Personal branding by Altimet and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shafizan

By, Atasya Aulia Rahman and Widad Shahirah Hairuddin

GOMBAK, 28 May 2024 – Unleashing Potential: Empowering Students in the Digital Age was a one-day program organised by Communication internship students today to empower students with knowledge of digital literacy. One of its sub-events was a podcast titled, “Build Your Online Presence – Personal Branding.” The podcast was to educate IIUM students on the proper way of personal branding.

A vibrant energy filled the air at IIUMTV where the podcast was held, as enthusiastic students geared up for the event. The much-anticipated podcast commenced at 10.30 am with the arrival of an esteemed guest, Yang Berhormat Tuan Syed Ahmad bin Syed Abdul Rahman Alhadad, better known by his stage name, Altimet. Together with Altimet, Associate Professor. Ts. Dr. Shafizan Binti Mohamed was the second speaker to delve into the topic. The host of the podcast, Maghrib bin Abdul Razak, skillfully steered the conversation on the subject.

Associate Professor Dr. Shafizan began the session by defining branding as a term that we often use in advertising and marketing. “Once you have a brand, then you can set yourself apart with other ‘products’,” she said.

Delving deeper, she emphasized on the core value proposition of branding: its ability to add value and establish distinction. Traditionally associated with products and celebrities, she posed a thought-provoking question: “But what about scholars? Where they rank you, and then where we go to ResearchGate, where we have a network of academics. So this is something that everyone has to know: what is your target?” she asked.

This pivotal question resonates deeply with the students, as current generations are no longer passive consumers of information; but active creators and participants in the online world. Social media platforms, blogs, and online portfolios offer them unprecedented opportunities to curate their digital presence.

However, navigating this digital landscape effectively requires a strategic approach. Associate Professor Dr. Shafizan’s emphasis on target audience serves as a crucial reminder. Building a successful online brand is not simply about accumulating followers; it is about connecting with a specific group of people and conveying a clear message that resonates with them.

Throughout the podcast, a particularly intriguing detail emerged – the origin of Altimet’s stage name. With a touch of humor, Altimet himself explained the playful inspiration behind it.

“The reason why Tuan Syed Ahmad bin Syed Abdul Rahman Alhadad gets called Altimet,” he revealed, “is because my name is Ahmad. Ahmad is the root word for Muhammad, and Muhammad alaihi wasallam was the last prophet. My children don’t think I’m cool, but their friends think your father’s ultimate, you know? So, that’s as far as the Altimet goes.” This lighthearted anecdote not only shed light on Ultimate’s stage persona but also highlighted the power of perception in shaping public image.

Altimet mentioned different types of personal branding, like Ultimate as a father, a musician, and now a political figure.

Building a strong brand requires consistent communication and messaging. This consistency helps shape a clear and desired perception of the brand in the minds of the target audience. However, perception management is not a one-time effort. It is an ongoing process that requires adaptation and fine-tuning over time.

Sometimes, a complete rebranding strategy is necessary. Rebranding involves intentionally changing the perception of a brand. This process can take time and effort, but it can be highly effective. For instance, a musician transitioning from being in a band to a solo artist would need to rebrand themselves to establish their individual identity.

There are various strategies and methods for effective perception management. These strategies involve crafting a clear and consistent message, using the right communication channels, and actively engaging with your target audience.

Following the insightful podcast, Associate Professor Dr. Tengku Siti Aisha binti Tengku Azzman presented a token of appreciation to the respected guests.

Sponsored by SKEM Driving Academy and Malaysian Community Care Foubdation (MCCF), this program’s media partnerships are IIUMToday, IIUMFM, and IIUMTV.***