DEVELOPMENT OF COCONUT CHIPS (COCOS NUCIFERAL) PRODUCTION PROCESS TECHNOLOGY AS AN INNOVATION TO INCREASE ADDED VALUE FOR COMMUNITY ECONOMIC GROWTH, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA.

Makassar, 27 August 2025 — In the context of implementing the tridharma of higher education, especially community service, a team of lecturers at the Indonesian Muslim University (UMI) Makassar carried out an internal service activity entitled "Development of Nuda Coconut Chip (Cocos nucifera) Production Process Technology as an Innovation to Increase Added Value and Economic Growth for the Community of Selangor, Malaysia."

This activity is a form of real contribution from the UMI academic community in supporting community empowerment based on local potential. Young coconuts, which until now have only been used as fresh consumption ingredients, are now being processed into high-value products through food technology innovations developed by the service team.

In this activity, the UMI lecturer team introduced several simple but effective technologies to improve the quality and competitiveness of young coconut chip products, including: Precision cutting techniques using semi-automatic tools to produce uniform coconut slices, Low temperature drying so that the nutrients and natural taste of coconut are maintained. Vacuum packaging to extend shelf life and maintain product cleanliness.

Through this approach, young coconut chips will not only become a healthy snack, but also a superior product that has the potential to penetrate the export market.

This service activity has a positive impact on the people of Selangor, especially in economic aspects and community empowerment. Some of the achievements achieved include: Increasing community income through the production and marketing of coconut chips, Empowering groups of housewives and village youth as the main actors in the production process and Strengthening the capacity of local MSMEs through business management and digital marketing training.

The head of the service team, Rosmawati, SE., M. ak, said that this activity was a concrete manifestation of the implementation of science and technology for the welfare of society. "We hope that this model can be replicated in other areas, including the coastal areas of South Sulawesi which are also rich in coconut potential," he said.

This activity was carried out in collaboration between UMI Makassar, local industrial partners, as well as support from the Selangor regional government. In the future, the service team plans to develop ongoing training and mentoring modules so that people can continue to develop their businesses independently.

With a spirit of innovation and service, UMI Makassar continues to be committed to becoming a superior campus in the development of science and technology that benefits the wider community.