Ryan Angouw is a youth change maker who is passionate about the betterment of his environment, and is excited to make an impact on a larger stage. Growing up in a coastal town in Indonesia, he witnessed firsthand how ocean degradation affects the livelihood of coastal communities. Determined to help, he co-founded an NGO that has raised the household incomes of over 150 people. In the future, Ryan wishes to learn about ocean issues all over the world as well as innovative solutions to create a better future.

 

Ryan’s favourite story growing up was a book that he read called The Wild Robot. The book’s theme is on family and maturity. The story is focused on a robot that crash landed in a forest, and its interactions with the wildlife. It comes across a young goose who has to migrate in the wintertime, and the robot slowly gains human emotions and qualities as it raises the goose. The book’s overall message is about sacrificing your feelings for the greater good of someone you love.

 

Realizing that leadership can be demonstrated in and out of school, Ryan has undertaken a diverse set of activities to pursue his personal growth. At school, he is a hardworking and dedicated student, as shown by his academic success. Outside of the classroom, Ryan is a member of his school’s honor choir, representing his school internationally in the Association of Music in international schools (AMIS). In the real world, he has shown that he cares about the planet and is determined to make a difference. He co-founded a coral reef conservation group that has partnered with international corporations such as Mercedes Benz as their corporate social responsibility partners, as well as represented his organization at an international morning talk show about current events in Southeast Asia. Over the course of three years, Ryan and his team have rescued over 2 and a half thousand corals as well as contributed to the increased biodiversity of over 180 species. 

 

Looking ahead, Ryan has a few years until he graduates high school, and he aims to maximize these years towards making a larger impact on the international stage, inviting other like-minded individuals his age to become changemakers and create a better future. He aims to do this by continuing to expand his current projects while also addressing other emerging issues in the world.