Datin Seri Ismalina Ismail highlights the importance of passion in counselling

By, Shaheerah Dzaki

GOMBAK, 29 October 2024: Throughout the sharing session with Persatuan Kaunseling Malaysia Antarabangsa (PERKAMA International), Datin Seri Ismalina Ismail, Executive of PERKAMA International told the audience the importance of having passion in counselling at the Kulliyyah of Education (KOED) building as a part of the Healing before “Hilang” workshop on 29 October 2024  in conjunction with EDUFEST 24.

The workshop was attended by the IIUM community, in particular, Guidance and Counselling (GUIDE) students and 14 highschool students from SMK Bukit Indah, SM Setia Budi and SMK Setapak Indah.

“Aside from graduating with a Counselling degree from the IIUM, the most important thing you need to have is passion,” Datin Seri Ismalina shared. She further added that if there was no passion in one’s job, it would be a soulless job.

Datin Seri Ismalina informed the audience that PERKAMA International is a non-government organisation that gathers all counselling experts from practising counsellors to academicians. On top of that, PERKAMA International will do anything regarding counselling whether in terms of advocacy or consultancy.

“PERKAMA is ready to collaborate with any parties that focus on raising the prestige of counselling as a profession,” said Datin Seri Ismalina.

Additionally, Datin Seri Ismalina also promoted a convention conducted by PERKAMA International which was Regional Counselling Convention, RISE24 that will be held from 7 November 2024 until 9 November 2024 at EPF Learning Center, Bangi, Selangor.

After that, Datin Irsalina shared  her personal experience and how it changed her perceptions on life. During her first meeting with her school counsellor in the past, it managed to open her eyes. She further advised the audience that it is important to be open-minded.

“Do not limit yourself to what you have been given. Explore,” Datin Seri Ismalina conveyed.

As the sharing session ended, the programme continued with the token of appreciation for the speakers. Finally, the event ended with a photography session with all of the participants.

Photos taken during the sharing session.

The sharing session with PERKAMA International is the second session of the Healing before “Hilang” workshop, a programme under EDUFEST 24 which started from 29 October 2024 until 14 November 2024. The festival is hosted by KOED Student Bodies 2023/2024.***