Surabaya – BINUS University has partnered with Universitas Surabaya (Ubaya) to launch an exciting initiative aimed at enhancing learning beyond the classroom through the Market Entry Strategy (MES) for Indonesia in 2024. This two-week event, held from July 14-27, brought together over 25 students from both universities, including international participants from the Philippines, Somaliland, and South Korea, to explore innovative export opportunities using local products.

The event took place in Jakarta and Surabaya, two of Indonesia’s key ports and business hubs. It wasn’t just about business; students also immersed themselves in the local culture and interacted with partners such as Rumah Tempe Indonesia, Vegetable For You, Sepatu Kanky, and Ladang Lima. These interactions provided inspiration and insights from successful business owners, emphasizing the perseverance needed to overcome challenges.

Throughout the event, students worked with facilitators from both universities to learn about running a business in a multicultural environment and the importance of intercultural communication. They discovered that creating a business venture involves not only developing unique products but also understanding the socio-economic landscape.

Marvelino Nathanael Soebiyanto, an International Business Management student, shared his positive experience: “I enjoyed the program because we learned how to collaborate quickly and efficiently while working on our project. It opened my eyes to new business opportunities and the intricacies of exporting and importing products. Presenting in front of the panelists during our gallery walk was nerve-wracking, but it helped me develop my public speaking skills and confidence. I also gained insight into the complexities of starting a business.”

A key focus of the event was sustainability. Students were encouraged to consider the environmental impact of their ventures and think creatively about contributing to meaningful change. For example, Marvel and his team proposed turning green mussel clamps into a vitamin supplement for poultry, highlighting how waste can become a nutritious addition to animal feed. Their research identified a market opportunity in China with a high demand for poultry products.

 

Ubaya played a crucial role in the program’s success, particularly during the second week when students visited Surabaya. They showcased their beautiful campus and took participants on an adventure to Trawas, where they enjoyed the lush greenery and explored a museum with fascinating archaeological artifacts.

The program was made possible by the support of the Project Initiative of BINUS University and the enthusiastic team at Ubaya. The energy and passion everyone brought to the event were truly inspiring. Special thanks go to Miss Farida Fitrianing Arum, S.E., M.M., Head of the Micro Business Development Division, Department of Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Trade of Surabaya City, for her engagement during the Gallery Walk.