BYU–Hawaii students from Asia share how the university’s mission shapes their vision of service, unity and leadership back home
For Asian students at BYU–Hawaii, leadership is more than a title or a résumé entry—it is a responsibility shaped by faith, learning and service. Immersed in a diverse community that spans cultures, beliefs and experiences, students said they internalize the university’s mission: “Enter to learn, go forth to serve.” Each lesson, success and challenge becomes a stepping stone in forging a leadership identity rooted not just in knowledge, but in empathy, humility and the desire to make a tangible difference, they shared. For Malaysian senior Mervin Raja, Indonesian freshman Alden Ethanael Pua, and Filipino sophomore Fena Ennovy Zabala, BYUH has become a place where faith, learning and service intersect.
Raja, a senior computer science student, reflected on how BYUH’s mission has influenced his perspective on service. “I believed that when they say, ‘Enter to learn, go forth to serve,’ it doesn’t necessarily mean to study here then go back and serve your home; it also means to serve the people here and bring those experiences back home with you to share them among others in your country,” he said. That understanding has never changed, he added, because serving others is a powerful responsibility.
Among the mission’s pillars, Raja said he credits learning for shaping his personal growth. “Learning is an essential component of an individual’s life. Same goes for me. BYUH heavily emphasizes learning, whether in classrooms, work, church, families and even in our group of friends,” he said. Raja shared this aspect motivated him to learn from the experiences and mistakes that led him to who he is now: a better person.
Coming from a country where faith and culture are often practiced traditionally, Raja said BYUH has broadened his vision of leadership. “I’ve learned that living our values isn’t just about following tradition, but also about building connections, respecting differences and finding unity,” he said. Raja shared when he goes back to Malaysia, he wants to see himself not only as someone pursuing a career, but also as someone who brings people together.
Raja also described the impact of campus diversity. “Being at BYUH has been a unique experience because the campus is a true meeting place of cultures and faiths. Working, studying and living with people from so many backgrounds has taught me how to listen, respect and collaborate even when we see things differently,” he shared. It’s both a cultural and pragmatic experience especially as they learn how to foster understanding, build friendships across cultures and carry that spirit back into their own community and future careers, he said.
Working, studying and living with people from so many backgrounds has taught me how to listen, respect and collaborate even when we see things differently.
For Pua, a freshman majoring in communications, media and culture, work has been the mission component that most shaped his character. “All aspects of learning, working and service have influenced me, but over the course of these two semesters, work has had the most impact on my character and personality. In a professional work environment, you have to give your all, step out of your comfort zone and take responsibility for your colleagues who depend on you,” he said. Pua shared it was not always easy, and he made many mistakes, but it’s an experience he wouldn’t trade for the world.
Pua said his experience at BYUH has also shaped how he sees his home country of Indonesia. “As I further my education on Christ and the gospel, I understand the significance of sharing the gospel and fighting religious intolerance. I see the need for more churches and even a temple in Indonesia,” he said. He seeks to play a role in advancing this cause after graduating, he added
Reflecting on spiritual and professional growth, Pua said, “I don’t see it as a balance, but a blend. Spiritual growth and worldly responsibilities go hand in hand.” His social relationships, ethics and contribution to society reflect his moral development and understanding of the gospel, he said.
Pua shared his thoughts on acknowledging the challenges ahead. “The most obvious challenge would be facing rejection, since most people in Indonesia are Muslim. Living a Christ-centered lifestyle there isn’t easy, but I see it as an opportunity to serve in a place that needs it, much like where Jesus Christ would go,” Pua explained.
I don’t see [spiritual and professional growth] as a balance, but a blend. Spiritual growth and worldly responsibilities go hand in hand.
For Zabala, a sophomore majoring in business management with a finance concentration, learning and faith at BYUH have guided both her personal and professional aspirations. “The main reason I came to BYUH was because I understood its mission as a commitment to prepare students to become strong leaders in their families, communities and careers. But more importantly, the most integral part of the mission is to become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ,” she expressed.
She shared how blessed she is to be part of the institution. “Here, I can pursue both education and career development while being spiritually guided by church leaders. Most especially, we have the blessing of being near the temple and participating in sacred ordinances,” Zabala said.
She emphasized how learning at BYUH has shaped her growth. “For me, it’s definitely about learning. As President Russell M. Nelson once said, ‘Education is yours to obtain. No one else can gain it for you.’ Since coming here, I’ve learned so much not just academically, but about myself. BYU–Hawaii has given me a fresh start,” Zabala said. She said she gained new skills and developed the courage to try things outside of her comfort zone. “I’m also learning to be more compassionate and understanding, especially in such a diverse and multicultural environment,” Zabala said.
Campus diversity has also influenced her approach to leadership and peacebuilding, she shared. “Here at BYUH, you meet people from so many different backgrounds in classes, on the streets, in the cafeteria. That diversity is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of the university. By learning about other people’s cultures, faiths and stories, I’ve developed a deeper respect for others,” she said. She added this experience is preparing everyone to be a bridge-builder—an individual who promotes peace, understanding and unity wherever they go.
By learning about other people’s cultures, faiths and stories, I’ve developed a deeper respect for others.
Looking ahead, all three students have clear visions for contributing to their communities. Raja said, “When I return home to Malaysia, I want to contribute in three ways. Socially, I hope to create more spaces for understanding across cultures and faiths, the way I’ve experienced here at BYUH. Economically, I want to use my computer science training to support digital innovation and create opportunities for young people,” he said. Spiritually, Raja said he plans to set an example by showing respect, service and compassion in my daily life so others can feel encouraged to do the same.
Pua said his contributions will be both spiritual and economic. “Economically, I hope to help improve Indonesia’s economy perhaps by starting a business and creating jobs. Spiritually, I plan to be more active in church activities, especially with the youth, guiding them as I was guided,” he said.
Zabala said she also has a multifaceted approach. “I plan to contribute to all three areas. Socially, I want to be involved in community projects and youth mentoring. Economically, as a Finance major, I want to help my fellow Filipinos become more financially literate and self-reliant. Spiritually, I hope to serve in the Church and help others grow in their faith and testimony of Jesus Christ,” she said.
All three students agreed that BYUH’s mission is uniquely suited for Asian students. Raja noted that the mission stands out compared to other universities because it teaches students how to live and work with people from diverse cultures, preparing them to return home with a stronger sense of peacebuilding and unity. Pua echoed this point, explaining that the university’s focus on academics, spirituality, and cultural diversity provides graduates with an invaluable advantage. Zabala added that what makes BYUH truly special is its broader vision—not only preparing students for careers, but also for life, eternity, and service to God and others.
For Raja, Pua and Zabala, success isn’t about titles or money but the impact they make through service and faith. Raja said it means building bridges and mentoring others; Pua emphasized living a Christ-centered life that reflects the values he’s learned; and Zabala described it as leading with integrity, serving with compassion and making a real difference in her community.