STANEX 2024 empowers student entrepreneurs at 40th IIUM Convocation

By, Ahmad Rafi Sagoro and Hanin M. A. Badran

GOMBAK, 22 November 2024: The Stall and Exhibition Event 2024 (STANEX 2024) made a vibrant return to empower student entrepreneurs and celebrate the achievements of graduands during the 40th International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Convocation Ceremony at IIUM Gombak. The event took place from 16 to 20 November at the IIUM Riverside, IIUM SHAS mosque compound and the IIUM Cultural Centre (ICC) of IIUM Gombak.

The event featured a diverse array of activities and stalls, ranging from entrepreneurial ventures by student start-ups to cultural exhibits reflecting the IIUM’s rich international identity. Visitors were treated to food stalls, talks, and live performances, all curated by student organisers to showcase the vibrancy of the IIUM community.

Some of these programmes included:

Pathways to Impact: From Graduation to Content Creation – An inspirational talk about content creation featuring two IIUM alumni as speakers.
Education Night Talk: Beyond the Scrolls – A talk about leading a purposeful life after graduation from an IIUM alumnus.
Performances by: International and CiTRA Dikir Barat – Live performances celebrating diversity and culture from both local and international students.

According to STANEX 2024’s program manager, Afiq Fahmi, the event’s primary goal is to provide the IIUM community with opportunities to connect with sponsors, collaborators, and external parties while gaining valuable experience. “Students will interact with sponsors, collaborators, and external parties and learn from these experiences,” he shared in an exclusive interview with IIUMToday.

Afiq also underscored the event’s festive atmosphere, noting that STANEX’s student-run vendor stalls, club-oriented performances, and dedicated organising committee were all designed to celebrate the creativity and talent of IIUM’s student body. “We want to celebrate and hype up the vibes of the convocation so that graduands can enjoy their happy day,” he added.

While the event faced challenges due to rainy weather disrupting some planned outdoor activities, the organising committee successfully relocated key attractions to sheltered areas, ensuring the event’s continuity. “We have to take the challenge as an opportunity for us to overcome and grow,” said Afiq, quoting the program director’s encouraging words.

Afiq expressed hope that STANEX 2024 will continue to enhance the convocation experience, making it a memorable celebration for graduands and their loved ones.

STANEX 2024 was organised by the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) and the Entrepreneurship Club IIUM, in collaboration with the IIUM Student Union, IIUM Uniform Bodies Unit, and CiTRA IIUM.***