the Sejong Bus terminal, which turned out to be part of their surprise plan for me. It was a fantastic day that I will never forget and will always treasure.

What are your plans for staying in touch with them?

I plan to stay in touch with my friends through social media, messaging apps, and occasional visits. We use a group chat to share updates and funny memes, and we try to schedule reunions whenever we can. I also hope to visit their home countries to learn more about their lives and meet their families.

Last, do you have any advice for the current students of KDI School?

My advice for the current students of KDI School is to make the most of your time by engaging with your peers, professors, and the wider community. Take advantage of the resources and opportunities available, but don't forget to have fun and explore new things. Remember that your time at KDI School is not just about earning your degree but also about forming relationships and having valuable experiences that will shape your personal and professional growth.