Guided by its core values of Care, Commitment, and Enthusiasm (Peduli, Komit, dan Antusias/PeKA), Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya (UKWMS) continues to contribute to society through various initiatives. One of these efforts is the Community Engagement for Development (CED) 2025, initiated by the UKWMS Faculty of Business (FB). The program, which involved international students, took place from Wednesday to Tuesday, July 23–29, in Surabaya.
Through this program, participants engaged in a range of activities—from community service and social entrepreneurship to cross-cultural living experiences. This year’s cohort included students from three universities: UKWMS, the Japan University of Economics (JUE), Japan, and the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC), Philippines.
The theme for CED 2025 is “Empowering Local Enterprises Through Cross-Cultural Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange.” It highlights the importance of sustaining business growth in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of economic growth, industry innovation, and sustainable communities,” explained Yulika Rosita Agrippina, S.M., MIB., Coordinator of CED 2025.
Held in Surabaya, CED 2025 collaborated with the Church of the Most Holy Sacrament Pagesangan under the Diocese of Surabaya. The activities carried out by participants during the CED 2025 program included Practical Work and Problem Solving, Business and Product Development, Cultural Performances, and participation in an International Competition.
Participants were divided into several groups to assist Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) located around the Church of the Most Holy Sacrament in Pagesangan. These MSMEs included food and beverage vendors, motorcycle repair workshops, and clown entertainment services commonly hired for children’s birthday parties and other community events in Indonesia.
After holding discussions and working closely with business owners to identify business growth opportunities, the participants developed improvement strategies and presented them before a panel of judges. Beyond supporting MSME development, the students also had the opportunity to experience local culture, including learning to play the traditional Indonesian musical ensemble, the gamelan.
“Through this program, we hope the participants of CED 2025 will be able to enhance their skills, contribute fresh and creative ideas, and innovate as they prepare to face future challenges,” concluded Dr. Hendra Wijaya, S.Akt., MM, CPMA., Dean of the Faculty of Business UKWMS.
Source: UKWMS
