By Athira ABD Latiff
GOMBAK, 15 August 2022: The recipient of the Kulliyyah Level Award for Harun M. Hashim Law Centre, Sinan Chem Bas, took the audience down a memory lane with his valedictorian speech at the second session of the 37th IIUM Convocation Ceremony on Saturday (13 August).
Having no initial thoughts to further his study upon graduating from Marmara University in Turkey in 2002, Sinan described his decision to register at IIUM post graduate school “came about as a surprise”.
It occurred during a charity event in June 2020 at IIUM where Sinan came as a speaker which he also recalled him saying “IIUM was the most highly regarded university for Turkish students wishing to study in Malaysia, and it is still true in reputation and enrollment numbers. ”
Prior to that event, he shared that some professors encouraged him to continue his studies at IIUM, to which he did not need much convincing as Sinan had made up his mind that IIUM was the right place.
“At that time, the pandemic was just starting to evolve around us and it played perfectly to my long-term law of learning. We were going into strict isolation due to Movement Control Orders (MCOs) being put into place. I thought the best thing to ride up the pandemic was to study,” he added.
Sinan, the graduate of Masters of Laws in International Laws, also noted the challenges faced by many when COVID-19 first started.
“Studying through unprecedented times was surreal. Almost all night we became professional to contemporary COVID-19 study techniques using Google Classroom and virtual presentations which were not required in the past,” he said to the audience.
Upon recalling the past, Sinan expressed gratitude to the IIUM community, particularly his professors and fellow students for the life-shaping experience that has enriched his way of thinking, and now influencing his approach to performing things in his daily life professionally.
“My master’s degree experience enriched my wisdom, creativity, and ability to delve deeper with better sources. I am now equipped with stronger arguments that help my profession,” he added.
Sinan also furthered his appreciation to his professors for his gratifying effort through a statement, “Saya ingin mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Profesor saya” (I would like to thank my Professor).
He ended his speech with a message to everyone and himself to make a commitment to life-long learning as it is necessary to have a growth mindset throughout our lifetime.
“We operate in a dynamic rapidly changing world. Pursue your studies and find something you are passionate about to practice your academic knowledge,” he wrapped up. ***