Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – PT Bank Mandiri Tbk (BMRI) is again holding the biggest youth business competition in Indonesia, Mandiri Young Entrepreneurs (WMM) 2023. This event, which has been held since 2007, is Bank Mandiri's commitment to exploring the potential of young entrepreneurs in the country.
Bank Mandiri Corporate Secretary Teuku Ali Usman explained that entering its 16th year, WMM 2023 is expected to be able to ignite the enthusiasm of young entrepreneurs to innovate and spur creativity to create a sustainable Indonesian economy.
“WMM is an extension for us to support the growth of young Indonesian entrepreneurs and is part of Bank Mandiri's Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) actions which we believe have a big impact on society,” explained Ali in his official statement, Friday (12/1/ 2024).
Ali explained, since registration opened on September 27 2023, WMM this time succeeded in attracting 8,290 registrants from all over Indonesia, with various types and categories of business. Through the judging and elimination program, WMM 2023 participants who will compete for the championship title have entered the Top 20 Business Existing and Top 4 Business Plan Finalist rounds.
Meanwhile, WMM 2023 is divided into 4 business categories, namely Catering, Social, Technology and Creative Categories.
“Next, the 24 selected participants will take part in the assessment stage which will be held in Surabaya for one week, starting from 14 to 19 January 2024,” explained Ali.
He explained that all finalists would be provided with comprehensive training by experts and company leaders exclusively. Including attending a national mentoring session which will be attended by Bank Mandiri's Director of Compliance and Human Resources Agus Dwi Handaya and Geprek Bensu CEO and Influencer Jordi Onsu.
Apart from that, the 2023 WMM finalists were also provided with direct knowledge by visiting one of the factories owned by Bank Mandiri customers and leading MSME business actors in Surabaya.
“We don't want WMM to just be a competition event, but to be a complete learning forum for all participants to prepare for the development of their businesses in the future,” explained Ali.
Ali added, specifically at WMM 2023, the Top 20 Business Existing finalists will show off each other at the WMM Exhibition on 18-20 January 2024 at Tunjungan Plaza 3, Surabaya. Through the 2023 WMM Exhibition, the finalists showcased their products to all visitors to Tunjungan Plaza.
“What's unique about the 2023 WMM Exhibition is that the 20 finalists must be able to attract visitors by showcasing their respective superior products or works with a pop-up window concept. This is a good and strategic opportunity for the finalists to promote the superiority of their business directly to visitors, he added.
Then, the final and awarding round will be held on Friday, January 19 2024. The finalists will be tested directly by a panel of judges consisting of Bank Mandiri President Director Darmawan Junaidi, USS Network CEO Sayeed Muhammad, and Fore Coffee CMO Matthew Adrian.
“We hope that this year's WMM will be a significant step in helping the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Indonesia and producing a generation of young entrepreneurs who are qualified and competitive,” concluded Ali.
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
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