A radiant Future in Southeast Asian Diplomacy

Almoatasim Shahbain, an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois urbana-Champaign, has been selected as a recipient of the highly competitive Boren Award. This scholarship will enable him to immerse himself in Indonesian language and culture during the 2025-26 academic year, furthering his aspirations of becoming a U.S. diplomat specializing in Southeast Asia.

Shahbain’s journey will begin with a summer term at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, followed by a fall term studying indonesian at the State University of Malang, Indonesia. His experience will extend beyond the classroom, incorporating cultural immersion activities designed to foster a deeper understanding of indonesian society.

The Boren Award: Investing in National Security

The David L. Boren Scholarships and Fellowships are a cornerstone of the National Security Education program (NSEP). This federal initiative aims to cultivate a cadre of U.S. citizens with expertise in languages and cultures critical to U.S. national security interests.The awards provide opportunities for intensive language study and cultural immersion,equipping students with invaluable skills for future service.

The NSEP seeks to build a broader and more qualified pool of U.S. citizens with foreign language and international skills. In return for funding, Boren Award recipients commit to working in the federal government for at least one year, ensuring their expertise contributes to national security objectives.

From Burr Ridge to Southeast Asia: A Passion for Diplomacy

A graduate of Hinsdale Central High School, Shahbain is pursuing a degree in political science and a minor in philosophy at the University of Illinois. His interest in Indonesia was ignited during a U.S. State Department internship, where he interacted with Indonesian officials in Washington, D.C.

During an internship last summer for the U.S. State Department, Shahbain engaged with top Indonesian officials in Washington, D.C., and deepened his passion for the Indonesian language and the importance of the country to U.S. interests. He plans to become a U.S. diplomat to Southeast Asia to further advance and promote good relations with the region, especially in Indonesia.

This experience solidified his desire to become a U.S. diplomat specializing in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on fostering strong relations with Indonesia.

A multifaceted Background

Shahbain’s commitment to service extends beyond his academic pursuits. He is enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard, where he is a certified linguist in Arabic-Yemeni and Arabic-Levantine dialects. He also works at the Chez Veterans Centre at Illinois, assisting incoming military veterans and military-connected students.

Furthermore, Shahbain has served as a committee chair for the past two years in the General Assembly of the American Model United Nations in Chicago. He is an active member of the Indonesian Students Association at Illinois and plans to continue his language studies in graduate school.