Amid long working hours and daily customer service demands, Farouk Muhammad Afero made a life-changing decision. A sales associate at MATAHARI PSX, he chose to pursue higher education—an uncommon and challenging path for a full-time worker. While many stay within routine, Farouk took on the challenge of working and studying simultaneously to build a better future. 

After four years as a sales associate, Farouk realized that hard work alone was not enough to advance his career. His ambition to become a Supervisor motivated him to continue his education, leading him to enroll at Universitas Terbuka (UT) Palembang. 

“I want to become a Supervisor someday. That’s why I decided to go to college and chose UT Palembang,” Farouk said. 

Balancing work and study is no easy task, but UT Palembang’s flexible learning system allows him to manage both without disrupting his job. “I chose UT Palembang because it doesn’t interfere with my work. I can study while continuing to work,” he explained. 

Affordability was another key factor. With an income as a sales associate, Farouk needed a realistic option. “If it wasn’t UT Palembang, I wouldn’t dare to study. The tuition is affordable for my salary,” he added. 

With his parents’ support, Farouk now looks ahead with clear goals: to focus on his studies, graduate on time, and achieve his career aspirations. 

Farouk’s story shows that higher education remains accessible for those willing to strive, even amid limitations. Through flexible and affordable learning, Universitas Terbuka Palembang empowers working professionals to grow—aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)—and helping learners like Farouk take meaningful steps toward a better future.