Medan – Steven Ernesto Sebastian Sihombing, a student of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FEB USU), has achieved an impressive milestone by winning three titles in national stock trading competitions held from July to October 2026. These achievements demonstrate the enthusiasm of FEB USU students for developing their competencies and applying their knowledge in economics and capital markets.

Steven secured Third Place nationally in the UBB National Trading Competition 6.0, organized by the Capital Market Study Group of Universitas Bangka Belitung from July 27 to August 7, 2026. He subsequently won Third Place in the Virtual Trading Competition at Jaya Investment Week 2026, organized by the Jaya Stock Club of Universitas Pembangunan Jaya. Meanwhile, in the Veteran Trading Competition organized by the Student Investment Study Group of UPN Veteran Yogyakarta, Steven won Second Place nationally.

These three achievements were earned through a series of competitions that tested participants' abilities to analyze markets, develop investment strategies, conduct stock trading simulations, and present their analytical findings before a panel of judges. Steven's success demonstrates his consistency in improving his analytical skills and broadening his understanding of capital market dynamics.

In preparing for the competitions, Steven studied various macroeconomic indicators, geopolitical developments, and market sentiment that could influence stock price movements. He also conducted research and developed strategies before each competition. According to him, understanding economic information and global developments is an important part of the investment analysis and decision-making process.

In addition to independent study, Steven received support from the USU Capital Market Study Group (KSPM). Discussions and exchanges of experience with fellow members and alumni provided opportunities to deepen his knowledge and develop his skills in the capital market field.

This experience highlights the importance of learning that extends beyond theoretical instruction in the classroom and provides students with opportunities to hone their skills through competitions, simulations, research, and academic discussions. For economics and business students, these activities can serve as a means of understanding capital market practices while developing critical thinking and making decisions based on relevant information.

Steven also encourages students to start learning about investment at an early stage through educational activities and virtual trading simulations. He emphasized the importance of following economic and political news at both national and international levels to understand the factors that may influence the market. However, he also reminded students that investing involves risks, so every decision should be based on careful analysis and an understanding of the potential risks involved.

Steven Ernesto Sebastian Sihombing's achievements align with FEB USU's commitment to improving the quality of education through student competency development, applied learning, and strengthened financial literacy. These accomplishments are expected to inspire other students to continue developing their potential, participate in competitions, and apply the knowledge gained during their studies across various professional fields.

These achievements also support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, particularly through strengthening skills, improving learning quality, and providing opportunities for students to develop competencies relevant to workforce needs. FEB USU hopes that this accomplishment will encourage more students to engage in learning, innovate, and achieve success at both national and international levels.