Three atempts, one oportunity: my journey towards securing the Sumitomo foundation research grant

This article documents and reflects upon the author's personal journey, strategic execution, and perseverance in successfully securing the prestigious Sumitomo Foundation Research Grant on the third attempt. Through a descriptive case analysis, the study outlines the iterative process of proposal refinement, alignment with international funding priorities, and the resilience required in competitive academic grant-seeking. Key success factors highlighted include addressal of reviewer feedback, targeted structural improvements to the research framework, and clear articulation of cross-cultural or regional research significance. This narrative serves as a practical blueprint and source of motivation for academic researchers, emphasizing that persistence, systematic proposal development, and continuous improvement are critical determinants in overcoming funding rejections and achieving international research grants.