By, Hafiz Zulkapli
GOMBAK, 21 November 2024: Ahmad Haikal Tomin, was bestowed his Best Student Award (Co-Curricular) as a graduate of the Kulliyyah of Sustainable Tourism and Contemporary Languages (KSTCL), in the sixth session of the 40th Convocation on 19 November at IIUM Gombak.
He shared his inspiring journey of enjoying co-curricular activities while studying in an exclusive interview with IIUMToday. The award was in recognition of his contributions and participation as President of the Mahallah Representative Committee (MRC), the governing board of Mahallah Zaid bin Harithah at the IIUM Pagoh campus, through various programmes. He advised students with simple yet profound words, “Trust and enjoy the process. Moments of struggle are opportunities for self-introspection and growth. Use them to rethink and rise again.”
Despite the geographical distance of his Kulliyyah from the IIUM’s main campus in Gombak, Ahmad embraced his unique situation, viewing it as a chance to stand out rather than face a setback.
“Pagoh campus may seem marginalised, but to me, it is everything. This sense of responsibility to promote Pagoh and the IIUM motivated me to excel,” he shared. Throughout his leadership path, he secured sponsorships and collaborators despite having minimal resources by planning national and international events as well as university-level programmes.
Ahmad Haikal Tomin, Kulliyyah of Sustainable Tourism and Contemporary Languages Best Student (Co- Curricular) at the 40th IIUM Convocation.
When asked how he balanced his studies together with his co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, Ahmad Haikal emphasised that it was tough to balance the wide variety of activities with academic commitments. “As I am an ambitious person, I always strive to try new things consecutively. Yet, teamwork and a deep commitment to leaving a lasting impact are factors that inspired me to persevere,” Ahmad Haikal told IIUMToday.
He developed his critical and creative thinking skills as student leader, making sure his projects had an impact off campus. His leadership abilities were refined by these experiences, which also strengthened his conviction in the value of sustainability and rahmatan lil-alamin.
Ahmad hopes to become a lecturer by pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in future. Beyond his studies, he is committed to ensuring his soft skills have a significant impact on the community.***
