UNAIR NEWS – The Directorate of Career Development, Entrepreneurship Incubation, and Alumni Affairs (DPKKA) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) hosted the Mindpreneur Seminar: Airlangga Young Entrepreneur (AYE) 2025 on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Ternate Hall, ASEEC Tower, Dharmawangsa-B Campus. The event featured Matthew Ardian, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of FORE COFFEE and an alumnus of UNAIR’s Faculty of Humanities (FIB). The seminar aimed to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among young individuals while creating job opportunities amidst economic challenges.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Elly Munadziroh, drg, MS, Director of DPKKA Universitas Airlangga, underscored the vital role of young people in entrepreneurship. “Through this seminar, we hope students and young individuals cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit and generate job opportunities for those around them. The youth must aspire to great entrepreneurial ambitions,” she stated.
More than just capital—it’s about mindset!
Meanwhile, Matthew Ardian emphasized that the biggest obstacle in entrepreneurship is not a lack of capital but the right mindset. “Entrepreneurship is not merely about business; it’s about offering solutions in times of economic uncertainty,” he explained. He also noted that while it’s never too late to start a business, youth is the most opportune time for innovation and learning.
Learning from global visionaries
Ardian encouraged participants to embrace all aspects of the entrepreneurial journey, including its challenges and emotional ups and downs. He referenced the success stories of global business icons such as Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill Gates, who all launched their careers at a young age. “Entrepreneurship is not an innate talent; it is a skill acquired through everyday experiences,” he observed.
Blueprint for entrepreneurial success
Ardian introduced two essential frameworks for shaping an entrepreneurial mindset: VIP (Vision, Innovation, Passion) and RISE (Resilience, Influence, Strategy, Entrepreneurial Focus). He stressed that sustainability and consistency are critical for a business to navigate challenges successfully.
Furthermore, Ardian highlighted that modern consumers no longer make purchases solely based on functionality; emotional appeal, experience, and brand connection play a crucial role. Therefore, founders and business owners must become the best ambassadors for their brands.
This seminar provided invaluable insights and motivation for students and attendees to start developing their entrepreneurial mindset. With a focus on innovation and persistence, more young individuals are expected to take bold strides in the business world, creating new opportunities for their communities.
Author: Panca Ezza Aisal Saputra
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
