‘What I thought I hated is actually what I needed,’ says Fynn Jamal at 60 Minutes with Alumni event

By, Shaireza Jaafar

GOMBAK, 13 December 2024: Former musical artist and IIUM alumna, Fynn Jamal, engaged with IIUM students during ‘60 Minutes with Alumni,’ an event organised by Tunas Alumni Club in tandem with Alumni Relations Division on 6 December at the Main Auditorium of IIUM Gombak.

‘60 Minutes with Alumni’ is an event dedicated not only to celebrate successful former IIUM graduates but also serves as a platform for them to share their ‘how-to secrets’ on how they make their mark in their respective fields.

This time, featuring Fynn Jamal, who shared her journey from being an IIUM student majoring in English Language and Literature (BENL) to starting her career. She also discussed overcoming doubts, maintaining her business, and finding contentment in life.

Here are five key takeaways from the event:

“What you hate right now may be what you truly want”

“I attended religious schools for my primary and secondary education ‘involuntarily’ because of limited options, and ended up at the IIUM also ‘involuntarily’ since I wanted to go to UiTM at first to pursue a degree in arts,” shared Fynn Jamal. She went on to explain the challenges she faced in taking Islamic Revealed Knowledge (IRK) courses that she found unrelated to her major. However, she later realised that these courses indirectly helped her instil Islamic values, stating, “What I thought I hated is actually what I needed.”

“Deep inside, you already know the answers to your questions”

In explaining her hijrah journey, she asserted “I know wearing a hijab and covering aurah is compulsory but I delayed it. Only after in Kazakhstan was I finally able to pull the plug and fully submit myself to Allah SWT,” said Fynn Jamal, explaining her withdrawal from the entertainment industry, asserting, “do what you think is good for you and do not listen to what anyone says as they do not know who you are.”

“Comparison is your biggest enemy”

Fynn Jamal shared that her life as a student was far from easy, as she had to juggle studying and working. “Coming from a poor family, I felt embarrassed to ask my father for money, knowing he needed it too. So I came up with my alternative which was working part time,” she said. Furthermore, she also expressed, “It is hard not to compare yourself to others, but trust me, all those material goals are mere illusions that humans tend to chase.”

“Prioritise Allah SWT when starting a business”

When asked about how she maintained her business, she explained that she prioritises Allah SWT and ensures that her employees do the same by praying and aligning their business with Islamic principles in terms of management and marketing. She also highlighted that she never increases the price of her products, believing that this ‘little gesture’ may benefit her customers and also help society.

“Do whatever it takes to make your parents happy”

Ending on a strong note, Fynn Jamal said, “I would not be as successful as I am today if it were not because of my parents. Whatever I do I always give back to them and provide them with a good life, as they already worked hard raising us. This is my own recipe for success.”

The director of the Alumni Relations Division, Mr. Ilmyzat Ismail expressed, “I appreciate the actions of the committees to organise this event and hope that it gives enormous benefits to the students.”

The event concluded with a token of appreciation and a photography session with all participants.***