PG PAUD Student Wins 2nd Place in National Student Business Innovation Expo

Sadiya Rafa Ardhani Hadi, a student from the Early Childhood Teacher Education (PG PAUD) Study Program batch of 2024, along with her group, Warisan Rasa (Taste Heritage), successfully secured 2nd place in the National Student Business Innovation Expo. The event was organized by the PG PAUD Study Program at Surabaya State University (UNESA) on October 5, 2025. This prestigious competition adopted the theme, "Quality Education for Golden Indonesia 2045: Synergy of Culture, Inclusion, Innovation, and Digitalization," which aligns with the national education vision. The competition was participated in by various higher education institutions from all over Indonesia, showcasing creative business innovations in the fields of education and entrepreneurship.

In this competition, the Warisan Rasa group, consisting of 10 students, presented a business concept focused on traditional Indonesian food and snacks. Their business innovation not only concentrated on the commercial aspect but also emphasized the value of preserving the culinary culture of the Archipelago, which is rich in local wisdom. The business concept successfully captured the attention of the judges because it was able to integrate traditional cultural elements with a modern business approach relevant to the younger generation. Warisan Rasa emerged as a solution to maintain the existence of traditional cuisine amidst the influx of modern food, while simultaneously educating the public about the importance of preserving cultural heritage through a sustainable and socially and environmentally responsible business channel.

This proud achievement is the result of the hard work and dedication of all group members, who prepared thoroughly. They conducted market research, product development, and effective digital marketing practices to reach young consumers. The Warisan Rasa group managed to stand out among participants from various universities across Indonesia by presenting an innovative business model while maintaining the authenticity of traditional flavors. The judges highly appreciated the creativity, product innovation, and marketing strategy offered, and assessed the potential for business sustainability developed by this group as very promising for implementation on a national scale.

This success was inseparable from the guidance and support of Ibu Dhian Gowinda Luh Safitri, S.Pd., M.Ed., the supervising lecturer, who provided strategic direction in developing the business concept from the initial stages of preparation. She not only offered technical input on the business model but also motivated the team to continue innovating and developing their creativity. Furthermore, full support from the PG PAUD Study Program and the university was also a great motivation for the team to continue developing creative and innovative ideas. The facilities and opportunities provided by the campus to participate in this competition are proof of the institution's commitment to developing students' entrepreneurial spirit. For their achievement, the Warisan Rasa group received a certificate, a plaque of appreciation, and a medal as recognition for their accomplishment.

This achievement is expected to inspire other students to continue creating and innovating, especially in developing businesses based on local wisdom and Indonesian culture. The journey of the Warisan Rasa group demonstrates that cultural preservation does not have to be separate from modern business development; instead, they can run together to provide added economic and cultural value. Sadiya Rafa and the team hope to continue developing the Warisan Rasa business concept into a tangible venture that not only yields economic profit but also contributes to preserving Indonesia's traditional culinary heritage for future generations. The spirit to continue achieving and honoring the alma mater will be maintained to realize Golden Indonesia 2045.