Medan, (16/9) – The Undergraduate Program in Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FP USU), organized a Practitioner Teaching activity for the International Trade course with the topic of Export and Import, taught by Wahyu Haryati Maser, STP, M.Si, Ph.D., Nazhifah Mahfuzhah S.T.P., M.Sc., and Adrian Hilman, S.TP, M.Sc, Ph.D. The activity was attended by seventh-semester students of the Undergraduate Program in Food Technology, FP USU, as part of learning that connects academic materials with practical experience in the business world.
The Practitioner Teaching activity featured Awang Laksmana, S.TP., an alumnus of the Undergraduate Program in Food Technology, Universitas Sumatera Utara, as well as a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) Medan, as the speaker. The presence of an alumnus who is currently active in the business environment provided students with a practical perspective on the development and dynamics of international trade.
In the presentation, students gained insights into export and import activities, ranging from an understanding of the basics of international trade to various aspects that need to be considered in conducting cross-border trade activities. The learning also provided an overview of opportunities and challenges that business actors may face in developing products, including food products, for broader markets.
This activity provided an opportunity for students to understand that Food Technology competencies have a broad scope. In addition to technical skills in food processing and product development, graduates also need to understand trade, entrepreneurship, marketing, regulations, and market opportunities to adapt to the needs of the world of work and business.
The presence of Awang Laksmana, S.TP. as an alumnus also strengthened the relationship between the Undergraduate Program in Food Technology and its alumni and the industrial/business sector. The experience shared is expected to provide students with a real picture of the application of knowledge acquired during their studies in their career journey after completing their education.
Encouraging Learning Relevant to the World of Work
Practitioner Teaching is one form of learning that provides students with an opportunity to gain knowledge directly from practitioners. Interaction between students and practitioners is expected to enrich insights, improve applied thinking skills, and help students understand the needs and developments of the professional world.
For Food Technology students, an understanding of export and import also provides insights into opportunities for developing local food products for broader markets. With this knowledge, students are expected not only to prepare themselves as prospective professionals but also to have the confidence to explore opportunities for entrepreneurship and food business development.
Supporting the Achievement of the SDGs
This Practitioner Teaching activity also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
SDG 1 – No Poverty, through strengthening student competencies and entrepreneurial insights that can support readiness to enter the world of work and business.
SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, through developing insights into the trade and distribution of food products that can support food systems.
SDG 4 – Quality Education, through experience-based learning and the involvement of practitioners in the education process.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, through strengthening collaboration among higher education institutions, alumni, businesses, and professional organizations.
Through this activity, the Undergraduate Program in Food Technology, FP USU, continues to strive to provide a learning process that is not only oriented toward mastering theory but also equips students with practical insights, skills, networks, and readiness to enter the professional world.
The Practitioner Teaching activity with alumni is also part of efforts to build a learning ecosystem that is increasingly connected to the world of work and business, while strengthening the role of alumni in supporting the development of education in the Undergraduate Program in Food Technology, FP USU.