IPB University Vocational School Shows Commitment to Increase the Competitiveness of MSMEs through Inovocating 2024

The Vocational School of IPB University through the Food Quality Assurance Supervisor (SJMP) Study Program (SJMP) shows a strong commitment in increasing the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM). This is realised through Creative Innovation activities for Vocational Partners (Invocation) 2024.

This program is funded by the Directorate General of Vocational Education and focusses on the theme ‘Improving Productivity and Food Safety in the Mocaf Flour Industry (Modified Cassava Flour) and Its Processing’.

Dr Aceng Hidayat, Dean of IPB University Vocational School, highlighted the importance of the scientific role of lecturers in supporting MSMEs to move up classes. He conveyed this at the opening of the 2024 Inovokation event at the Royal Padjajaran Hotel, Bogor, not long ago.

“IPB University is ready to provide training, assistance, and innovation to improve product quality, develop packaging, and maintain the consistency of MSMEs product quality,” he said.

Chaired by Dr Dwi Yuni Hastati, a lecturer of SJMP Study Program, the 2024 Inovocation event series was divided into several activities, namely Export Workshop and Product Legality, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Market Research, and Food Safety Training.

Export and Product Legality Workshop that equips participants with knowledge about export procedures, licensing, and product legality. The speakers in this workshop are Wasiyanto STP, ME from the Human Resource Export and Trade Services Training Centre (PPEJP), Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, and Bagas Galih Prahastya A Md, Vice President of PT Supra Sari Lestari.

In FGD Market Research, participants are guided to understand the importance of market research, segmentation, and target market in developing effective marketing strategies. The expert resource that guides this FGD is Prof Amalia E Maulana, Founder and Director of ETNOMARK Consulting and Marketing Professor at BINUS Business School, BINUS University, as well as Ryza Sulistyanawati STP, PDQC Manager of CV Berkah Pangan Nusantara.

The Food Safety Training provides participants with an understanding of the principles of food safety, the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and food safety regulations to ensure safe and quality products. The source of this training is drh Asep Rusmana, Food Safety Consultant, and Yahya Kurniawan, STP, Entrepreneur and Freelance Trainer of PT TUV Rheinland Indonesia.

The 2024 Innovation Program is expected to have a positive impact on MSMEs, such as improving product quality and competitiveness, expanding market access both in the domestic and global markets, increasing awareness of the importance of food security, and encouraging the independence and economic growth of MSMEs. (*/Nr) (IAAS/IAN)