UBSI Lecturers Secure 2026 Ministry Grant, Transform Waste into High-Value Products
Lecturers from the Bina Sarana Informatika University (UBermasi) Tasikmalaya campus have achieved a significant milestone by successfully securing the 2026 Community Service Grant from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek).
Through a programme titled ‘Assistance for Hybrid Creative Product Innovation using Textile and Mendong Waste with IT-Based Business Management Strengthening for MSME Jempol Jaya Tasikmalaya’, the lecturer team has introduced innovations that transform textile waste and mendong into products with high economic value.
The community service team is led by Bambang Kelana Simpony, with members Dini Silvi Purnia, Cepi Cahyadi, Reza Adzi Permana, and Ilham Farhanul Hakim.
Funded by Kemendiktisaintek, the programme was conducted from 23 to 31 May 2026, focusing on the development of creative products made from mendong and textile waste, the strengthening of IT-based business management, and the enhancement of digital marketing capacity for MSME Jempol Jaya Tasikmalaya.
Bambang explained that mendong handicrafts possess great potential for further development through innovation. Consequently, the team is encouraging the use of textile waste as a supporting material to produce more attractive, modern products with higher market value.
“Mendong handicrafts are one of the region’s leading potentials that need continuous development. Through this programme, we aim to encourage the birth of innovative products that not only possess aesthetic value but are also capable of meeting modern market demands,” he stated.
During the programme, participants received various training sessions, ranging from IT-based business management and creative mendong-textile product innovation to product packaging, photography, and digital marketing.
Through this assistance, MSME owners were equipped with skills that can be directly applied to develop their businesses more professionally and sustainably.
The programme’s results showed a significant impact on the partner’s capabilities. Based on evaluations, participants’ understanding of mendong-textile product innovation increased from 5 per cent to 80 per cent. Digital marketing proficiency rose from 10 per cent to 75 per cent, while IT-based business management skills climbed from 5 per cent to 75 per cent. Additionally, product photography skills increased to 80 per cent from an initial 5 per cent.
Dini Silvi Purnia noted that the utilisation of digital technology is a crucial factor in business development in the current era. She emphasised that MSMEs are not only required to produce quality products but must also be able to market them effectively through various digital platforms to reach wider markets.
The success of the programme has been directly felt by MSME Jempol Jaya. The business owner, Ade Sandi, admitted that he gained significant new insights and skills to help expand his business. The product innovation resulting from the blend of mendong and textile waste is considered to provide added value and a competitive advantage in an increasingly dynamic market.
By successfully securing the 2026 Kemendiktisaintek Grant, UBSI lecturers have not only demonstrated excellence in obtaining national competitive funding but have also proven their tangible contribution to MSME empowerment. The innovation of using textile and mendong waste for high-value creative products is expected to support community business growth and promote a more sustainable economy.