By Syafiah Sakirin
GOMBAK, 16 March 2022: Working hard is the prerequisite of success but working smart is what guarantees your success, said the recipient of the prestigious Rector’s Award, Maisarah Binti Lukman from Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences (KENMS).
She received the award from IIUM President, Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Mohd Daud Bakar during the first session of IIUMs 37th Convocation on Saturday (12 March). The award is normally given to students who excelled in academic as well as making national achievements in co-curricular activities.
For Maisarah, the award she received was a very pleasant surprise as she had not expected it and did not exactly aim for it. Regardless, she is extremely grateful for the selection as all the tiring late night studies became worth it.
Asked about how she managed to balance between academic and co-curricular activities, she shared, “By understanding our strengths and weaknesses and allocating our resources accordingly.
If one commitment is affecting the success of the other, re-evaluate our priorities and shift our focus to which is more important. Keep adjusting to get that balance.”
“Nobody knows you better than yourself, you are the one who can identify whether this co-curricular is something that is within your capacity or whether you need to focus harder on certain subjects.
As long as we are growing, our lives are not going to get any easier. So stay focused and be aware that you are climbing an uphill battle,” she said.
As of now, she is currently living her dream of working in a Fintech startup, Pantas. In the near future, she aims to spearhead their upcoming launches to introduce new and innovative technology to Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Maisarah’s tip for success is to always pray to Allah for strength and courage when facing great challenges. “Respect those who have taught you and never expect any good returns from those you have helped, only expect rewards from Allah. Finally, be content with where Allah has placed you because you are exactly where you are meant to be,” she advised.
She also claimed that having her parents who always emphasise the importance of having a good education and balanced life really inspired her to get to where she is today.***