SINGAPORE - Laurentius Steven Oei of Indonesia wants to promote basketball and be a role model for young basketball players in his country.

Oei joined the IBF Youth Leadership Seminar which gives the participants a chance to organize and run their own tournaments after the program.

The 3x3 component of the seminar is a perfect setting for Oei to get himself reacclimated with 3x3 after representing Indonesia in the FIBA 3x3 World Championship in 2014 and 2016.

"The seminar means a lot to me because it opened my mind and I learned so much in regard to the culture of other people," said Oei.

Photo: Oei discussing his plans for the Indonesia tournament

The current Satria Muda Pertamina forward in the Indonesia Basketball League admitted that despite his rich history with the sport it is his first time organizing a tournament.

"It's really a great experience for me because it's my first time leading and organizing a tournament. I played in a lot of 3x3 tournaments before and I have a deeper appreciation for the organizers now," said Oei.

The 24-year old proudly acknowledged that he learned a lot in terms of leadership and is very grateful for the opportunity to improve his capabilities in that regard.

"My problem before was I always wanted to do things my way and I learned a lot from this seminar. It taught me that being a leader is not doing everything on your own but bringing out the potential of the people around you," said Oei.

FIBA Oceania Executive Director, David Crocker is impressed with the drive of the Indonesian youth leader.

"Laurent is a fantastic youth leader. As a professional basketball player he came in with a very focused approach and was very attentive throughout the seminar,” said Crocker.

"The knowledge and experience he shared with his colleagues will surely help them when they run their tournaments in their respective countries," he added.

Oei stated that he wants to be the player the kids look up to and be a role model. He believes basketball and education can coexist with each other.

"I want to be an example for the young kids and show that you can play basketball and achieve academic excellence at the same time. You don’t have to sacrifice one to get the other," shared Oei.

Oei is currently pursuing an International Masters in Management.

"I want to show them that basketball is not only about playing around but it can also be used as a tool to teach good character and discipline," Oei proudly shared.

"Basketball players have a stigma of being bad boys and I want to change that because that is not true for everyone," he added.

With Oei's dedication to the sport and his drive to inspire the kids; this youth leader is already making a difference.