The International Community Service Learning Express (LeX) 2025 Community Service Program (KKN), a collaboration between the University of Muhammadiyah Surabaya (UMSurabaya) and Singapore Polytechnic, has officially entered its third year. The nine-day event highlighted efforts to increase the productivity of the local food industry in Surabaya through a design thinking approach.
The work of students from both universities was exhibited during a Gallery Walk on Wednesday (October 8, 2025). Three locations served as community service centers: Bulak Village, which focuses on innovation in smoked fish processing; Lumpia Genteng Village, which faces challenges in cleanliness and production efficiency; and Candirejo Genteng Herbal Village, which still uses traditional equipment for making herbal medicine.
The problems encountered in the field varied, ranging from low hygiene standards and manual production processes to waste management. Using design thinking methods, students conducted observations, interviews, and designed solutions in the form of tool prototypes that could improve product quality, workplace safety, and the competitiveness of local MSMEs.
This program involved a total of 60 students, 30 each from UMSurabaya and Singapore Polytechnic, who collaborated cross-culturally to develop innovations based on community needs.
The LeX program was divided into six stages based on the design thinking methodology: Sense and Sensibility, Define, Ideation, Prototyping, Co-Creation, and Gallery Walk. In the first two stages, students went directly into the field to identify and define problems with residents. The next stage, Ideation and Prototyping, involved a creative process on campus, where students designed ideas and built tools that could become real solutions.
Some of the innovative products on display included: Ventifold, a foldable air filter system for outdoor kitchens and frying areas that removes smoke, heat, and oil particles, creating a cleaner and safer cooking environment.
Furthermore, Asap Away, a simple, low-cost air filter and ventilation device for traditional fish smokehouses, which improves safety and comfort without altering the taste of smoked fish.
There's also a prototype of the Tura Pro, a turmeric and herbal medicine cleaning machine equipped with a water filtration system and a "drawer" feature for easy retrieval of ground ingredients, designed to meet the needs of users in traditional kitchens.
Vice Rector for Research, Cooperation, and Digitalization, Radius Setiyawan, stated that in addition to focusing on empowering MSMEs, LEX 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, UM Surabaya hopes 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.
Meanwhile, Arin Setyowati, Head of the Institute for Research, Innovation, and Community Service (LRIPM) at UMSurabaya, explained that this program not only produces products but also fosters innovative thinking among students.
"Learning Express is not just a community service activity, but also a social laboratory where students learn directly to solve real-world problems with a collaborative and creative approach. We hope that the results of this project can truly be utilized by the community to improve the productivity and sustainability of their businesses," said Arin.
He added that the synergy between UMSurabaya and Singapore Polytechnic proves that international collaboration can have a concrete impact on the development of MSMEs and the empowerment of local communities.