IIUM honours BBA graduand, Muhammad Maaz Khan, as Best Student in IT minor at 40th IIUM Convocation

By, Daniya Afroz

GOMBAK, 22 November 2024: Mohammad Maaz Khan, who received his Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) degree with a minor in Information Technology, was accorded Best Student in his IT minor during the eighth session of the 40th IIUM Convocation on 20 November 2024 at IIUM Gombak. This honour demonstrates his capacity to manage the demands of a dual-discipline program.

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a keen interest in computers and technology, they have always fascinated me. At the same time, I love exploring other areas like communication, design, business development, and problem-solving,” said Maaz in an exclusive interview with IIUM Today. The combination of these disciplines led Maaz to tailor a unique academic path that fused the curiousity-driven insights of IT with the technical insights of business.

Juggling his coursework with extra-curricular activities, such as his role as President of the IIUM Association of Indian Students, Maaz overcame the challenge by practicing careful time management. “To overcome this, I started planning my semesters in advance, laying out a detailed calendar that included all my deadlines and commitments. This approach helped me stay organized and ensured that I could allocate sufficient time to both my studies and extracurricular activities without feeling overwhelmed,” he explained.

Maaz described his dual-discipline education as an enriching and a challenging experience concurrently. “The IT minor offered me practical and technical insights, while my major in Business Administration provided a broader understanding of business concepts and strategies. To manage both effectively, I strategically paired my courses each semester, balancing the theoretical aspects of business subjects with the hands-on nature of IT classes,” he said. His learning was enhanced by this balance allowing him to apply lessons from one discipline to the other.

Winning the best student award for his minor in IT was a humble moment for Maaz. “It was a complete surprise,” he stated expressing his gratitude to Allah, his parents and friends who supported him throughout this journey.

Looking ahead, Maaz has already landed a position in the healthcare sector as an IT business development specialist. “In this role, I will work with hospitals and healthcare trusts in the UK to help reduce their patient waiting lists. By combining business strategies with technological solutions, I’m able to improve healthcare services and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of this sector, believing that I’m making a positive impact on society and serving the Ummah by helping people receive timely medical care,” he said.

Maaz underscored how crucial IT knowledge is for the students of Business Administration in today’s tech-driven world. He also emphasized the importance of integrating IT knowledge with business studies providing a versatile skill set, enabling effective problem-solving, process innovation, and data-driven decision-making—key assets in today’s job market. “This combination enhances our adaptability and positions us to bridge the gap between technical teams and management, leading to more cohesive and efficient organizational operations,” he stated highlighting its ability to tackle the challenges of today’s interconnected global economy.

Maaz gave a sincere advice to his fellow graduands. He encouraged students to enjoy their life at the fullest, to step out of the cocoon and benefit from the IIUM platform as it is a unique place that offers opportunities to build connections, to learn from different cultures and to experience the vibrant international community around you. “Let’s carry the knowledge, values, and experiences we’ve gained to make a positive impact on the world. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, pursue your passions with determination, and always remain steadfast in your faith. Remember that with perseverance and the help of Allah (SWT), we can overcome any obstacle. Let’s stay connected, support one another, and strive to be agents of positive change in our communities and beyond,” he said.

Maaz’s narrative serves as a testament to the power of learning, exploring the multi-dimensional approach of studies, the power of calibre and their positive results.***