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SJTU Honors Three JI Students as 2025 Outstanding Graduates

In a recent announcement, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) recognized three outstanding undergraduate students from the University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI) as the 2025 SJTU Outstanding Undergraduate Graduates for International Students. This honor celebrates the academic achievements and contributions of international students on SJTU campuses who are set to graduate this year.

The awardees, Jovan Yap Zheng Feng from Singapore, Kantaphat Leelakunwet from Thailand, and Niladri Saha Saccha from Bangladesh, were selected from a pool of 17 international undergraduate students. Their success is attributed to exceptional performances in academics, active participation in research, community service, and fostering cultural exchange.

Over the span of their four years at JI, each of these students has demonstrated remarkable progress in their respective fields, alongside their involvement in various student organizations and extracurricular activities, highlighting the comprehensive development of international students within this academic environment.

Jovan Yap Zheng Feng, a distinguished student from Singapore, has garnered numerous accolades, including the JI Tang Junyuan Scholarship and the UM McLane Family Scholarship. He is also recognized as a member of the UM Honors and Dean’s List, and he holds the JI Excellence in Leadership Award. Jovan will advance his studies in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley, starting August 2025.

“Interacting closely with both local and international peers at JI has been a great academic inspiration,” Jovan expressed. He aspires to use his skills to facilitate global technological innovation and collaboration, uniting diverse perspectives to address international challenges.

Kantaphat Leelakunwet from Thailand has consistently ranked in the top 1% of his major and served as the President of the JI International Student Association in 2023. His achievements include several scholarships, such as the Shanghai Government First-Class Scholarship and the JI John Wu & Jane Sun Excellence Scholarship, alongside being recognized as one of the SJTU Elites for International Students.

Reflecting on his experience, Kantaphat noted, “My time at JI taught me the value of cultural connection and communication.” He aims to bridge Chinese and Thai cultures and serves as a cultural ambassador.

Niladri Saha Saccha from Bangladesh has excelled as the Vice President of the SJTU Global Competence Development Association and has received multiple awards, including the Shanghai Government Scholarship and the JI Wu Jiong & Sun Jie Rising Star Scholarship. He has been honored with a full scholarship for a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the National University of Singapore, beginning in 2025.

“Life at JI was dynamic and fulfilling,” Niladri said, emphasizing the lifelong friendships formed and the personal growth experienced through various student activities.

This recognition of JI students underscores the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive and enriching environment for international students, promoting both academic excellence and cultural understanding.