Motivation Letter for Stipendium Hungaricum, Vehicle Master Degree

MOTIVATION LETTER STIPENDIUM HUNGARICUM SCHOLARSHIP

(MASTER DEGREE)
(max. 4000 characters)
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According to research by Arup, in 2050, around 75% of the world's population will live in cities. Transport infrastructure will therefore need to build with resilience in mind to tackle the concentrated urban sprawl. Increased road congestion, and focus on the environment and energy consumption make railways a strong alternative to road transport for the movement of people and goods. The Government of Indonesia also follows such initiative. Data released by the Indonesian Ministry of National Development (BAPPENAS) stated there are at least three LRTs that will become priorities to construct in the next few years. Despite huge demand, Indonesia still faces challenges in developing its railway transportation. One of them is the shortage of skills. As a state-owned enterprise and the only company specializes in Electronic & Mechanical system for railway, I see my current company is also facing a shortage in railway specialist. There are not many experts capable of handling the rapid development of railway, such as on advance rail vehicles and intelligent transportation. Nation's need to fill key positions in railway industry, and advancing its technology solidified my interest to join the development.

My first enthusiasm to pursue transportation sparked when I did bachelor's thesis on the field of railway. I researched timetable optimization, applying model predictive control methods on the actual rail shuttle in the airport. The study aimed to analyse how significant the control methods when applied to recover the timetable from delay. I successfully delivered the research with a satisfactory result and even presented it at Railway Engineering conference in Edinburgh.

I continue my interest in the transportation industry by working within it. In one of my projects, I require to lead a team to bid on integration of public transportation ticketing system in Jakarta. It leads me to familiarize the transportation system worldwide, including Hungary. I see many similarities between Indonesia and Hungary in managing their transportation system. Among the European countries, Hungary and the other Eastern European countries, still improving its transportation system. Through several initiatives such as SMARTPOLIS, the Budapest Centre of Excellence for Smart Cities, Indonesia can learn and gain an understanding the process to upgrade the transportation system.

I aspire to study in Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) because of its unique approach on addressing the engineering problem in transportation, with economic aspects and innovative solution. Apart from that, studying at BME will give me chances to participate in an international project like MaaS4EU and collaborate with other European countries. Joining MaaS4Eu research study under Dr. XX will enhance my knowledge on seamless mobility and integrated public transportation. This research has similar nature with my project in Indonesia and will bring advantageous knowledge to be implemented upon my return to Indonesia.

Even though in vehicle technology the knowledge mainly follow on the same source, such as IEEE, but there must be local rules that needs to obey. The necessity to adapt on local engineering rules may require me to adjust to the situation. Despite this, I will try to overcome it by doing internships in the company such as BKK or Knorr-Bremse and participate in local projects.

At the beginning of my return, I want to apply my knowledge by nurturing the competencies of other employees in my current company and increasing the capability of other railway industry worker. It is important to spread the expertise and increase the amount of competent staff. Returning to my current company will also facilitate me to be involved in the central government infrastructure plan. It would be an honor to receive Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, as it would expedite my goal to contribute on railway development in my country.

You should first, explain how your undergraduate studies have prepared you to face the demands of the government project. To what extent does this preliminary training bring your career? How do you see yourself contributing to the government program? Is that the motivation for your advanced studies interest? How does the program you are interested in prepare you to specifically make a contribution to the government project? Merge the first 2 paragraphs to create a solid undergraduate and professional discussion that will clearly lead to a more intricate discussion of your masters degree motivation. You can actually use your thesis project discussion to accomplish that effectively.

A confident explanation of how your participation in international projects through the university is practically a requirement for your advanced career goals upon returning to your home country would be a big plus to this discussion. It will help establish the idea as to why you are convinced only studies in Budapest will suit your professional needs.