Congratulations to Ridho Ramadhan, one of nine Global Conference scholarship recipients.
Ridho will be attending our 2026 Global Conference in Abu Dhabi thanks to the generous support of SITE Foundation.
Here is Ridho’s winning essay, charting an inspiring range of incentive career experiences so far.
I was born in a small, remote village in Sumatra, Indonesia, where most families lived as farmers. My father only finished elementary school, and my mother completed junior high. Life was simple, with survival as the priority.
At that time, working in hotels, tourism, or the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry was unimaginable the very concept of MICE was unknown in my world.
As a child, I walked two kilometers each way to a state elementary school, often without proper shoes or supplies. Those struggles, though difficult, shaped my resilience.
I never imagined that one day, I would work in the international MICE industry far beyond the boundaries of my village.
Finding my spark
My first taste of events came in high school through scouting. For three years, I guided camping activities, organized schedules, negotiated with peers, and led multi-day programs.
Without realizing it, these experiences nurtured my passion for public speaking and being a master of ceremonies. It was only a hobby then, but it planted the seed that would define my career.
At university, my path took a turn. I first enrolled in pharmacy, unsure of my direction, but quickly realized it wasn’t for me.
A cousin then introduced me to the MICE program at Politeknik Negeri Medan. It fit my personality and interests perfectly, and that single conversation changed my life.
Overcoming barriers
Studying MICE was exciting but intimidating. I faced two big challenges: professional grooming and English. Coming from a rural village, I had never been trained to dress or present formally. And with no real background in English, I felt unprepared for an industry where it was essential.
Formal courses were too expensive, so I turned to free resources: downloading materials over campus Wi-Fi, watching YouTube, and practicing daily until I could communicate more confidently.
Financial survival was another struggle. To support myself, I worked multiple jobs event staff, hotel contract worker, travel agency assistant, even radio broadcaster.
Balancing studies, part-time work, and organizations was exhausting, but it taught me discipline and time management.
My persistence was rewarded with a full scholarship for academic performance.
Beyond academics, I served as Head of Commission 5 of the Student Council, responsible for inter-campus relations. That role sharpened my communication and negotiation skills and expanded my network.
Entering the professional world
A turning point came when I met Mr. Ida Bagus Surakusuma (LOLEC), Managing Director of Pacific World Bali, during a national conference at my campus. I served as his liaison officer, and our conversations inspired me to apply for an internship with Pacific World in the Cruise and MICE division.
That three-month internship was eye-opening. I was introduced to incentive programs, conferences, and cruise shore excursions—experiences far beyond what I had ever known.
After graduation, I dreamed of working in Bali, and that dream came true when I was hired by Intercruises, a global cruise company, as operations staff.
My biggest challenge there was mastering Bali as a destination. Every weekend, I explored tourist sites on my motorbike, learning from guides so I could serve guests properly.
Over six months, I handled shore excursions, hotel programs, turnarounds, and port operations, contributing to more than 40 ship calls.
When the contract ended, Pacific World’s MICE division offered me a role as Account Executive. I quickly learned client correspondence, site inspections, proposals, and event logistics.
Just as I was building confidence, COVID-19 hit. Pacific World shut down globally, and I was laid off.
Resilience in crisis
For a moment, I thought of leaving the industry. Tourism felt hopeless.
But before my termination was final, I was transferred to another department as Contract and Product Manager for FIT (Free Independent Travelers) and Cruise. There, I managed over 150 hotels, 50 restaurants, and multiple attractions, created cruise products, implemented health and safety standards, and onboarded suppliers into online platforms. It was a steep learning curve, but it kept me connected to tourism during one of its darkest periods.
After one and a half years, another door opened. Mr. Sumadi, Managing Director of Realm Indonesia, invited me to return to MICE. My first project was managing an incentive group — the first after two years of shutdowns. Seeing guides, drivers, and restaurants come back to life was unforgettable.
Growing with Realm
Today, under the leadership of CEO Selina Sinclair, I serve as Senior Operations Manager at Realm Indonesia. My role is to ensure seamless program execution — arrivals, transfers, excursions, dinners, and departures.
Each group brings unique expectations, and meeting people from diverse cultures has taught me to be adaptive, humble, and open-minded.
With each project, I strengthen my craft. My long-term dream is to one day serve as a director in a global company, using my experiences to lead on a larger scale.
At Realm, excellence is our standard. We design programs tailored to each group, carefully selecting vendors who meet strict health, safety, and insurance requirements. Site inspections and rehearsals are essential.
Our strength lies in blending Bali’s rich culture, natural beauty, and adventure to create unique, memorable incentive programs. Supported by a passionate team, we deliver smooth execution combined with the warm hospitality Bali is known for.
Giving back and looking forward
Alongside my professional role, I also serve as a guest lecturer at my alma mater, Politeknik Negeri Medan, and at Politeknik Bisnis Wilmar Medan.
I want the next generation to have the guidance I lacked. Sharing my experiences is not just teaching—it is my way of passing the torch to future MICE professionals.
I am eager to join Global Conference because it is an extraordinary opportunity to expand my professional network, learn from international experts, and explore new industry trends. Being in Abu Dhabi, a global hub of hospitality and innovation, will give me valuable insights to strengthen Realm Indonesia’s ability to design unique, safe, and impactful programs.
Looking back, the road from being a farmer’s son in Sumatra to working in the international MICE industry has been filled with challenges and setbacks. Yet through determination and resilience, I have reached this point.
Together with my growing team in Bali, we are now preparing to undertake the CIS certification as Realm strengthens its connection with SITE. This step reflects our commitment not only to professional excellence but also to contributing to the global incentive travel community.
If a village boy like me, who once walked two kilometers to school with nothing more than hope, can reach this stage, then anyone can. All it takes is the courage to dream, the persistence to keep going, and the belief that giving up is never an option.
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