Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) celebrates another remarkable achievement as students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Khairunnas Ahmad from the Master of Chemistry program have been selected for the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellows Program (PFP) 2025 in the field of Sustainability and the Environment.

Initiated by the U.S. government, YSEALI PFP is renowned for empowering young leaders across Southeast Asia and Timor-Leste to tackle global challenges. With a highly competitive selection process, this program is recognized as one of the most prestigious leadership exchange initiatives in the region. Khairunnas selection is a testament to their outstanding contributions and potential.

Khairunnas Ahmad: Championing Water Conservation
Khairunnas Ahmad has built a solid track record in water resource conservation. As a delegate from Aceh at the 10th World Water Forum 2024 in Bali, he played a vital role in developing a comprehensive roadmap for water policies that balance human and environmental needs. “Water is the essence of life, and sustainable management is critical for future generations,” said Khairunnas.

In addition, Khairunnas participated in the UNITAR Leaders for Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) 2024 program, focusing on maritime and human security in the Asia-Pacific. As a representative of Aceh at the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY), he presented a pre-statement paper emphasizing clean water and sanitation, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

His academic contributions include scientific publications addressing critical environmental issues, such as:

• The use of metal oxide/chitosan composites to mitigate organic pollutants.
• Polymer-supported laccase immobilization for wastewater treatment.
• Investigations into heavy metal contamination in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems caused by anthropogenic activities in Indonesia.