The document provides an introduction and reflections on challenges and opportunities. It discusses the author's background growing up in Bandung and working in a corrupt environment in Indonesia. As an autistic individual, the author faces unintentional discrimination and extra scrutiny. The document outlines both the constant challenges of working abroad as a foreigner as well as the opportunities it provides to help other Indonesians and introduce their culture. It reflects on common myths about working overseas and emphasizes developing one's own career and helping others.

1. • Perkenalan
• Sedikit sejarah
• Tantangan dan kesempatan
• Refleksi mitos

2. • Me: A humble asperger (autistic) child who being blessed by
second chances
• Besar di Bandung – UK Maranatha – Kerja - ITB - Kerja
• A corrupt working world, a lot of money (10-40 jt + BMW +
supir), but unhappy. It is wrong and it is people’s (not my)
money!
• Apply for scholarships, get three offers. Chose Japan: simply
because want to repay back a good favour.

4. Always …
• Working against (unintentionally) discriminations &
(unthoughtful) stereotyping
• Always be scrutinised and judged – treadmill effects
• Need to do an extra-mile than ’locals’ to be acknowledged
• Will be 2nd to interact with stakeholders and funders
• Longing to go home (Indonesia)
• Have family concern
• If money is your concerns: do not work in academia
• Deal with this, or go home !

5. Opportunities …
• Puts motivation to be a better individual
• To show that we (Indonesian) can do it – what ever we
do/think/say would open/close doors to other Indonesian
fellows
We earn Indonesia either an acknowledgement or a curse!
• Despite discriminations, we tend/are conditioned to be in a
better position to help other Indonesian fellows and universities
• Introducing Indonesia and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika as a real
concept
• Learn of new things from locals
• The most important to me: I can live in the way I would like my
children to live. And when I looked back, I hope I’d be able say I
have done well 

6. Debugging Myths
• Richer? I would say NO
• Less stress? Definitely NO
• More stable? Depends on jobs and countries
• Happier? Depends on the person – treadmill effects. Be
content would a better aim.
• Better facilities for family? Likely, but, again, depends
• Probably it is clearer, less surprises and easier to plan
(supported by more professional and tangible environments)
• More facilities/supports to achieve something in our works

7. It is a matter of principle
• By the end of the day: It simply depends on you.
• We are the previledged!
• Things in life become what you call them to be
• Do not take opportunities as granted – it comes and go but
life is what you make it
• Harder path is shifting gears – our boss is ourselves
If you would like to develop career as an educator:
Don’t just replicate other people’s works, be the leader!
Methods are more challenging, but also more rewarding
Work beyond your traditional boundary and comfort zone
Remember to help other as well.