Surabaya – BINUS University is teaming up with Universitas Surabaya (Ubaya) in an exciting initiative to enhance learning beyond the classroom through the latest Market Entry Strategy (MES) to Indonesia in 2024. This two-week event (14-27/07) brought together over 25 students from both universities, including several international participants from the Philippines, the Republic of Somaliland, and South Korea, to dive into the world of innovative export offerings using local products.

The event occurred in the bustling cities of Jakarta and Surabaya, two of Indonesia’s busiest ports and business hubs. It wasn’t solely focused on business; it also allowed students to immerse themselves in the local culture while interacting with our wonderful partners, such as Rumah Tempe Indonesia, Vegetable For You, Sepatu Kanky, and Ladang Lima. Meeting with these partners allowed students to draw inspiration from successful business owners and helped them understand that reaching their level requires grit and perseverance due to the many pitfalls along the way.

Throughout the event, students interacted with dedicated facilitators from both universities. They learned the mechanics of running a business in a multicultural environment and the importance of intercultural communication. After all, creating a business venture isn’t just about developing a unique product; it’s also about understanding the socioeconomic landscape around you.

“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,” said Marvelino Nathanael Soebiyanto, our International Business Management.

A recurring theme of the event was sustainability. It’s crucial that any new venture considers its environmental impact, and the students were encouraged to think creatively about how they could contribute to meaningful change. For instance, Marvel and his team came up with a brilliant idea: turning the clamps of green mussels into a vitamin supplement for poultry. Amazingly, something considered waste can become a nutritious addition to animal feed! Their research also pointed to a market opportunity in China with a high demand for poultry products.

Our friends at Ubaya played a vital role in making the program successful, especially during the second week when students visited Surabaya. They showcased their beautiful campus and took everyone on an adventure to Trawas, where we enjoyed the lush greenery and explored a museum filled with fascinating archaeological artifacts from the region.

This program wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from the Project Initiative of BINUS University and the enthusiastic team at Ubaya. The energy and passion that everyone brought to the event were truly inspiring!