By Maryam Iman Binti Norhashimi
GOMBAK, 27 May 2022: The contesting candidates for the Treasurer seat shared their aspirations to improve the financial situation of the IIUM Student Union (IIUMSU) when they unveiled their manifestos in the debate yesterday (25 May).
Coming up with similar but distinguishable objectives, both candidates – Hairil Haflan from Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology (KICT), and Shifa Ali from Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences (KENMS) – defended the credibility of each goal presented to win the votes of the students.
In the first session of the debate, Shifa shared her manifesto by upholding her clear strategy to build a bigger platform to reach the students’ voices and groom them before entering the corporate world by providing them with essential training on and off-campus.
To develop a bigger platform for the student union, Shifa claimed to have a pretty wide range of international connections that will help with the execution further. She also believed that to prepare the students for their future businesses, they need to acquire necessary business skills and have a business mindset.
Having a two-year of experience working in this field, her confidence sprouted from her successes in bringing in sponsorships to execute huge programmes in the past.
On the other hand, Hairil, elaborating his manifesto promised to strive towards financial independence for the student union, be transparent in any financial transaction in the union and expand financial aid for the students in need more than what was done before.
Aligned with the initial objective of improving the financial stability of the student union, Hairil stressed his strategy to raise funds through digital marketing such as advertisements on YouTube, Facebook, etc. Though he was aware of it being rather costly, he emphasised that this strategy will be worked out through collaborations with external sources and organisations.
Having a one-year hands-on experience working as chief of staff of the Office of Treasurer in the previous tenure, he was involved in the process of finalising the proposed budget for every programme held. He too, proposed for the future financial transaction in the student union to be accessible to the students and stakeholders whenever the opportunity comes.
All in all, both candidates were on the same page when answering a question about their master plan for the acquisition of assets within the tenure. Hairil highlighted his plan to always join hands with the authorities in Gombak, Pagoh and Kuantan when discussing what and how to propagate the assets.
“Sikit-sikit, lama-lama jadi bukit,” added Shifa, upon insisting on her method to start from whatever they have in their circle. She intended to start collecting revenues from conducting programmes that can bring something to the student union in return, not only in Gombak but also in Pagoh and Kuantan.
The manifesto debate was held in Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences (KENM) and was broadcast live on IIUM Student Union Election Commission (IIUMSU EC) YouTube Channel.
Click here to view the full debate on YouTube. For more information, readers may refer to https://linktr.ee/iiumsuec***