The Mathematics Student Association (HIMATIKA) of Syiah Kuala University (USK) has just organized an Entrepreneurship Proposal Workshop with the theme “Reviving the Creative and Innovative Spirit of Mathematics Students in Entrepreneurship.” The workshop was held online via Zoom Meeting for two days, Saturday and Sunday, June 11–12, 2022. The purpose of organizing this entrepreneurship proposal workshop was to motivate students to start entrepreneurship, help them find ideas and create good and proper PKM-K proposals, and to increase both the quantity and quality of PKM-K proposals from Mathematics students at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) USK.
PKM-K, which stands for Program Kreativitas Mahasiswa Kewirausahaan (Student Creativity Program in Entrepreneurship), is one of the student creativity programs in creating business activities. PKM-K is organized by the Directorate General of Higher Education through the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs (Belmawa) to train students’ ability in creating creative business products that meet the needs of the community (market). It is expected that through PKM-K, students will be motivated and given the opportunity to produce creative and innovative works as preparation for entrepreneurship before or after completing their studies, as well as the opportunity to practice entrepreneurship with a broader understanding of entrepreneurial concepts. Through PKM-K, students are trained to transform their ideas into creative and innovative products, create entrepreneurship proposals, and write reports on their entrepreneurial activities — from initial to final reports — ultimately leading to PIMNAS (Pekan Ilmiah Mahasiswa Nasional or National Student Scientific Week). PIMNAS itself is the culmination of a national gathering showcasing student creativity and scientific reasoning, academically scheduled by universities to foster a culture of academic competition and achievement among students. The event is organized by universities based on the agreement of university leaders and approved by the Directorate General of Learning and Student Affairs, Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education (formerly Directorate of Research and Community Service).
To facilitate Mathematics students’ interest in participating in PKM-K, the HIMATIKA entrepreneurship proposal workshop invited several speakers who could motivate and train participants in writing PKM-K proposals. The speakers of this workshop were Mr. Ibnu Ubaidillah, S.Si., owner of PKM Class and PKM ITB team member; Dr. Eng. Dendi Adi Saputra, S.T., M.T., a PIMNAS alumnus, fresh Ph.D. graduate from Kanazawa University, Japan, and lecturer at Andalas University; and Mr. Fajar Nugraha Asyahidda, S.Pd., M.Pd., a National PKM Reviewer and lecturer at the Indonesia University of Education, Bandung. In addition, Mr. Ambri Agusmanto, S.T., a 2022 Chemical Engineering graduate from Syiah Kuala University who has experience in PKM-K activities organized by the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education (Kemenristekdikti), also shared his experience.
The opening of the entrepreneurship proposal workshop was held on Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 08.00 to 14.00 WIB. The event was attended by more than 100 active undergraduate Mathematics students of FMIPA USK. Also present at the opening ceremony were the Head of the Mathematics Department, Ms. Nurmaulidar, M.Sc., and several other lecturers. The first day began with an opening by the MC, recitation of the Holy Qur’an, welcoming remarks from the Chairperson of HIMATIKA, and remarks from the Head of the Mathematics Department, who officially opened the workshop. After the opening session, the workshop began, moderated by Ms. Radhiah, M.Sc., a lecturer from the Department of Mathematics, FMIPA USK.
After a brief opening by the moderator, the event continued with a presentation from Mr. Ibnu Ubaidillah, S.Si., discussing the introduction to PKM-K and tips and tricks to advance to PIMNAS. Following the presentation, there was an interactive question-and-answer session between the speaker and participants, guided by the moderator. The next session was a presentation by Dr. Eng. Dendi Adi Saputra, S.T., M.T., who discussed strategies for finding PKM-K ideas as well as examples of entrepreneurial ideas and their potential for success. As before, the session continued with an interactive discussion. After the Q&A, there was a group photo session, and the first day concluded with a prayer.
On the second day, the entrepreneurship proposal workshop began at 09.00 and ended at 13.00 WIB, attended by students who had registered as teams to join the proposal writing training. The material on the second day was delivered by Mr. Fajar Nugraha Asyahidda, S.Pd., M.Pd., who explained the steps for writing a good and proper PKM-K proposal, including a hands-on session on proposal preparation and an active Q&A session between participants and the speaker. After the Q&A with Mr. Fajar, the event continued with a sharing session by Mr. Ambri Agusmanto, S.T., who shared his experience participating in PKM-K up to PIMNAS.
According to one of the workshop participants, the event was very impressive and a must-attend for all students. She also hoped the event could be held annually to support the success of Mathematics students.
“The entrepreneurship proposal workshop was very beneficial and I think it’s a must for all students. Even students who initially had no interest in joining PKM will surely become motivated to start making a PKM proposal after attending this workshop. Moreover, there was so much knowledge I could apply beyond the PKM proposal itself — it broadened my insight not only in entrepreneurship but also in social aspects. I’m very grateful to the organizers for inviting such inspiring speakers with great expertise, which made it easier for beginners to understand and absorb the material. The speakers not only shared their knowledge but also helped students generate creative and innovative ideas for next year’s PKM proposals. I sincerely hope this event will continue annually to support student success, especially in the Mathematics Department,” said Rahma Dhiyaa Sausan, a Mathematics student participant of the workshop.
The committee expressed their gratitude to the speakers and all participants who attended, as well as to the department for its support in organizing the entrepreneurship proposal workshop. The committee hopes that the goals of this workshop will be realized, and that the results will be evident in the success of participants in creating PKM-K proposals that qualify for PIMNAS. (Maulidia–Mat20)
