Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) through the Applied Linguistics Study Program of the Faculty of Language, Arts and Culture (FBSB), strengthened its commitment in supporting the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). This was realized through the signing of a cooperation document between UNY and the Sleman Regency Cooperative Office of Small and Medium Enterprises, which also involved 63 MSME partners from various sectors such as food, fashion, herbs, plants, to IT startups.
This cooperation is a strategic step designed to strengthen the synergy between academics and MSME players. Through this partnership, the Applied Linguistics Study Program will provide intensive mentoring and training in the field of language, helping MSME players to hone their communication skills in business, which is expected to increase competitiveness in local and global markets.
According to Dr. Yeni Artanti, Head of the Department of Applied Linguistics and the person in charge of the activity, this collaboration is a concrete form of application of linguistics in solving challenges faced by MSMEs. With a better command of language, MSME players will be better able to market their products effectively and communicate with customers and business partners more professionally.
Sri Wahyuni Budiningsih, S.E., M.Si, Head of Micro Business Division of Sleman District Cooperative Office, welcomed the collaboration and hoped it would accelerate the progress of MSMEs in Yogyakarta. She emphasized that support from academics will make it easier for MSMEs to access the technology and information needed to expand their businesses. “We hope that, with this synergy, MSMEs in DIY can upgrade and compete globally with products that are firmly rooted in local excellence,” she said.
In response, Dr. Else Liliani, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs of UNY, emphasized that collaboration between UNY and the World of Business and Industry (DUDI) is an important strategy to bring wider benefits. She also encouraged closer synergy in various academic activities, such as involving practitioners to teach on campus.
This cooperation includes various programs, ranging from language training that includes marketing content writing, business negotiation techniques, to product presentations, both in Indonesian and foreign languages. In addition, applied linguistics experts will provide regular consultations to MSME players to ensure effective language use in various business activities. The program will also develop language products that can be used by MSMEs, such as business dictionaries, proposal writing guides, and online training materials.
This cooperation is expected to not only improve the quality of MSME products and services, but also encourage them to compete in an increasingly competitive market. Through a strong synergy between UNY and the local government, it is expected that the growth of MSMEs can directly contribute to the welfare of the people in Yogyakarta.
