Pekanbaru, December 8, 2024 – Universitas Riau (UNRI) proudly hosted the Merdeka Entrepreneurship Festival: Youth Action Batch III 2024 at Living World Mall Pekanbaru from December 6 to 8, 2024. The event featured participation from 17 universities across Indonesia, involving 513 participants and showcasing 100 booths with creative products and services crafted by students.
The festival was officially opened by UNRI’s Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Hermandra, M.A., and concluded by the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Dr. Mexsasai Indra, S.H., M.H. In his opening remarks, Prof. Hermandra emphasized the importance of entrepreneurial spirit among students as a key pillar to face the challenges of the global era.
The event received full support from the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) Universitas Riau, Dr. Meyzi Heriyanto, S.Sos., M.Si., along with the faculty leadership team: Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Auradian Marta, S.IP., M.A.; Vice Dean for General and Financial Affairs, Dr. Mayarni, S.Sos., M.Si.; and Head of the Business Administration Study Program, Dr. Lie Othman, S.Pi., M.Si. The faculty leaders attended the event with their families to provide moral support to FISIP students participating in the WMK program, purchasing various creative products on display and showing their appreciation and pride in the students' innovative works.
Dr. Meyzi Heriyanto expressed his pride in FISIP students' achievements at the event. “This event proves that FISIP students have great potential in creating innovative products and services. The support from mentors and effective collaboration have resulted in outstanding work,” he said.
Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Auradian Marta, also extended his appreciation to the participating students. “Our students have shown not only academic excellence but also practical entrepreneurial skills. This is a tangible step toward supporting UNRI’s vision of producing independent and creative graduates,” he stated.
Vice Dean for General and Financial Affairs, Dr. Mayarni, added that the faculty's support would continue beyond this event through various entrepreneurial development programs. “We hope this event motivates other students to keep innovating,” she said.
The accomplishments of FISIP students in this event were greatly supported by the dedicated Field Supervising Lecturers (DPLs), including Dr. Fajriani Ananda, S.Sos., M.Si.; Risky Arya Putri, S.Sos., M.Si.; Syofiatul Safitri, M.A.B.; Hussein, M.A.B.; Dr. Tantri Puspita Yazid, M.I.Kom.; and Nurul Mustaqimmah, M.I.Kom. Under their guidance, students won awards in various categories, including Best Product, Best Content, Talent Preneur, Best Booth, Best Alumni Companion, and Got Talent. The DPLs provided intensive mentorship, from idea development to product marketing strategies.
The Dean of FISIP gave special recognition to the DPLs for their dedication. “Our young lecturers are exceptional assets for FISIP. Through their mentorship, students have achieved outstanding performance and brought home prestigious awards. This spirit must be maintained and developed further,” emphasized Dr. Meyzi.
Frini Karina Andini, S.A.B., M.A.B., Secretary of the Merdeka Entrepreneurship Festival Batch III 2024, praised FISIP students for their achievements and enthusiasm. “The creativity, innovation, and dedication of FISIP students in this event are commendable. They have not only brought pride to the faculty but also demonstrated that UNRI students can compete in the WMK Program,” said Frini.
The successful organization of the Merdeka Entrepreneurship Festival: Youth Action Batch III 2024 by Universitas Riau, particularly FISIP, is expected to continue fostering students' entrepreneurial spirit and contributing to the development of a generation that is creative, innovative, and competitive in the global market.
RIRY-Deni