Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya (UMSurabaya) has once again established an international partnership with Singapore Polytechnic through the Learning Express (LeX) 2025 program. This program brings together 30 students from each university to engage directly with the community and support the development of community-based MSMEs in Surabaya.
Themed "Strengthening the Innovation Capacity of Local MSMEs to Achieve Sustainable Economic Resilience," this activity demonstrates the university's contribution to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of education, economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
For two weeks, participants will conduct community service in three locations: Bulak, focusing on innovative smoked fish processing; Kampung Lumpia Genteng, which faces challenges in cleanliness and production efficiency; and Kampung Herbal Candirejo Genteng, which still relies on traditional equipment for herbal medicine production.
Various problems encountered in the field, ranging from low hygiene standards, manual production processes, and environmental waste, will be solved through a design thinking approach. Students were invited to conduct observations, interviews, and design prototype solutions that could improve product quality, workplace safety, and the competitiveness of local MSMEs.
In his opening remarks, UMSurabaya Rector Mundakir stated that this program demonstrates the university's commitment to expanding academic benefits to the community.
"This international collaboration not only provides cross-cultural learning experiences for students, but also presents real solutions to increase the capacity of local MSMEs. We want students to learn firsthand how their knowledge can have a positive impact on society," he said on Tuesday (September 30, 2025).
Noel Kristian, a supervisor at Singapore Polytechnic, expressed his deep appreciation to Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya for organizing Learning Express (LeX) 2025.
"Thank you to the UM Surabaya team for preparing this program so well, ensuring its smooth running. Yesterday's experience was truly meaningful and enjoyable. We are very grateful to all the committee members from various divisions for their hard work. UM Surabaya's significant efforts made us feel very welcomed and well-prepared. We are grateful to be able to work side by side with UM Surabaya students and facilitators, so that we can learn and create together," he said.
He also emphasized the program's main goal: to build relationships and care for the community.
"Two weeks ago, UM Surabaya students visited Singapore to study and serve our community. Now we are taking turns in Surabaya. We hope the good relationship between Singapore Polytechnic and UM Surabaya can continue to be maintained. Students are expected to maintain communication, share with each other, and care not only for the community but also for each other. This program is not just an activity, but a precious moment to remember," he added.
Noel added that Learning Express 2025 was an extraordinary two-week experience.
"This is the third collaboration between Singapore Polytechnic and UM Surabaya. Hopefully, there will be a fourth, fifth, and so on," he concluded hopefully.
Meanwhile, the Head of the UM Surabaya Research, Innovation, and Community Service Institute (LRIPM), Arin Setyowati, emphasized the importance of synergy between students, lecturers, and the community in this program.
"Through Learning Express, we want to build a shared awareness that simple innovations can create big changes. We believe local MSMEs can advance if supported by creative ideas and ongoing mentoring," Arin said.
In addition to focusing on empowering MSMEs, participants will also participate in cultural immersion activities at various iconic Surabaya destinations, such as the Tugu Pahlawan Museum and Kenjeran Park, to enrich their cross-cultural experiences.
Through Learning Express 2025, UM Surabaya hopes that this activity will not only serve as a learning platform but also a platform for international collaboration that will have a direct impact on the community. This program is a strategic step to foster innovation, strengthen global cooperation, and create resilient and competitive MSMEs in Surabaya.