Student Entrepreneur Expo IPB University, 556 Participants Showcase Entrepreneurial Results
IPB University held Student Entrepreneur Expo (SEE) 2024 at IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor (30/11). This activity is one of the closing series of the Student Entrepreneurship Program (PMW), Startup School, and Wirausaha Merdeka (WMK).
Director of Career Development, Entrepreneurship, and Alumni Relations of IPB University, drh Sukma Kamajaya, MM said that this activity was attended by 556 participants, who gathered after three months of training and coaching.
He hopes that through the organization of this activity, the enthusiasm, interest, and consistency of participants in the field of entrepreneurship can be maintained. “Hopefully the goal of increasing achievements in entrepreneurship can be achieved,” he said.
At the event, Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria emphasized that to realize Indonesia as a great country in 2045, stable economic growth is needed. This must be supported by superior human resources (HR) and have an innopreneurship spirit.
According to him, innovation-based entrepreneurship, developed from research institutions, is an important element to create added value in the national economy. “Hopefully the efforts we make can produce successful entrepreneurs who are able to contribute to the progress of the nation,” he said.
Vice Rector of IPB University for Global Connectivity, Collaboration, and Alumni Relations, Prof Iskandar Z Siregar said that this program is one of the strategies in creating many new entrepreneurs in Indonesia.
Based on data from Career Development and Alumni (CDA) Talent Mapping IPB University, as many as 40 percent of students have the interest and potential to become entrepreneurs. In addition, the tracer study results show that 6 percent of IPB University alumni have become active entrepreneurs.
Prof Iskandar also appreciated the role of the IPB University Alumni Association which is active in supporting young entrepreneurs.
“Through the Business Scholar Alumni forum, graduates can also share their experiences and knowledge to help the next generation develop their businesses,” he said.
Chairman of the Independent Entrepreneur Program, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Gamaliel Alexander Emil Waney, ST, MLA said that the Independent Entrepreneur Program 2024 was opened with the spirit to support students to develop themselves as young entrepreneurs.
Under the Merdeka Belajar policy, students are given space to learn independently, explore their potential, and gain hands-on experience in the world of entrepreneurship.
“I hope that what has been learned and experienced during this program can help students find their true selves. Hopefully this will also become a strong pillar for the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Indonesia in the future,” he added. (dr/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
