The 2024 Universitas Gadjah Mada Merdeka Entrepreneurship Program (WMK UGM) was officially launched on Tuesday (Sep. 24) at the Mandiri Auditorium, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM).
The unveiling of the WMK UGM logo by Program Chair Dr. Hempri Suyatna symbolized the launch.
The logo represents humans with their potential, dreams, and determination to transform into entrepreneurs who are not solely profit-oriented but also aim to create social impact for change.
Dr. Suyatna explained that the 2024 WMK UGM program focuses on the theme of Techno-Sociopreneurship. The program is divided into three phases: pre-immersion, immersion, and post-immersion, and it runs from September to December.
Dr. Suyatna said participants are expected to be sensitive to various social issues and create sustainable solutions using technological advancements.
Many social problems, he added, can be solved with entrepreneurship-oriented programs.
“Each phase has its output, and the ultimate goal is to produce validated entrepreneurial products,” Dr. Suyatna stated.
In her opening speech, UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia emphasized that the WMK UGM program offers students the opportunity to develop entrepreneurship skills, soft skills, and managerial abilities, which are invaluable today.
“By joining this program, students not only learn in the classroom but also gain real-world business and entrepreneurship experience,” she said.
Gamaliel Alexander Emil Waney, Head of the Central WMK Program, expressed his hope that WMK participants would use this opportunity to learn alongside students across Indonesia to collaborate on creating sustainable innovations.
Chairperson of the Yogyakarta Youth Organization (Karang Taruna DIY), Gusti Kanjeng Ratu (GKR) Hayu, said that WMK participants are fortunate to have unlimited opportunities to create jobs.
“Don’t just wait for jobs, but create opportunities. The key to being an entrepreneur is creativity and innovation,” she said.
GKR Hayu added that WMK participants are expected to establish businesses that address social issues such as poverty, health, and education in practical, sustainable ways.
After the opening ceremony, participants attended a talk show on Entrepreneurship Development Through a Techno-Sociopreneurship Approach featuring Film Director Garin Nugroho and Alwy Herfian, Co-Founder of Widya Indonesia Group.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif