39th IIUM Convocation: Triple joy as siblings graduate together at the same Convocation

By Syafiah Sakirin

GOMBAK, 30 November 2023: The 39th IIUM Convocation Ceremony witnessed a remarkable happening whereby three siblings from different levels of study and departments graduated at the same time.

The eldest sibling, Nur Amalina Bt Shamsul Akmar, attained her Master’s of Human Sciences in Political Science. Her sister, Aina Amirah Bt Shamsul Akmar, graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Shariah and Legal Practice. Both received their scrolls on Sunday (26 November 2023).

Meanwhile, the youngest sibling, Adleen Atiqah Bt Shamsul Akmar was conferred with the degree, Bachelor of Human Sciences in Psychology (Honours) on Tuesday (28 November 2023).

On the other hand, another sibling, Nurul Amanda Bt Shamsul Akmar, is currently pursuing her Master’s in Economics at the IIUM.

In an exclusive interview with IIUM Today, the siblings admitted that there were few similarities between them although they were studying at the same campus. Amalina and Adleen shared the same Kulliyyah while Adleen and Amanda took the same skill class which was Sign Language.

As they came from different departments, they confessed that they did not see each other much on campus. Instead, they spent more of their time as a family at their home in Setiawangsa.

œWe often go out for lunch and dinner together or to the library to study, Amalina shared on their memorable experiences as siblings studying together at the same campus.

Asked about any challenges they faced together, Adleen explained that they experienced many problems at home during the COVID-19 pandemic as they needed to undertake Open and Distance Learning (ODL).

œWe (Aina, Amanda, and Adleen) shared the same space at home during online classes which disrupted our focus and sometimes we also had problems with the Wifi, Adleen recalled.

They agreed that having siblings studying at the same time at the IIUM helped them on campus by supporting each other, in spite of all of them studying at different departments.

œOver time, three of my sisters asked me about the IIUM because as the one who had been studying at the IIUM the longest, I was quite familiar with the IIUM system already. So I can just guide and teach them on what to do, said Amalina.

Nurul Amanda expressed her gratitude for the presence of her sisters at the IIUM, especially the eldest one who taught and helped the three younger siblings regarding any affairs at the IIUM.

œIt was so much easier and convenient for us to have each others back, especially during the course pre-registration period, she added.

Adleen confessed that she learned a lot from her sisters mistakes during their previous years studying and they could help her navigate her way around the campus better.

Interestingly, all four of the siblings had the same future plan which is to pursue their studies at the highest level by attaining a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

They insisted that by studying together, there was more positivity than negativity. The siblings represent an example of how family members could study together thus breaking the unhealthy competition we typically find amongst siblings.

œThere is no sibling rivalry or competition among us because we always learn and support each other all the time throughout our life at the IIUM, they firmly stated***