Mataram, the University of Mataram – the University of Mataram  (Unram) held a technical selection and interview for the 2023 Student Entrepreneurship Program (PKM) at the Unram Guest House for two days from Thursday, August 17 – Friday, August 18, 2023. This activity was a concrete step  in supporting the development of entrepreneurial potential among students and fostering skills that are crucial in the future world of work.

More than just a selection, this activity allows a number of student business groups to present their innovative proposals.  The first day (17/8), became the stage for 17 business groups who appeared to amaze with their brilliant ideas.  Meanwhile, on the second day (18/8) there were 18 other business groups that also showed business plans that were no less interesting.

The selection and interviews were assessed by the Unram entrepreneurship reviewer team consisting of Rini Nofrida, S.TP., M.Sc.;  Laely Wulandari, S.H., M.H.;  Drs.  Jeckson Siahaan, M.Pd .;  Dr.  Faturrahman, S.Pt., M.Sc.;  Dr.  Dwi Putra Buana Sakti, S.E., MM .;  Drs.  Alamsyah, AB., MP.;  Anak Agung Alit Triadi, S.T., M.T.;  Ir.  Hery Harianto, M.Sc.;  Dr.  M. Irwan, M.P .;  and Dr.  Fahrullah, S.Pt., M.Sc.

They are experts and experienced business practitioners. They assessed and provided constructive input to each business group.  This step was taken to ensure that each proposal received an in-depth evaluation, as well as to provide opportunities for students to refine their ideas in order to achieve greater progress and success, especially in the Student Entrepreneurial Development Program (P2MW) in the upcoming 2024.

Unram Vice Rector for Student and Alumni Affairs (WR III), Dr.  Sujita, S.T., M.T., in his remarks said, “We are very enthusiastic to see a high entrepreneurial spirit among Unram students. Entrepreneurship is not only about starting a business, but also about developing the ability to think creatively, adapt to change, and work in a team.”

He also emphasized how important it is to have soft skills in this modern era.  “In this era, you can’t just rely on a high GPA, but you need soft skills to support a better future. The world of entrepreneurship is as important as academic achievement,” he said.

In addition, WR III Expert Staff, Prof.  Dr.  Ir.  I Wayan Sutrisna, M.P.  also emphasized the importance of the role of students in creating employment opportunities.  He believes that the younger generation must have the ability to innovate and develop businesses that can provide economic and social benefits to society.

The head of the Entrepreneurship Team (KWU), Rini Nofrida, S.TP., M.Sc., explained that this program had been going on since March and the presence of 65 proposals in the initial selection stage was evidence of Unram students’ enthusiasm for this program.  In the next stage, only 35 proposals made it through to the selection and interview stages.  From the 35 proposals, the 25 best proposals will be selected which will receive a maximum funding assistance of IDR 5,000,000.00.

She hopes that these participants can become strong cadres and are ready to follow further developments in P2MW.  Thus, they can become the prime mover in developing entrepreneurship within the campus environment and society.