Supporting Young Entrepreneurs, UPJ Sends Delegation to KMI Expo 2024 in Southeast Sulawesi

Bintaro, South Tangerang, 31/10/2024 - Eight students from Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) took part in the Indonesian Student Entrepreneurship Exhibition (KMI) Expo 2024, held at Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, from October 21-26, 2024. They represented seven business groups that succeeded in securing funding through the Student Entrepreneurship Development Program (P2MW) 2024, an annual program initiated by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs (Belmawa) Dikti, Kemendikbudristek, aimed at fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among students. 

The P2MW program is designed to equip students interested in starting a business or who already have early stage business with development funds, coaching, and mentoring through business training or coaching sessions. The program focuses on six business categories: 1) Food and Beverages; 2) cultivation; 3) Creative Industries in Arts, Culture, and Tourism; 4) Services and Trade; 5) Manufacturing and Applied Technology; and 6) Digital Business. Each category comprises two business stages: the initial and growth stages. 

This year marks the 15th KMI Expo, a major event for more than 6,000 students from Indonesia to compete, promote their products, and build business networks. In 2024, a total of 627 student business groups from 287 universities across Indonesia participated in this significant event. 

Since 2018, UPJ has consistently participated in the P2MW (formerly KBMI) and KMI Expo every year. "Entrepreneurship is one of Universitas Pembangunan Jaya's core values, so we strongly support, encourage, and facilitate every student who wishes to develop a business or become an entrepreneur in the future," said Dr. Ir. Agustinus Agus Setiawan, ST., MT., IPM., UPJ Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs. 

One participant, Siraj Aly Yafi, a 2022 student from the Visual Communication Design (DKV) Study Program, shared his experience, “I feel challenged and very happy that my business idea has gained support from the government and campus. By participating in the KMI Expo, we could compete, learn, and build networks with students from various regions. Here, we (OnStudio) received feedback and responses from both students and the public regarding our business idea, providing us with valuable insights for developing this business further." 

In addition to the students, Gandung Anugrah Kalbuadi, S.Ds., M.Ds. student business group mentors, expressed pride in the participants' progress. "I am very proud to see the innovation and growth students demonstrate in managing their businesses. Through this opportunity, I hope that students can learn more about the business world, expand their networks, and gain beneficial experiences. I also hope that the businesses they develop will continue to grow, have a positive impact on society, and inspire other students to pursue entrepreneurship."  

The participation of UPJ students in the KMI Expo 2024 is expected not only to be a platform for self-development but also to create broader collaboration and innovation opportunities among the younger generation.