UMM Launches Agribusiness Export Training for Young Professionals

Responding to the growing global demand and the shortage of skilled human resources, Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) is reinforcing its program to cultivate young agribusiness exporters (15/1).

The 2026 edition of the Center of Excellence (CoE) Professional Agribusiness Export class will feature a curriculum led directly by global export practitioners.

Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Global Trade

Indonesia is a leading exporter in Southeast Asia for key commodities such as coffee, spices, vegetable oils, and processed foods.

However, technical challenges often hinder businesses, including trade documentation, quality standards compliance, logistics, and market segmentation. UMM’s initiative aims to bridge this gap by producing graduates who understand the entire export ecosystem.

M. Zul Mazwan, M.Sc., Head of Agribusiness at UMM, emphasized, “We do not only teach commodity development or marketing theory, but place students directly within the global value chain context. Here, they learn firsthand from industry grantors who engage with international buyers daily.”

Comprehensive Curriculum to Build Skilled Exporters

The 2026 CoE program integrates three essential elements: academic learning with analytical focus, hands-on training by export practitioners, and international market penetration analysis.

Students are trained to master the full export process, from mapping commodity potential and product standardization to legal compliance and shipping techniques.

Industry Partnerships Strengthen Practical Learning

UMM collaborates with high-experience partners from the business and industrial sectors, particularly those active in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Guest instructors from processed food, coffee, horticulture, and other agro-commodity sectors will provide practical insights throughout the semester.

Zul added, “The future of agribusiness demands professionals who understand modern global issues. Young exporters must go beyond business intuition, mastering market research, negotiation strategies, certification, risk management, product traceability, sustainability, carbon issues, and consumer preferences in each region.”

Preparing the Next Generation for Global Agribusiness Markets

The CoE program has become a flagship initiative, offering clear career outcomes. It is expected to help agro-businesses expand internationally with skilled personnel or enable students to become independent exporters through UMM’s business incubation.

With thorough preparation, 2026 is set to be a key year for the program’s fourth cohort to actively contribute to transforming Indonesia’s agribusiness export landscape.

PHOTO: UMM

This article was created with AI assistance.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our content, some information may be incorrect or outdated. Please let us know of any corrections at [email protected].