Merry Riana

Merry Riana comes from a modest Chinese-Indonesian family in Jakarta. Since childhood, her parents have emphasised hard work, integrity, education and faith as the main pillars of life. These values have taken deep root within her personal identity and become the foundation of her success today

1995 - 1998 SMA Santa Ursula Jakarta; 1998 - 2002 Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore, Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering; 2016 Harvard Business School, Executive Education

2002 - 2013 Founder of Merry Riana Organization, Singapore; 2013 - present, Founder of Merry Riana Group; 2014 - present, President Commissioner of Merry Riana Education (MERI); 2022 - present, Managing Principal of MD Co; 2024 - present, Faculty Member of Maxwell Leadership Indonesia; 2024 - present, Special Staff to the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure & Regional Development

Merry Riana Group (Merry Riana Education & Merry Riana Indonesia)

Film: Merry Riana: Mimpi Sejuta Dolar 2015; Books: A Gift From A Friend 2006; Mimpi Sejuta Dolar 2011; Sejuta Dolar 2013; Follow Merry Riana 2013; Langkah Sejuta Suluh 2014; Merry Riana Mimpi Sejuta Dolar Graphic Novel 2014; Million Dollar Dream 2016; Merry Riana Campus Ambassadors 2016; Merry Riana for Kids 1 & 2 2018; I’m Possible 2020; Merry Little Book of Love 2021; Merry Little Book of Life 2021; THE MENTOR: 9 Purnama di Sisi SBY 2025; Songs: Indonesia Pasti Bisa, Eka Gustiwana feat Merry Riana 2014; Saya Pasti Bisa, Saykoji feat Merry Riana 2018; Tuhan Tolong Saya 2023

Merry Riana Gives Back for Teachers; Merry Riana Gives Back for Students

Nanyang Outstanding Young Alumni Award 2006; Spirit Of Enterprise Award 2008; Great Woman of Our Time by Singapore Women's Weekly 2010; Her World's The Most Powerful Woman 2012 by Her World 2012; The Inspiring Woman by Wardah 2015; The Most Inspiring Woman by SK-II 2015; Creative & Innovative Person of The Year by Indonesian Choice Award 2016; Young Businessperson of The Year by Jawa Pos Group 2016; Outstanding Young Persons Award by Junior Chamber International 2018; IFBC Celebpreneur Award by Asosiasi Franchise Indonesia 2020; Perempuan Indonesia Juara (Economy Category) by Indonesia Hijab Walk 2023; Ambassador of Indonesia’s Creative Economy Motivation, by Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy 2023; Health Ambassador by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia 2024; Ambassador for Women and Child Friendship of the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection 2024; IPSA Award by Indonesian Public Speaking Association 2024; MURI Record awarded for conducting the Public Speaking Training with the Highest Number of Participants 2024; Ambassador of Indonesian Chess by Pengurus Besar Persatuan Catur Seluruh Indonesia 2025

At the age of 26, Merry Riana achieved an income of 1 million dollars, four years after graduating from university. This success was immortalised in her bestselling biography “Mimpi Sejuta Dolar” (2011), which later became a box-office film; In 2025, MERI became the first education company in Indonesia to go public on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s education sector. Since 2024, Merry Riana has served as Special Staff to the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development of the Republic of Indonesia. Her role includes building strategic partnerships with non-governmental organisations, private sectors, and international partners; Personally invited by Pope Francis during his visit to Indonesia; Shared the stage with John C. Maxwell at the prestigious International Maxwell Conference in Orlando; Selected as one of the torchbearers for the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, a symbol of national pride and contribution. As one of the most influential inspirational content creators in Southeast Asia, Merry Riana has millions of YouTube subscribers (Gold Play Button) and tens of millions of followers across platforms. Her content, ranging from motivational messages and interviews with national figures to public education, has established her as an icon of digital leadership and a powerful voice for the young generation

Indonesian; English

Education, Self Development, Travelling

The most defining moment in Merry Riana’s life occurred during the 1998 riots in Jakarta. The tense and uncertain situation compelled her to continue her studies at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, relying solely on a student loan and surviving on just SGD 10 per week. From this period of hardship, Merry learned resilience, courage, and faith — values that became the foundation of her success. Four years after graduating, at the age of 26, she earned her first USD 1 million, a phenomenal achievement that transformed her life and inspired millions around the world. In 2018, after achieving remarkable success, Merry Riana discovered a deeper meaning and set the compass of her life: to be significant as God’s living miracle, enjoying every moment and pieces of her miraculous life with her loved ones, and testifying her blessed life story to the world as a gift of love for herself and others

Merry Riana is currently developing her fashion brand, MRRY, as part of her personal legacy and a source of inspiration for the younger generation

The Way to Succeed: Vision — to have a clear and meaningful dream; Action — dare to take the first step, stay committed until the end, be disciplined, and never give up; Passion — to embrace every process wholeheartedly and with gratitude, so the energy to endure remains strong. And The Definition of Success: Happiness — be grateful for and enjoy everything God allows. Happiness is not the finish line, but the provision we carry each day; Growth —keep learning and evolving, never think you know it all, always create space for reflection and talent development; Purpose — ultimately, success means being useful, creating impact, leaving a legacy, and becoming a light for others.

merryriana.com; merryrianaeducation.com

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.