Main driving force of 40th IIUM Convocation, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Faris, shares glimpses behind the scenes

By, Husna Fathiyyah

GOMBAK, 22 November 2024: After nine sessions, the 40th IIUM Convocation Ceremony drew to a close, successfully, on 20 November, marking a memorable celebration of achievements and excellence. It was a grand ceremony, befitting to celebrate the milestones of hundreds of graduates, families, and dignitaries. The convocation itself is a historical milestone, showing the university’s ability to produce over 120,000 graduates over the past 40 years.

But behind the seamless celebration lay a huge logistical effort that required impeccable coordination. With more than 500 committee members involved, the biggest challenge was not just organising the event—it was ensuring flawless communication and cooperation among such a large group.

“The biggest challenge is to coordinate the communication among committee members,” said chairperson of the 40th IIUM Convocation’s organising committee and Deputy Rector (Academic and Internationalisation) Prof. Dr. Ahmad Faris bin Ismail, the main driving force behind the event. He knew that clarity and commitment were key for the success of the event. Each committee had its role, and every detail—down to the smallest task—had to be executed with precision.

Drawing on years of experience, the Deputy Rector insisted on devising comprehensive contingency plans to address any unexpected challenges that might arise. From anticipating rain showers to preparing for traffic delays, no scenario was left to chance. “We need to always be ready for the things you can’t predict,” he explained.

Timing, too, played an essential role in making the ceremony a success. With both morning and evening sessions, the event’s tight schedule demanded precision. Every moment, from the speeches to the awarding of degrees, had to unfold like clockwork. “Punctuality (in terms of timing) is very essential to ensure that everything goes according the plan smoothly,” Prof. Dr. Ahmad Faris noted.

But ultimately, it is the combined effort displayed by the committee members that made the convocation a huge success. “I am thankful to the committee members for their commitment, cooperation and hard work…including the ones standing beside the stage, taking care of the traffic, as well as the lighting and audio team,” said Prof. Dr. Ahmad Faris, noting the invisible hands behind the scenes. 

In the end, the 40th IIUM Convocation was a celebration that not only honoured the graduates but also showcased the meticulous planning and dedication of the entire team. Thanks to the efforts of Prof. Dr. Ahmad Faris and his team, the event ran smoothly, reflecting IIUM’s commitment to excellence on both academic and organisational levels.***