Universitas Gadjah Mada
Faculty of Economics and Business

I Gusti Ayu Maresta Amrita Puspa Pujawati, a student from the Economics program at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Gadjah Mada University (FEB UGM), has completed the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards Entrepreneurship (IISMA-E) 2024 program. This student from the 2021 cohort will enhance her knowledge and entrepreneurial skills at the University of Adelaide and participate in the program for approximately 45 days from November 11 to December 20, 2024.

Deepening Entrepreneurial Skills

Maresta expressed her interest in the IISMA E program for its unique opportunity to deepen her understanding of entrepreneurship on a global scale. As a student passionate about entrepreneurship, she sees IISMA E as an ideal platform to learn directly from experts and practitioners abroad. "I will be taking classes at a business incubator called ThincLab, which supports various startups in Australia. These classes will provide me with valuable opportunities to interact and learn from their experiences," she explained in a conversation on Tuesday (October 29, 2024).

Maresta shared her reasons for choosing the University of Adelaide as her IISMA Entrepreneur destination, citing the University's strong reputation in entrepreneurship and innovation and facilities that support business development, such as ThincLab. In addition, the University of Adelaide provides the winners with industry visits that enhance their knowledge of industry trends and enrich their understanding of the application of entrepreneurship in different sectors.

In addition, Maresta explained that she had to go through several stages of selection at IISMA-E, starting with the document selection, which included an essay, a business proposal, and an English proficiency test. After passing the initial selection, candidates were asked to take a diversity test and a final interview. "During the interview, I was asked to elaborate on the submitted business proposal," she said.

Developing an Eco-Friendly Batik Business Idea

Maresta revealed that the business proposal development phase was the biggest challenge during the IISMA-E selection. She had to come up with a business idea that was innovative and based on sustainability principles. She conducted in-depth research to balance creative aspects, idea relevance, and sustainability impact and gained a solid understanding of environmental and social issues.

She proposed a business plan to develop eco-friendly batik while empowering women in Yogyakarta. This plan includes the use of natural materials and sustainable production techniques. Thus, the proposed business not only preserves the batik culture but also supports the local economy by providing training and employment opportunities for women.

Tips and Tricks

So, what are the tips for passing IISMA-E? Maresta shared several strategies for success at IISMA-E.

First, create a creative business proposal that focuses on sustainability. Choose an idea that addresses real problems relevant to global or local issues. Then, outline the business plan, including sustainability strategies and social impact.

Second, you must prepare early for the English test and practice writing essays. This will be very helpful when faced with a relatively short application timeline.

Third, demonstrate confidence, passion, and authenticity during the interview. Also, convey your motivation to learn, openness to international cultures, and commitment to the program. "For friends with a strong interest in entrepreneurship, IISMA-E is an excellent learning platform. Prepare your application as early as possible to increase your chances of acceptance," she elaborated.

When asked about her plans after participating in the IISMA-E program, Maresta shared her intention to further develop and implement the knowledge and skills acquired, especially in entrepreneurship.

Reportage: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum 

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