The Freedom Entrepreneurship Program (WMK) Batch 3 at the University of Muhammadiyah North Sumatra (UMSU) was officially closed on Saturday (14/12) at the UMSU Auditorium, Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3 Medan.
This closing ceremony became a moment of reflection on the program’s journey over more than three months, involving 553 students from 26 universities, including external participants.
The event was lively with the presence of the Vice Rector I of UMSU, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin Gultom, M.Hum; partners from Labuhan Batu; faculty leaders from UMSU; representatives from the Cooperative Office, Apindo, and Iwapi; mentors; field supervisors (DPL); as well as the WMK UMSU team and participants.
In his speech, WR 1 UMSU Prof. Arifin emphasized the importance of entrepreneurial principles, namely creativity, innovation, and honesty. According to him, entrepreneurship is a path to success that does not come instantly, but requires a long process full of struggles.
He gave a simple example of how creativity in product variation can attract consumers, while honesty is the key to business sustainability.
Prof. Arifin also appreciates the WMK Program, which is deemed capable of producing young entrepreneurs who not only rely on jobs as civil servants but also have the ability to create their own job opportunities.
“This program is a significant step towards creating a creative and independent generation. I hope the knowledge gained can continue to be developed to achieve success in the future,” she said.
Previously, the Chairperson of WMK and PUSKIIBI UMSU, Assoc. Prof. Dewi Andriany, S.E., M.M., reported the long journey of this program, which involved intensive collaboration from the pre-immersion, immersion, to post-immersion stages. She expressed her pride in the success of this program, including attracting investor interest during the Investment Summit, where several student groups received funding support for their products.
“This program has made a real impact.” “We hope that the knowledge gained during this activity will serve as a foundation for producing excellent seeds towards a Golden Indonesia,” he stated. He also expressed gratitude to all parties who supported, from university leaders, mentors, DPL, to the committee.
Then, the representative of the WMK participants, Ramz, shared his experience of participating in this program.
“This program is challenging, especially in running a business directly. I learned a lot, from cash flow recording to building team leadership. The biggest lesson for me was how to share responsibilities and work together effectively,” he said.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Field Supervising Lecturer (DPL), Baihaqi Ammy, S.E., M.Ak, emphasized that this program provides a unique opportunity for students to apply theory in real practice.
“Theory often differs from practice. In the field, the ability to manage and add value to products is the key to success,” said Baihaqi. He reminded the students that consistency and sustainability are the main factors in running a business.
Next, UMSU alumni and young entrepreneur, Popy, one of the program mentors, expressed pride in being able to contribute.
“This program provides comprehensive training, from branding to financial analysis. I see great potential in UMSU students to become competitive entrepreneurs on a global scale,” he said.
The closing was marked by the presentation of plaques to the field supervisors by the Vice Rector 1 of UMSU, Prof. Muhammad Arifin, as a form of appreciation for their contributions. The event concluded with a joint prayer and a message to maintain health as the main capital in achieving aspirations, including in the field of entrepreneurship.
The UMSU Merdeka Entrepreneurship Program is expected to continue in the coming years, providing inspiration and positive impact for students and the wider community.
