Syva Lestiyani Dewi, a 7th-semester student of the class of 2020, has made a proud achievement by winning a gold medal at the UNRI International Academic Writing Competition (UNRI-IACW) held this year. This competition serves as a global platform for aspiring scholars and young writers to showcase their skills in research and writing. Participants were invited to submit short-form articles and 2-minute videos focusing on various topics within Arts and Humanities, Social Studies, Health and Science, Technology and Engineering, and Multidisciplinary fields. Each submission underwent careful review by prominent academic professionals from various countries. Selected finalists proceeded to the virtual UNRI-IAWC Defence Day, where they presented their work to a panel of judges.
The competition begins with the submission deadline for articles and videos on November 10, 2023. Semi-finalists are announced from November 13 to 17, 2023, followed by the announcement of finalists on November 18, 2023. The ultimate showdown in the final round, conducted virtually through Defence /Presentation sessions, is slated for November 25, 2023. Under the guidance of Dr. Rendi Restiana Sukardi, Syva started the writing process and underwent a discussion session presenting the research results. As a participant, Syva’s research focus centered on Social Studies, particularly exploring Economic themes. The title of the paper is “From Trash to Cash: How are Small Businesses Contributing to the Textile Recycling Renaissance?” The research emphasizes harnessing the untapped potential within solid waste from jeans production to generate valuable composites, aligning with the core principles of sustainable business practices and environmental responsibility.
During the final round’s Q&A session, distinguished judges from Indonesia and the Philippines posed thought-provoking questions:
- Q: How is Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Sukaraos Village, Majalengka?
A: MSMEs in Sukaraos Village epitomize grassroots entrepreneurship, wielding substantial influence in boosting the local economy. Through job creation and economic stimulation, these enterprises serve as catalysts for socio-economic growth within the region.
- Q: Overview of the research paper’s findings.
A: This paper explores the innovative landscape of waste management in the local MSME jeans industry. The paper discusses the paradigm shift towards sustainable practices, illustrating how these businesses are utilizing textile recycling to transform waste into valuable assets, namely jeans waste-based composites.
- Q: What is the main problem statement or research questions that your research wants to address or answer, and what research method did you use to address this problem or answer these questions?
A: The main problem statement centres on optimizing waste management in jeans production to create value-added products and mitigate environmental impact. The research questions likely revolve around assessing the feasibility of upcycling solid waste from jeans production. The essay appears to use qualitative methods such as interviews, content analysis, and data interpretation to explore the economic, social, and environmental implications of waste-to-composite processing in the context of MSMEs in Sukaraos Village.
- Q: Who are the people interviewed? Are they comprised of different people involved in the local MSME jeans industry? Why were they chosen to be interviewed? Why only them and not the others who are also involved in the local MSME jeans industry?
Answer: The essay suggests that 15 participants were interviewed using a simple random sampling technique from the relevant population. The individuals chosen were likely involved in the local MSME jeans industry, representing a cross-section of various stakeholders like business owners, workers, or experts in the field. They were likely selected for their direct involvement and expertise in the industry, providing diverse perspectives and insights crucial for understanding sustainable business practices and waste management within this specific sector. The choice of these participants over others might be due to their direct involvement, knowledge, or availability during the research period. Additionally, a random sampling technique ensures a fair representation of perspectives across the industry. The judges appreciated the exceptional contributions made, expressing their admiration for the presented concept. They suggested that the paper holds qualities worthy of publication in esteemed international journals, acknowledging its significant impact on academia. This competition provided me, Syva Lestiyani Dewi, with invaluable new experiences and knowledge. It’s not just about research; it’s also an enriching intellectual journey.