By Athira ABD Latiff
GOMBAK, 4 December 2022: The Honourable Dato’ Sri Syed Hussein bin Abd Kadir Al-Habshee was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Communication and International Relations in recognition of his significant contribution to society among distinguished emissary leaders.
The conferment of the award was presented by Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj in the first session of the 38th IIUM Convocation ceremony yesterday (3 December).
As a prominent diplomatic and public figure who has served within the country and abroad, Dato’ Sri Syed Hussein has made substantial contributions to interracial kinship and educational development for IIUM since his appointment as IIUM holdings board of member in 2002 despite his responsibilities as the ambassador of Malaysia to the United Arabs Emirates.
“It is a privilege to partake in IIUM governance meetings as it allows me to work with the community members in realising the principles of Rahmatan lil Alamin in conveying the accurate teachings of Islam, and correcting the misunderstandings of many parties towards Islam,” he said in his speech.
Dato’ Sri Syed Hussein further expressed his utmost gratitude for the remarkable award which he claimed would further his notions of communicating Islam to foreign and non-foreign parties.
“I am particularly thankful to AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (AHAS KIRKHS) for continuously engaging me in the efforts of communicating the message of Islam in guiding the community with the psychological, social, and religious issues they encounter,” he emphasised.
He noted that IIUM as an exemplary Islamic institution should forge a mutual relationship with other societies for mutual benefits wherein both entities are dependent on each other to foster a fruitful relationship and harmonious co-existence.
Dato’ Sri Syed Hussein concluded his speech with a memento to the audience that “unpracticed knowledge is like a fruitless tree,” and thus one should pursue knowledge for their own well-being.***