By Irdina Zainudin
GOMBAK, 17 May 2023: The Alumni Relations Division of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), organised an Eid al-Fitr celebration on 9 May 2023 in Wadi Budi, on IIUM Gombak campus that was made merrier by the attendance of two influencers.
The Deputy Director of the Alumni Relations Division, Madam Siti Aisyah binti Ibrahim, who is also an IIUM alumna herself mentioned, “The Eid al-Fitr is an annual gathering that is organised to gather all IIUM alumni who are working at the IIUM.”
“This celebration is also with the aim to appreciate all sponsors of iftar programmes organised by the Alumni Relations Division during Ramadhan,” she added.
The highlight of the Eid al-Fitr gathering was the attendance of two alumni members of the IIUM, Nur Muhammad Izzat Osman, a famous Mukbang YouTuber under the handle Isaac Osman and owner of Nasi Ayam Mak Chili, and actor, Ali Karimi bin Abdul Rahman.
Isaac Osman is a graduate of Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (KAED) who obtained his bachelor’s degree in 2011. Before he started his YouTube career, he used to work with an interior design company. He started his YouTube channel seven years into his career, before quitting his job when the COVID-19 pandemic began to focus completely on his channel. Now, it is garnering over 1.59 million subscribers.
He also mentioned that his Nasi Ayam Mak Chili business started last year and is slowly gaining popularity. Coincidentally, on the day of the gathering, it was the first year anniversary of his business. He was also one of the food caterers for the event that prepared his famous chicken rice.
Isaac Osman also expressed his excitement about coming back to the IIUM, especially after years of leaving the university since his graduation.
Furthermore, when asked about his advice for students about studies and career paths, he said that it depends on the students themselves. His only advice is to do what they are able to, or comfortable with that will make them happy, especially when it comes to work. If they dislike their job, it could worsen the experience.
Isaac Osman’s final advice to students is to continue with their studies for as long as they are able to because acquiring knowledge is important.
On the other hand, Ali Karimi is a Bachelor of Business Administration graduate from the Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences (KENMS). He received his degree in 2014. After graduating, he started working at Hospital Islam Az Zahrah. He is now holding the Deputy General Manager position, while also acting part-time in documentaries.
In 2018, he played a role in the movie Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan as Brahim before the movie was released in 2022.
For him, coming back to the IIUM for the gathering, had brought back a lot of memories. He felt both excitement and nostalgia when looking back at the memories especially, of all the activities he used to join back then.
He stated that during the gathering, he managed to catch up with some old friends but was not able to meet his lecturers due to the lack of time. However, he is still happy with being able to catch up with some old friends.
Before ending the interview, Ali Karimi advised students to enjoy their study life because they will miss it once they graduate. But he said also make sure to balance academics with co-curricular activities.
According to Madam Aisyah, the event was successful in bringing alumni members together. Not only that, but the IIUM alumni who are furthering their studies at the IIUM also attended the gathering.
Madam Aisyah mentioned that the Alumni Relations Division hopes that the alumni of IIUM would stay connected with the IIUM, even after they have graduated.***