MED 2026 Highlights Sustainable Business Practices Among Students at Sustain Bazaar

Visitors gather during Sustain Bazaar 2026 at Transmart MX Mall Malang on May 7, 2026.

MALANG — Media Entrepreneur Days (MED) 2026 became a platform for students of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Brawijaya (FEB UB), to apply sustainable business concepts directly through the Sustain-Bazaar 2026 program held at Transmart MX Mall Malang in May 2026.

This year’s theme, “Entrepreneurship for a Sustainable Future,” highlighted the importance of green economy principles in modern entrepreneurship. Students were encouraged to create businesses that not only generate profit but also reduce environmental impact through sustainable practices such as eco-friendly packaging, waste reduction practices.

Students-run thrift booth operates during Sustain Bazaar 2026 at Transmart MX Mall Malang on May 7, 2026.

The month-long bazaar encouraged students to experience real business practices selling food, beverages, fashion and creative products while promoting the concept of green economy and sustainable business directly in the field. The event involved student-run businesses and FEB UB student participants, allowing participants to learn entrepreneurship, customer engagement, and environmentally friendly business strategies.

The event also encouraged collaboration among student entrepreneurs through reseller systems, consignment methods, and digital promotion. Organizers stated that the concept helped students to start businesses with lower capital while learning adaptability and innovation in the business world.

Ecobrew Cafe showcases coffee products during Sustain Bazaar 2026 at Transmart MX Mall Malang on May 7, 2026.

One of the participating student businesses was Ecobrew Cafe, a coffee and tea stall managed by FEB UB students. The business offered coffee milk drinks and original tea while implementing sustainable packaging practices.

“We use paper-based cups instead of plastic because they are easier to decompose,” said Anindya, one of the stall representatives. “We also carry a zero-waste concept. Customers who bring their own tumblers receive discounts.”

According to Anindya, participating in the bazaar helped students improve their communication and marketing skills through direct interaction with customers.

“We learn how to communicate with customers and convince them to come back again,” she said.

Despite the opportunities, managing a business as a student also brought challenges, including limited capital, transportation costs, and difficulties in building social media engagement.

“Our business is still new, so attracting investors and customers is difficult,” Anindya explained. “Building social media engagement also takes time and cannot happen instantly.”

The Sustain-Bazaar 2026 program was considered helpful in improving students’ entrepreneurial skills because it allowed them to evaluate business strategies and understand how businesses could continue after the event ended.

In addition to benefiting students, the bazaar also supported student business participants by providing direct interaction with visitors and increasing public awareness of sustainable business practices. By supporting student entrepreneurship, the bazaar also contributed to increasing public activity at Transmart Malang, which is currently developing a new concept as an educational and creative commercial space in collaboration with Universitas Brawijaya

Through Sustain-Bazaar 2026, FEB UB encouraged students to create a learning environment where students could develop direct business experience while promoting the values of sustainability and green economy in entrepreneurship.

Reporter: Kayana / Editor: Hana