Jawo’s Journey: From Gambia to Indonesia, A Story of Mindset Transformation

Malang, JATIMLINES.ID – Muhammed Jawo, an international scholar and entrepreneur, has returned to Indonesia for the second time, this time to pursue a PhD at Universitas Brawijaya (UB). His journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of a positive mindset. Having previously completed his Bachelor’s degree at UB in 2018, Jawo’s return marks a new chapter in his academic. Thursday (6/3/2025).

Jawo first arrived in Indonesia in 2014 to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business at UB. During his studies, he participated in an exchange program in the Netherlands, broadening his international exposure. After graduating in 2018, he went on to earn an MBA in Türkiye, worked in Dubai, and founded a startup business Le Jumbo in Gambia.

Now, in 2023, he has returned to UB for his PhD, driven by a collaboration between the University of The Gambia and University of Brawijaya.

Reflecting on his return, Jawo noted significant changes in Malang and the university. “The city has developed so much, and UB has also upgraded its facilities and academic programs. It’s a different experience now compared to my Bachelor’s days,” he shared.

Jawo highlighted the stark differences between his Bachelor’s and PhD experiences. “During my Bachelor’s, it was more structured, attending classes with classmates, following a semester, based curriculum. But a PhD is entirely different. It’s independent, research-focused, and specialized. You work closely with supervisors, attend conferences, and publish papers. It’s a whole new level of academic,” he explained.

Despite the challenges, Jawoo is enthusiastic about his research and the opportunities it brings. “Being back in the same faculty and department feels familiar, but the approach to learning is completely different. It’s a rewarding experience,” he added.

Beyond academics, Jawo has been actively involved in community initiatives. Recently, he served as a guest teacher in Sidoarjo, where he shared his experiences with students.

“I talked about Gambia and the world, exposing the kids to an international perspective. It was inspiring to see their curiosity and enthusiasm,” he said.

He also participated in a Talkshow on International Students Seminar and Awarding Day organized by UB’s International Office in partnership with AviSOC (ASEAN virtual student opinion competition). They event focus of global citizenship and cultural competence, thriving in a diverse world.

Then Exposed Tourism 2024 organized by FIA UB’s. The event focused on tourism, diversity, and bridging cultural gaps.

“Our differences make the world beautiful. It’s important to celebrate diversity and learn from one another,” Jawo emphasized.

In Gambia, Jawo runs the Le Jumbo Mentorship Programme, which empowers young Gambians to develop entrepreneurial skills. “We mentor them to generate business ideas and build sustainable ventures. It’s about creating opportunities and fostering innovation,” he explained.

“Mindset is everything. It’s about your beliefs and daily actions. A positive mindset attracts positivity and success,” he said.

Jawo shared an example of how a mindset shift can transform lives. “If you’re educated but struggling to find a job, why not create one? Instead of waiting for opportunities, become an entrepreneur. Before asking what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. It’s about turning challenges into opportunities,” he explained.

He also concerned the importance of passion and persistence. “Passion fuels your energy, and persistence helps you overcome obstacles. Failure is part of the journey, but what matters is not giving up. With a positive mindset, passion, and persistence, you can achieve anything,” he added.

Jawo’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of education, entrepreneurship, and a positive mindset. As he continues his PhD and community work, he hopes to inspire others to embrace challenges and strive for success.

“Life is not easy, but with the right mindset, you can overcome anything. That’s the essence of Yep Si Mind Bi La,” he concluded.