Universitas Islam Riau (UIR) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) along with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Kepulauan Meranti Regency. The event took place on Friday, 8 August 2025, at the boardroom on the second floor of the UIR Rectorate Building in Pekanbaru.

The FGD, themed “Development of Kepulauan Meranti Regency,” was attended by the Regent of Kepulauan Meranti, AKBP (Ret.) H. Asmar, and other regional officials. From UIR, representatives included the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Research and Innovation, Prof. Dr. Fathurrahman, S.P., M.Sc, the Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni, Cooperation, and Islamic Dawah, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deddy Purnomo Retno, S.T., M.T., GP. A-Utama, deans, and other university leaders.

In his speech, the Regent expressed appreciation for the cooperation, hoping UIR could play an active role in supporting regional development, particularly in community development. Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Fathurrahman highlighted UIR’s commitment—being one of the first universities in Riau with Excellent accreditation—to collaboration with various partners, including scholarship programs and human resource development in Kepulauan Meranti.

The FGD was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rendi Prayuda, S.I.P., M.Si, Head of the UIR Office of International Cooperation and Affairs (BKUI), discussing the potentials and strategic development plans for the Kepulauan Meranti region. The MoU and discussion are expected to strengthen synergy between UIR and the local government in supporting sustainable regional development.