Alt text: A group photo of participants and committee members, including Fahmi Reza, posing together in a room. Many of them raise their fists in a symbolic gesture of student power, signifying unity and activism. The setting includes large windows and posters on the walls, reinforcing the event’s theme of engagement and awareness.

Sekolah Kesatuan 3.0: Continues the Mission of Student Empowerment through Unity and Action

By, Imad Hassan Basri

GOMBAK, 19 April 2025: Student activists gathered at the Meeting Room, Wadi Budi, IIUM, for the third episode of Sekolah Kesatuan, a programme dedicated to empowering students in campus activism and political education. Organized by CONGRESS Gombak—a political organization based at IIUM Gombak, advocating inclusivity, democratic engagement, and student empowerment—the program was held in collaboration with IIUM Student Union (IIUM SU) and ran the whole day. The programme also featured Fahmi Reza, an activist known for his work in delivering political awareness through art and satire on social media, also active in political education and student empowerment.

The event commenced with a powerful poetry recital of Mahasiswa, originally written by Usman Awang, setting the tone for a day focused on student resilience and activism. With an emphasis on bridging the gap between student potential and tangible campus reforms, Sekolah Kesatuan has been a continuous effort since its inception in 2023. The initiative serves to educate students on navigating university systems, advocating for their rights, and mobilizing grassroots movements to strengthen collective action.

Br. Qayyum leading the ‘Know the Causes!’ session, introducing participants to the key powerholders in IIUM as they engage in critical discussions on campus governance and student influence.

Political awareness is not something students automatically understand upon entering university—it must be taught,” said the President of CONGRESS Gombak, Muhammad Zaim bin Zulkifli Ariff, on the main reason why this Sekolah Kesatuan 3.0 programme was organized, recognizing the ongoing struggles for student empowerment, reinforcing that education extends beyond mere academics.

Addressing challenges in organizing such an event, Zaim explained that while funding was not the primary obstacle, securing venues was a hurdle due to CONGRESS Gombak being a student movement. He expressed gratitude to IIUM SU for providing a platform to ensure the event’s success.

The inclusion of Fahmi Reza as a keynote speaker was another strategic decision, as Zaim noted that Fahmi’s activism and extensive experience in student political education aligned directly with the program’s objectives.

In response to questions about his hopes for student activism post-event, Zaim said, “I want to see greater participation and student involvement in political discourse. I hope this event inspires students to realize their potential and actively engage in shaping campus policies.”

Participants—including representatives from Harmoni IIUM, Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS) IIUM, and IIUM Student Union—engaged in various interactive sessions designed to foster critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Workshops incorporated diverse learning approaches, including talks, discussions, in-pair analysis, presentations, and a root-core-tree diagram exercise to identify pressing campus issues, their causes, and practical solutions.

Participants actively engaging in discussions, using collaborative techniques to analyze campus issues and explore solutions.

A highlight of the event was the ‘Student Power!’ session conducted by Fahmi Reza, who traced the historical development of student movements, provided insights into effective strategies, and offered recommendations for IIUM Student Union and student-led organizations to drive impactful change.

In his session, Fahmi Reza acknowledged the progress students at IIUM have made in organizing and engaging with activism. “There’s clear potential. The program helped students identify key issues, understand power structures, and devise solutions. The positive change I see now is far greater compared to my previous visit,” he said.

When asked about creative activism strategies, Fahmi advised students to use diverse communication methods to highlight systemic problems rather than simply complaining, ensuring greater awareness and collective action.

Fahmi Reza delivering his ‘Student Power!’ slot, by passionately sharing insights on student movements and activism history.

He also discussed campus grassroots movements, stating that despite differing political preferences, students share common challenges that require unity and coordinated efforts. IIUM Student Union, he noted, plays a crucial role in bridging these gaps and advocating on behalf of all students.

Regarding systemic barriers such as speech restrictions, bureaucratic limitations, and student activity oversight, Fahmi encouraged students to learn and understand university policies, stand firm in defending their rights, and remain resilient in their fight for change.

Looking ahead, Fahmi expressed his hopes for greater student unionization across Malaysia, envisioning more institutions adopting a student union model similar to IIUMSU and KMUKM. “IIUM should lead the way in reviving the spirit of student unions like those of the 1960s, advocating for broader student representation and activism,” he asserted.

As Sekolah Kesatuan 3.0 concluded, its impact on attendees was clear—students left with a deeper understanding of political systems, empowerment strategies, and collective action. Many expressed renewed enthusiasm to contribute actively to campus movements.

Participants such as Ahlam Batrisyia, a second-year student from AHAS KIRKHS, echoed these sentiments. She cited her lack of prior knowledge on student politics as her primary motivation for attending. “I hope more students open their eyes, learn their rights, and take action,” she remarked, stressing the importance of raising awareness on campus issues.

The program reaffirmed that student activism is not merely about expressing discontent but about mobilizing efforts toward real solutions. With the growing engagement witnessed at IIUM, the next phase of student empowerment promises to be stronger than ever.***