Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA) initiated a strategic step by exploring a collaboration plan with BTPN Syariah on Thursday (12/3). The meeting, which was held in a hybrid format, aimed to expand academic networks such as practitioner teaching and internships, while also strengthening students’ practical experience through learning programs connected to the industrial world.

The UNIPMA delegation was led directly by the Rector of UNIPMA, Dr. Supri Wahyudi Utomo, M.Pd., accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Dr. Anggita Langgeng Wijaya, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA., CPA., CRMP., as well as Heidy Paramitha Devi, S.Pd., M.Si., CSRS., Dr. Sri Lestari, S.Pd., M.Pd., and Dr. Liya Atika Anggrasari, S.Pd., M.Pd.

Meanwhile, representatives from BTPN Syariah included Hendrianto as Financing Business Planning Support & Daya Head, Vini Daru Perdana as Daya Activation & Partnership Head, Elda Sofiana (Daya Partnership Leader), Ahmad Fadhillah (Daya Partnership Specialist), and Bambang Sutiyono (Daya Partnership Specialist).

During the meeting, the BTPN Syariah team presented the Project-Based Learning (PBL) program designed as a form of collaboration between the banking sector and universities. This program aims to directly involve students in helping solve various real challenges faced by BTPN Syariah’s ultra-micro customers.

Through the PBL program, real-world MSME business challenges are integrated into the student learning process. This approach encourages students to develop analytical and problem-solving skills using the design thinking method.

In its implementation, students will apply the See–Think–Wonder approach, which involves conducting direct field observations through empathy walk activities, then interpreting the findings and exploring questions for further research.

The program also highlights several issues commonly faced by ultra-micro MSME actors, including limited marketing reach that still relies on the surrounding environment or simple social media such as WhatsApp status, low digital literacy, and the absence of separation between personal and business finances.

In the discussion, Dr. Anggita Langgeng Wijaya, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA., CPA., CRMP., proposed that the collaboration should not only be limited to the implementation of PBL but could also be integrated into the curriculum through Project-Based Learning or Problem-Based Learning approaches.

She also proposed utilizing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs to support the development of project-based courses while opening opportunities for students to obtain competency certifications through Professional Certification Institutions (LSP), particularly in the field of MSME management.

In addition to learning programs, BTPN Syariah also offered other collaboration opportunities such as student internship programs, integration of classroom activities with field practice, and women empowerment programs.

Responding to this, Vini Daru Perdana explained that students participating in the internship program would have the opportunity to receive special training and take competency tests. Students who pass the test may obtain certification as MSME assistants, including halal assistant certification.

Dr. Anggita Langgeng Wijaya, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA., CPA., CRMP., also proposed expanding the collaboration by adding competency certificates in the banking sector. This step is considered capable of increasing graduates’ competitiveness while strengthening partnerships between universities and the business sector.

This collaboration initiative is part of UNIPMA’s commitment to implementing the transformation of higher education toward the Impactful Campus concept, in line with the direction of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek), which encourages universities to play an active role in helping solve economic and social issues in society.

For more complete information regarding campus activities, please visit UNIPMA’s official Instagram account at @official_unipma. UNIPMA has also opened new student admissions for the 2025/2026 academic year. Registration for the Regular and RPL programs for the 2025/2026 academic year is now open.