NUS Enterprise Winter Programme: Fostering Entrepreneurship from Jakarta to Bandung

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Enterprise conducted its Winter Programme in Entrepreneurship from January 5 to January 12, 2025, in Jakarta and Bandung, Indonesia. This iteration marked the program’s debut in Indonesia, conducted in partnership with the Tarumanagara Foundation, Institut Teknologi Bandung, and Universitas Indonesia. A total of 200 students participated, including representatives from NUS and 24 Indonesian universities, representing a significant increase in participation compared to the previous year.
Program Activities
The program offered participants a variety of experiences, including visits to local businesses, mentoring sessions with industry professionals, and cultural immersion workshops. A notable feature was a workshop focused on the angklung, a traditional Indonesian bamboo musical instrument, which served to enrich participants’ understanding of local culture.
Participant Experience
First-year Mechanical Engineering student Laura Lee expressed that her experience in Indonesia reignited her sense of curiosity. The exposure to local cuisine and cultural interactions provided her with valuable insights. She noted the challenges and rewards associated with exploring a new environment.
Team Collaboration
The program fostered collaboration among team members with diverse skills. Lee’s team, named ByAlgae, consisted of students from different backgrounds, combining expertise in business and design. Despite being the only Singaporean team member, Lee focused on effective communication as a critical element of their teamwork.
Project Focus
The team’s project centered around the use of microalgae technology to address air pollution, initially targeting building facades before pivoting to urban infrastructure for greater scalability and impact. Lee’s ability to think on her feet during the final pitch contributed to the team’s favorable reception, as they employed innovative strategies to emphasize pressing environmental issues.
Mentoring Influence
Mentoring sessions played an essential role in refining the team’s pitch strategies. Feedback from industry experts helped them adopt storytelling techniques that enhanced audience engagement. Lee highlighted the significance of peer support, stating that shared responsibilities among team members improved their project’s execution.
Cultural Connections
In addition to academic and entrepreneurial development, the program facilitated personal connections among participants. Lee formed a strong friendship with her Indonesian roommate, illustrating how cultural exchanges can foster mutual understanding.
Personal and Professional Growth
The Winter Programme succeeded in not only enhancing participants’ knowledge and entrepreneurial skills but also promoting personal growth through shared challenges. Participants learned to embrace new experiences, gaining insights into curiosity, resilience, and interpersonal connections.
Conclusion
As the program concluded, the experiential learning and insights gained are expected to have a lasting impact on participants’ academic journeys and future careers, reflecting the core values of entrepreneurship and innovation.
(Source: National University of Singapore News)