The annual event of the Management Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Airlangga, Management Expo is held again. Universitas Airlangga Stock Exchange Competition (UASTEC) is one of the sub-events that will be held in the series of events. UASTEC is a stock and capital market competition that can be participated by high school/vocational school students and equivalent throughout Indonesia. This year, UASTEC carries the main theme, namely "Building a Sustainable Investing Mindset: Encourages Responsible and Long-Term Investment Strategies" as an effort to stimulate investment interest among the younger generation in Indonesia in order to support the sustainability of the national economy.
UASTEC 2024 is related to SDGs number 4 (Quality Education) reflected in the UASTEC 2024 goal which aims to improve students' knowledge about investment and capital markets. This competition provides quality and relevant education, which will equip participants with practical skills and knowledge useful for their future. SDGs number 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) relates to encouraging the younger generation's investment interest. With the investment knowledge and experience gained from UASTEC, students will be better prepared to participate in a sustainable economy and contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth. SDGs number 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) is relevant in the context of UASTEC because this competition encourages innovation in investment strategies and provides insight into capital market infrastructure. This teaches the importance of innovation and infrastructure development that support the growth of the financial industry. Also, SDG number 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) is reflected in the collaboration between the Management Study Program, the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Airlangga, and various other parties to organize UASTEC. This collaboration is important to achieve the common goal of supporting responsible and sustainable investment.
The latest data shows that 12.5 million of Indonesia's 273.8 million population are investors. While this figure may seem high, the percentage of investors in Indonesia is still only 4.56% of the total population. This figure is still lower than neighboring countries like Singapore (17.8%) and Malaysia (9.3%). Therefore, the Student Association of Undergraduate Students (HIMA S1 Management) will hold UASTEC 2024, a stock investment simulation in the capital market for high school (SMA/SMK) students. This competition aims to increase investment knowledge and provide students with hands-on stock trading experience.