Three undergraduate students of the University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI hereafter) have won the honor of the 2025 SJTU Outstanding Undergraduate Graduates (International Students), according to a recent announcement of SJTU International Student Service Center.
Jovan Yap Zheng Feng from Singapore, Kantaphat Leelakunwet from Thailand, and Niladri Saha Saccha from Bangladesh are among the 17 winners selected from all international undergraduate students on SJTU campuses who are expected to graduate this year. The award recognizes graduating international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, active engagement in research and community service, and meaningful contributions to cultural exchange.
Over the past four years, the three honorees have excelled in their respective fields while actively participating in student organizations, academic competitions, and extracurricular activities, showcasing the well-rounded development of international students at JI.
Jovan Yap Zheng Feng, a Singaporean student, has received several academic honors, including the JI Tang Junyuan Scholarship, the UM McLane Family Scholarship, and multiple distinctions such as UM Honors, UM Dean’s List, and the JI Excellence in Leadership Award. He has been admitted to the University of California, Berkeley, where he will pursue a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences starting in August 2025.
“Interacting closely with both local and international peers at JI has been a great academic inspiration,” said Jovan. “I hope to serve as a bridge for global technological innovation and collaboration, leveraging my skills to unite diverse perspectives and tackle global challenges.”
Kantaphat Leelakunwet, from Thailand, has consistently ranked in the top 1% of his major over four years. He served as President of the JI International Student Association in 2023 and has received multiple honors including the Shanghai Government First-Class Scholarship, JI John Wu & Jane Sun Excellence Scholarship, and the Yu Liming Scholarship. He was selected as one of the 12 SJTU Elites for International Students in 2023 and received a nomination for the university’s 2024 “Person of the Year” award.
“My time at JI taught me the value of cultural connection and communication,” Kantaphat said. “I hope to serve as a bridge between Chinese and Thai cultures and continue striving toward the goal of becoming a cultural ambassador.”
Niladri Saha Saccha, from Bangladesh, served as Vice President of the SJTU Global Competence Development Association and has received the Shanghai Government Scholarship (Second Class), JI Wu Jiong & Sun Jie Rising Star Scholarship, and the Student Development Scholarship. He earned top honors in the 2024 Rongchang Cup Youth Global Governance Innovation Design Competition and the International Youth Leadership Finance Summit. He has been awarded a full scholarship to pursue a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the National University of Singapore, starting in 2025.
“Life at JI was dynamic and fulfilling,” said Niladri. “Through student clubs, sports, and cultural activities, I made lifelong friendships and gained valuable personal growth.”
