Devika Hartanto

Indonesian entrepreneur Devika Hartanto is the founder of PT Sinar Kejora Indonesia, an award-winning start-up in skincare manufacturing.

Her journey began at the University of Waikato, where she received an International Excellence Scholarship to study Biotechnology as an undergraduate international student.

While in high school in her hometown of Bandung, Devika developed a strong interest in biology and wanted to pursue a career in biotechnology. At the time, opportunities to study that field were limited in Indonesia, so Devika explored study options abroad. She was drawn to New Zealand for its natural beauty and welcoming reputation and the University of Waikato was the obvious choice for the scholarships offered to international students to study a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology.

Devika’s time at Waikato was rich in both academic and personal growth. She lived in student accommodation, Student Village, where she made close friends and explored the South Island with them.

New Zealand became my second home. Almost every weekend I’d find a new place to hike and explore. It became a perfect balance between studying and discovering nature. The warmth and kindness of the people gave me the motivation to keep going.

She credits her lecturers Dr Gregory Jacobson, Emeritus Professor Janis Swan and Marie-Christine Wells from Student Learning as key supporters during her studies. Through academic guidance, extracurricular activities such as mentoring Japanese students in the English Club, and exposure to diverse cultures in the halls of residence and classes, Devika developed the skills she now uses to run her global business.

“I became more confident with speaking English and am now able to negotiate with many vendors and clients across the world,” she says.

After completing her studies and returning to Indonesia, Devika pursued further training in cosmetic science and founded PT Sinar Kejora Indonesia. In 2024, her anti-ageing skincare brand Keyoura was named the winner of the Cosmetic Start-Up Competition by the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia.

Studying biotechnology at the University of Waikato changed my life. It gave me the foundation to follow my passion and build something meaningful.