Surabaya, April 14 – October 31, 2025 — The Partnership in Entrepreneurship (PIE) program, one of the flagship initiatives of the Creative Economy Ministry, Student Executive Board (BEM) Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR), successfully concluded after several months of implementation. The program was designed as a collaborative platform connecting students with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enhance entrepreneurial spirit and broaden business networks. More than just an academic initiative, PIE aimed to provide students with real-world exposure to business practices, encouraging them to act not only as learners but also as active partners in entrepreneurial collaboration. The overarching goal was to nurture a generation of young innovators who are creative, adaptive, and ready to contribute to Indonesia’s modern economic landscape.
The program was carried out through a combination of online coordination and offline visits to various partner business locations. The organizing committee played an active role in establishing communication and formal cooperation with several MSME partners, including Vendor LIVOC, Kedai Bakmi 22, Sego Njamoer Surabaya, Kuy Studio, and Kyuka Ramen Surabaya. Each partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BEM FPK UNAIR and the respective business owners, ensuring structured and transparent collaboration. All activities were promoted through the official social media channels of BEM FPK UNAIR, serving as both publicity and a testament to the program’s transparency. Throughout its execution, PIE received positive feedback from participants, business partners, and the academic community alike, reflecting its successful implementation and mutual benefits.
Through PIE, students gained firsthand experience in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, learning directly from real-world business operations. The cooperation extended beyond promotion — it also offered tangible benefits such as special discounts and vouchers for FPK UNAIR students, strengthening the sense of community within the faculty. Participants learned vital lessons in marketing strategy, business management, and partnership development, as well as the importance of long-term collaboration for business sustainability. Moreover, students were encouraged to think creatively in identifying potential business opportunities, particularly in the creative economy and maritime sectors. In this way, PIE served as an essential platform for cultivating entrepreneurial enthusiasm and independence within the university environment.
The primary outcome of PIE was the establishment of official partnerships between BEM FPK UNAIR and multiple MSME actors in Surabaya. These partnerships are expected to serve as a foundation for future collaborations in areas such as marketing campaigns, entrepreneurship workshops, and business training programs, supporting sustainable entrepreneurship development. Beyond practical achievements, the program also fostered a deeper appreciation among students for the importance of innovation, collaboration, and adaptability in today’s competitive business landscape. It provided them with real-world insights into running and scaling a business while reinforcing FPK UNAIR’s commitment to supporting the growth of the creative and maritime economy through student-led initiatives.
Overall, the Partnership in Entrepreneurship (PIE) program ran smoothly and achieved its intended goals. Its success was made possible through the strong cooperation between the organizing committee, partner businesses, and the support of the faculty and academic advisors. The program not only strengthened collaboration between academia and industry but also empowered students to become future entrepreneurs who are innovative, responsible, and socially engaged. Going forward, PIE is expected to continue evolving as a long-term entrepreneurship ecosystem within FPK UNAIR — fostering a sustainable culture of creativity, collaboration, and community empowerment in the field of fisheries and marine sciences.
