Academic observes rising interest among youth in building MSMEs in Singaraja

An academic from the Mpu Kuturan State Hindu Institute (IAHN) in Singaraja, Bali, Duwi Oktaviana, has observed that young people’s interest in building micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is increasing in the city, which is known as an educational hub. Duwi, who also heads the Dharma Duta Faculty’s Economic Management Study Programme, stated that the rising entrepreneurial trend among the younger generation in Singaraja is a result of the growing digital ecosystem and improved access to business information, which has encouraged a new generation of entrepreneurs who are more adaptive to market changes. She explained that today’s youth no longer view formal employment as the sole career path. Many are daring to start businesses while still studying, utilising social media, e-commerce platforms, and various digital applications to market products and services. Compared to a few years ago, she noted a significant increase in entrepreneurial interest, with young people becoming more creative in spotting market opportunities and leveraging digital technology. She pointed to various corners of Singaraja that are now bustling with food centres and coffee shops, ranging from small to large scale. The trend is also evident from the growing number of startups run by young people, both individually and in groups, with business fields expanding beyond trade to include the creative economy, handicrafts, and ventures based on local Balinese wisdom. Duwi added that this rising interest aligns with economic theory, influenced by a shift in the younger generation’s work orientation towards independence, flexibility, creativity, and self-development opportunities. She explained that the decision to become an entrepreneur is determined by a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship, social support, and self-confidence, all of which have been strengthened by digital technology and social media, making MSMEs a promising career choice. With this growing interest, she expressed optimism that Singaraja has a significant opportunity to become a centre for youth entrepreneurship development in North Bali. She emphasised the need for a conducive ecosystem, capital assistance, and cross-sector collaboration to further strengthen the growth of innovative, creative, and competitive young business actors. Duwi highlighted the strategic role of higher education institutions in fostering an entrepreneurial culture through education, research, and community service, noting that IAHN Mpu Kuturan Singaraja already has an entrepreneurship centre. Various business incubation programmes, entrepreneurship training, and business mentoring can serve as means to strengthen the competence of the younger generation in developing sustainable businesses, particularly for students in the Economic Management programme.