‘Making mistakes can lead to growth,’ says first valedictorian of 39th IIUM Convocation

By Fasihah Zulkifli

GOMBAK, 25 November 2023: Making mistakes are opportunities for growth, they are not setbacks for us, expressed Muhammad Zikry bin Huzaimi through his valedictorian speech in the first session of the 39th IIUM Convocation Ceremony, today. Muhammad Zikry was a student at the Kulliyyah of Engineering (KOE), IIUM.

œToday, we are not just celebrating our academic achievement, but also experiences that helped shape us, which is indeed a remarkable journey that has led us to this significant milestone, he said.

Muhammad Zikry shared his struggles during his undergraduate studies with the audiences, which highlights the unprecedented resilience of students, especially when they had to complete their assignments and attend classes and laboratory sessions remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his inspiring speech, he shared the words of Imam Ghazali, œKnowledge is not based on the number of books that you read but it is how you apply it in your life.

These words reflect the IIUM graduates purposes which are to educate individuals and be a khalifah who has been trusted to change to the world, which is in line with the meaning of rahmatan lil alamin.

In addition, he shared three forms of guidance through this noble journey; embrace knowledge with humility, practice compassion and empathy, and promote unity and have collaborations by embracing diversity.

Representing the graduands in the first session, Muhammad Zikry expressed his utmost gratitude towards the Professors, lecturers, and staff members who were really dedicated and devoted in imparting knowledge during the global COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that the students continued learning.

Furthermore, he said that the year 2023 marks the 40 years of IIUM’s establishment and the university has successfully been a Garden of Knowledge and Virtue which has shaped the students’ worldview.

He concluded his speech by extending his appreciation towards his parents and friends for their endless support and prayers and ended it with a Malay pantun.***