Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through the UGM Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM), has officially signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Directorate General of National Export Development of the Indonesian Ministry of Trade. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the UGM Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA UGM), alongside the implementation of the Gemini Academy training.
Minister Santoso emphasized the importance of innovation and adaptability for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to compete in export markets.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding global market access through international trade agreements.
“We hope that university graduates will not only seek jobs but will also be able to create jobs by becoming entrepreneurs,” he stated.
UGM Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching, Professor Wening Udasmoro, warmly welcomed the collaboration as a concrete effort to enhance technological literacy, particularly the ethical and inclusive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), among academics, students, practitioners, and MSME actors.
“We believe that when used ethically and inclusively, AI can become a powerful force in transforming MSMEs,” said Vice-Rector Udasmoro.
Isya Hanum Kresnadi, Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager at Google Indonesia, explained that the Gemini AI training program is designed to support MSMEs by offering an intelligent assistant and brainstorming partner that fosters creativity.
“Our mission is to make information and technology accessible and beneficial for everyone, including MSME players and students who will be part of this ecosystem in the future,” said Kresnadi.
Gemini Academy is a training program initiated by Google to introduce the application of its Gemini AI technology across various sectors, including MSMEs.
In the context of export readiness, the program provides practical guidance to equip MSMEs with the skills needed to tackle global challenges through tech-based innovation.
In addition to the training sessions, the event featured successful export practitioners, including Nissa Khoirina of Puthic.id, Dewi Harlas, an eyelash export entrepreneur, and Faih Reza Monoarta, CTO of Sheo Home Living.
These speakers shared their hands-on experiences and concrete strategies for preparing products for international markets.
This collaboration aligns with UGM’s spirit as a people-oriented, independent, and sustainable university committed to delivering real-world solutions.
By enhancing MSME capacity, UGM not only supports local business independence but also drives Indonesia’s long-term economic sustainability on a global scale.
Author: Bolivia Rahmawati
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photograph: Lazuardi