New York City, April 2026, At the bustling halls of the Javits Center, where thousands of young entrepreneurs gathered for the Youth Business Summit 2026, innovation was everywhere. Bold ideas, polished pitches, and ambitious visions filled the room.
But among all the competition, one presence stood out not for being the loudest, but for being the most genuine.
Sabine Tesla Amadine, Chief Operating Officer of Team Biru from HighScope Indonesia TB Simatupang, brought something rare to the global stage: warmth that resonated beyond business.
Representing Indonesia, Team Biru earned Gold for Best Booth and Silver for Best Sales Pitch, a remarkable achievement that placed them among the summit’s top performers. Their product, eco-friendly tumblers made from recycled waste collected from Indonesia’s beaches, captured attention for its relevance and purpose, embodied in their motto, “From Waste to Wave.” Their booth captivated judges with its engaging presentation, while their sales pitch reflected clarity and confidence.
Indonesia is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. However, behind that beauty lies a growing issue: plastic pollution. Inspired by this reality, the team developed an initiative that transforms plastic waste into a valuable, eco-conscious product, addressing both environmental impact and public awareness. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Below Water, their project goes beyond product creation. It aims to shift perspectives, proving that waste can be reimagined into something purposeful, functional, and impactful for the long term.
“It means a lot, truly,” the team shared. “After putting in all our effort for this competition, we feel really happy and proud to achieve this after so many tries.” A major factor in their success was storytelling. The team designed an engaging and interactive booth that drew people in, making their concept easy to understand while leaving a lasting impression. By focusing on clarity and experience, they ensured their message resonated with a global audience. Understanding that plastic pollution is not limited to one country, the team made their message universally relatable. Since plastic is part of everyday life worldwide, they communicated their idea in a way that connected with people from all backgrounds.
Yet behind the awards, there was a quieter story unfolding. When visitors approached the booth, they were met by Sabine’s welcoming presence. With a natural ease, she greeted each guest with a smile, engaging them not as potential customers, but as individuals worth connecting with. There was no script, only sincerity.
“In a space filled with impressive ideas, it was her kindness that stayed with you,” one observer noted. “She didn’t just present a product, she made you feel part of its story.”
Her ability to turn a brief interaction into a meaningful exchange gave Team Biru an undeniable edge. Conversations flowed, curiosity deepened, and what began as a simple visit often turned into a lasting impression.
This human connection elevated everything around her.
While the booth itself was thoughtfully designed, interactive, educational, and visually compelling, it was Sabine who brought it to life. She translated the team’s environmental mission into something tangible, bridging the gap between concept and emotion. In doing so, she helped reshape perceptions around sustainability, proving that products born from waste can carry both purpose and pride.
Behind the scenes, her leadership in Biru was just as impactful. Working closely with CEO Kezia Semarya, CTO Latisha Dinda, Finance Administrator Ayman Siregar, and coordination with the rest of the team in Indonesia, CHRO Mikaela Andira, System Administrator Michelle Alyssa, CFO Bibin Dzaki, Product Development Jeremy Boor, CMO Amia P.A. Darus, Marketing Associate Walla Mansour, Head of Sales Anjali Chavan, Sales Associate Farrel Argantha, IT Manager Benawa Daniswan, and IT Associate Fasya Hendrarso, Sabine ensured seamless coordination in a high-pressure international setting. Her approach combined structure with empathy, fostering both discipline and trust within the team.
Indonesia’s delegation, which included four teams, Biru, Caplok, Jelantic, and Titip Aja, demonstrated the country’s growing strength in innovation and global engagement. Yet through Sabine, Team Biru revealed something deeper: that true leadership is not only defined by results, but by presence.
As the summit came to a close, four companies from Indonesia brought their medals home. While all the awards were given, photos were taken, and achievements were celebrated, what lingered for many was not just the product, nor even the accolades, but the feeling of being genuinely welcomed.
In a world driven by competition, Sabine Tesla Amadine reminded everyone of something powerful: sometimes, the strongest impact begins with a simple, sincere hello. And in that moment, Indonesia didn’t just win awards, it won hearts.
Together, their achievements mark a proud moment for Indonesia and highlight the rising impact of its youth in the international business arena.
