Udayana University Holds Expo and Investment Summit for Independent Entrepreneurial Program Batch 2 of 2023

Udayana University (Unud) held an Expo and Investment Summit for the Independent Entrepreneurial Program (WMK) Batch 2 of 2023 at the Green Open Space (RTH) Sudirman Campus, Denpasar. This activity, which was opened by the Vice Rector for Student Affairs at Udayana University, lasted for two days, namely 18 to 19 December 2023. This event was also combined with a talk show by presenting two speakers, namely Shandy Aditya BIB., MPBS (Independent Entrepreneurship Implementation Team of the Ministry of Education and Research and Technology) and Handito Joewono (Head Export School).

Head of the Unud MBKM Unit Dr. I Ketut Sardiana in his report said that WMK is the Kemdikbudristek Merdeka Campus Flagship program which aims to provide learning and self-development for students to become prospective entrepreneurs through activities outside of lecture classes. The WMK program at Unud collaborates with universities in the Bali Province region to develop entrepreneurial learning that creates interest and deepens competence, fosters character, mindset and creative and innovative entrepreneurial behavior, encourages increased entrepreneurial experience and increases students' employability, as well as gaining recognition. SKS.

This year, Unud is one of 34 universities throughout Indonesia selected to implement WMK. The number of participants this year was 331 students from 8 universities, state and private in Bali, namely Unud, Panji Sakti University, ISI Denpasar, Dwijendra University, Markandeya Bali Institute of Technology and Education, Warmadewa University, Dyana Pura University and National Education University. WMK activities have been taking place from August 14 2023 and will end on December 20 2023.

WMK activities that are already running are Pre immersion (online and online public lectures, as well as asynchronous), Immersion (internship and mentorship), Post immersion (boot camp) which is already running, as well as expos and investment summits combined with talk shows which are currently being held which was followed and divided into 70 groups. The advantages of the WMK program are that it provides a comprehensive entrepreneurial learning model outside campus, recognition of 20 credits, direct learning by business experts or practitioners, increased collaboration between universities and the business world, and increasing the relevance of graduate competencies to the needs of the world of work.

"The implementation of the WMK program at Udayana University has generally gone well in accordance with the plan that has been set. Although there are several weaknesses in our joint evaluation, including the readiness of participants to take part in the learning process is still low, the conversion of 20 credits is still hampered in several study programs, platforms digital program management has not been running well. The implementation strategies taken include improving the recruitment process, safeguarding the guaranteed conversion process for 20 credits, and preparing the institution to be independent in administering WMK," said Dr. Sardiana.

Meanwhile the Vice Rector Prof. I Ketut Sudarsana in his speech hoped that this activity could be a moment that strengthens our determination to be agents of change, drivers of innovation, and creators of solutions to various challenges in this era. He further stated that the Independent Entrepreneurship Program Expo and Investment Summit is an extraordinary forum for all of us to explore student potential, share innovative ideas, and expand collaborative networks. This activity is an opportunity to show the world that students who take part in the Independent Entrepreneurship Program are agents of change who are brave and committed to creating a positive impact in society.

"In every step of the entrepreneurial journey, students will definitely encounter challenges. However, they must always remember that every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow to become better. Through this Expo, students can learn from each other, from mentors, and "from experiences that will shape students into strong entrepreneurs," said the Vice Rector.