Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is one of the universities implementing the Merdeka Entrepreneurship Program (WMK), a program by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) as part of the implementation of the Freedom to Learn, Independent Campus (MBKM) policy.
UGM will allow 400 active students from universities across Indonesia to develop entrepreneurial competencies at UGM and in the business ecosystem for an entire semester. Students participating in this program can obtain recognition for their learning outcomes through semester credit units (SKS) of up to 20 SKS.
“The Merdeka Entrepreneurship Program provides an opportunity for students to learn and develop themselves as young entrepreneurs. This program is open to UGM and non-UGM students, including those from remote areas,” said Hempri Suyatna, coordinator of the Merdeka Entrepreneurship Program at UGM.
The WMK program at UGM is designed with various entrepreneurial activities that sharpen entrepreneurial spirit, encourage increased entrepreneurial experience, and enhance students’ workforce capabilities. The program consists of three stages: Pre-Immersion, Immersion, and Post-Immersion.
Suyatna explained that to enrich the learning experience for the participants, the WMK Program at UGM will involve more than 30 business partners and startups from various fields. These partners are ready to participate in the program series and prepare students to face global industry competition.
In addition, UGM also prepares instructors consisting of professional mentors and coaches to oversee the achievement of learning outcomes, including students’ abilities to analyze data and entrepreneurial opportunities in the industry, create prototypes, and develop concept solutions to societal problems.
“UGM has designed effective and efficient learning methods in project-based learning, internships, mentoring and sharing sessions, business coaching, and others. Through these methods, it is expected that students will develop an entrepreneurial mindset, ideas, teamwork skills, and entrepreneurial knowledge to enter the field of entrepreneurship,” the program coordinator explained.
Registration for the WMK Program is open from June 23 until July 10, 2023, while the activities will begin in August and continue until December 2023. Interested students can register at https://wirausahamerdeka.kampusmerdeka.kemdikbud.go.id.
According to Kemendikbudristek, the WMK Program can be attended by active students at the D2, D3, D4, and S1 levels, starting from the third semester, and S2 and S3 levels at any semester (these levels will not receive credit conversion). Students must upload personal data documents, a motivation letter, and other required documents during registration.
Author: Gloria