University of Riau Pukau Malaysia Students: Elegant Songket Collection and Innovative Pineapple Vinegar Performed at Perpatih Fest Negeri Sembilan, Seremban, Malaysia

University of Riau Students Captivate Malaysia: Elegant Songket Collection and Innovative Pineapple Vinegar Shine at Perpatih Fest, Negeri Sembilan, Seremban, Malaysia

The Academic Support Unit (UPA) for Career and Entrepreneurship Development (PKK) of the University of Riau (Unri), in collaboration with the Dumai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Dumai), successfully captured the attention of the Malaysian public and high-ranking officials at the prestigious Perpatih Fest held in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. The Riau delegation participated in the three-day event from October 10 to 12, 2025.

The Unri delegation was led by Bunga Chintia Utami, S.I.P., M.E., Head of the Business Incubator of UPA PKK Unri, accompanied by four students from the Faculty of Economics and Business — Akmal Rif’at Pramulya, Zahwatul Nabila, Muhammad Nurfakhri, and Chairil Sandy Nurrahim.

The group showcased two outstanding student innovations: "Lawo Collection" and "Nanasia", embodying both entrepreneurial spirit and Riau’s rich cultural heritage. These products originated from the 2024 Wirausaha Merdeka Aksi Pemuda program at the University of Riau and have since continued as tenants of the UPA PKK Unri Business Incubator in 2025.

Unri’s participation in Perpatih Fest aims to expand international business and academic networks, particularly within the Malay cultural sphere. Moreover, the event serves as a strategic platform to promote innovative student products and assess the global competitiveness of local creations.

Lawo Collection features premium and elegant bags and ties made from songket fabric. Combining modern design with cultural authenticity, this collection demonstrates the potential of Riau’s songket to enter the high-end fashion market.
Meanwhile, Nanasia presents a healthy culinary innovation — pineapple vinegar made from locally sourced Riau pineapples. This product not only adds value to the pineapple commodity but also introduces a health-beneficial processed product to the market.

The Perpatih Fest was officially opened by the Chief Minister of Negeri Sembilan, Dato' Seri Utama Haji Aminuddin bin Harun, who personally visited the University of Riau’s booth. His visit symbolized the Negeri Sembilan Government’s appreciation for Unri’s spirit of innovation. After interacting with the students and observing their showcased products, the Chief Minister expressed his admiration: “These Riau students have an excellent entrepreneurial spirit,” said Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Aminuddin bin Harun. “And most importantly, they are well guided by Unri as their supporting institution.”

His remarks highlight the success of UPA PKK Unri’s efforts in nurturing competent and competitive young entrepreneurs. The presence of Kadin Dumai in the delegation further strengthened the synergistic collaboration between academia and industry in advancing both regional and national economic growth.