As a Community College Initiative (CCI) Program participant, Ade Irfan Kurniawan Pontoh is studying tourism and hospitality management program at the College of DuPage. His area of focus is culinary arts and restaurant management, driven by his passion for the culinary industry. Prior to his CCI Program award, Ade worked as the head cook at Le Ava Coffee and Eatery in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. He graduated  SMK Negeri 6 Balikpapan (State Vocational High School).