A student from SMA 8 state high school in Pekanbaru, Riau, has taken home the gold medal from the 49^th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) held in Bangkok form July 6-15.

Seventeen-year-old Dean Fanggohans told news agency Antara that maximum preparation, self-discipline and an attitude of not giving up were the keys to his success. “I once failed in the selection phase of an international olympiad, in India in 2013,” he said. “If I had given up that time, I wouldn’t have come out as the winner this year.”

The student shared that he sought to win more gold medals for Indonesia at international science competitions. Regarding his future, he said that he wanted “to be an entrepreneur building a chemical factory."

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Riau Governor Arsyadjuliandi “Andi” Rachman (left) poses with Dean Fanggohans. (instagram.com/andirachmangubri/File)

At the 48^th IChO held in Georgia last year, the Indonesian delegation only brought home two silver and two bronze medals. “I heard this is [also] the first time for Indonesia to receive a gold [medal] since 2009,” said Riau Governor Arsyadjuliandi “Andi” Rachman.

In addition to the gold medal, the Indonesian team was also awarded three silver medals in Bangkok, which were received by Fahmi Naufal Rizki from SMA Kharisma Bangsa in South Tangerang, M. Ridho Setiyawan from SMA 1 in Central Jawa and Mario Lorenzo from SMA BPK Penabur Gading Serpong in Tangerang.

The International Chemistry Olympiad is an annual competition for students of chemistry. This year, participants from 76 countries competed in the event, with tests including theory and practice in the lab. (wir/kes)