GISTS Unveils ‘The Future for Knowledge Generators’: A Milestone in Academic Excellence and Reflection

By, Imad Hassan Basri

GOMBAK, 4 June 2025: Gombak Integrated School of Thought in Social Sciences (GISTS) marked a historic milestone with the soft launch of its first publication, “The Future for Knowledge Generators,” at the GISTS Operation Room, HS Building, AHAS KIRKHS, IIUM. Officiated by the Dean of AHAS KIRKHS, Prof. Dr. Shukran Bin Abd Rahman, this event celebrated the culmination of a pioneering academic initiative that transforms undergraduate students into active knowledge generators through reflective writing.

The book presents a groundbreaking model, “Transformative Learning Model for IIUM Undergraduates,” offering a structured framework to foster knowledge generation rather than passive reception, taking part as one of the AHAS KIRKHS’ Synergized Academic Activity initiatives. It features 30 reflective articles written by undergraduate students enrolled in Sociological and Anthropological Theory I, Social Demography and Population Transformation, and Sociology of the Cyberspace, courses led by Dr. Iyad M.Y. Eid from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology (SOCA), AHAS KIRKHS.

Beyond academic innovation, “The Future for Knowledge Generators” is deeply rooted in philanthropy, in which all revenue generated from its sales will be dedicated to supporting the Palestinian people in Gaza as an ongoing charity (sadaqah jariah). In his speech, Dr. Iyad M.Y. Eid emphasized the book’s global reach, having already sold 550 copies in pre-sale and distributed across more than 20 countries, including engagements with ministries of education worldwide. He also highlighted the significance of reflective writing in shaping students into knowledge generators rather than passive learners.

“The ability to reflect and critically analyze societal phenomena is crucial in academia. This book is not merely a collection of writings, it’s a movement that cultivates intellectual growth among undergraduates, encouraging them to explore knowledge beyond standard classroom discourse,” Dr. Iyad stated. The book is structured around two key features: an academic module built upon sociological and anthropological insights and a compilation of reflective writings capturing the students’ deep understanding of their subject matter.

According to GISTS Project Initiator and Leader, Prof. Dr. Hazizan Bin Md Noon, the motivation behind launching GISTS and this publication is deeply inspired by the historical significance of Islamic civilization in shaping knowledge. He reflected on how Islam once stood as a leading source of knowledge, pioneering advancements in science, medicine, and philosophy through great scholars like Ibn Sina. However, in modern times, this leadership has waned, and Islamic intellectual contributions no longer dominate the global discourse. Through initiatives like GISTS, the hope is to revive this legacy, reigniting the spirit of knowledge generation and positioning Islamic scholarship at the forefront once again.

“This book is not just an academic exercise, but it embodies a vision to restore the intellectual pioneering role that Islamic civilization once held. Continuing the aspiration of IIUM’s former rector, as well as imbuing the current rector’s way forward in integrating elements of tawhidic epistemology for ummatic excellence, we have revelation, wisdom, and faith, in which these elements should inspire us to build a new foundation for knowledge creation,” Prof. Dr. Hazizan said.

The launch event also highlighted student achievements, with notable reflections from contributors like Muhammad bin Mohd Ridzuan (Malaysia) and Haadiyah Mehjabeen (India), both third-year sociology undergraduates.

Muhammad’s chapter, “From Tool to Transformation: How Sociology Class Changed My View of the Internet,” explores how cyberspace evolved from a casual platform for entertainment into a transformative medium for sociological exploration. Initially, he saw the internet as a space for entertainment—watching movies, discussing personal interests, and chatting with friends—but his understanding deepened through his sociology classes, where he learned the profound societal impact of cyberspace on human behavior, identity formation, and digital interactions.

“My perspective changed completely when I began analyzing how the internet shapes collective behaviors and societal transformations. The course challenged me to critically assess my digital presence and how online spaces contribute to real-world social dynamics,” Muhammad reflected.

Haadiyah’s chapter, “The Bitter Realities and Opportunities of the Cyber World as a Sociology Student,” critically examines the dual impact of digital spaces—how excessive reliance on social media can affect mental and emotional health, while also serving as a powerful vehicle for knowledge dissemination. She emphasized the importance of understanding both the risks and benefits associated with the digital age.

“I wrote about how cyberspace is both a trap and an opportunity—it can foster addiction, distort reality, and affect emotional well-being, but it also serves as an incredibly powerful tool for spreading beneficial knowledge. My reflections stemmed from empirical studies discussed in class, and I wanted to make my writing practical and relevant for readers,” she shared.

Speaking about her writing process, Haadiyah described how she structured her arguments based on her initial expectations before taking the course, the insights she gained throughout the semester, and why she believes understanding cyberspace is critical for sociology students. “Writing for this book was a deeply reflective experience. I wasn’t just summarizing theories—I was connecting them to my own life and reevaluating how I engage with digital spaces. This process helped me develop a more critical approach to social media and online interactions,” she explained.

When asked why readers should get the book, Haadiyah emphasized that this publication provides a diverse range of perspectives from undergraduate students, each exploring the subjects from unique angles. “I hope this book will encourage more students to engage in academic writing and publishing. Seeing undergraduates contribute to knowledge generation at this level is inspiring, and I hope this motivates others to write and document their reflections. You don’t need to wait until you’re a PhD scholar to publish. Start now, and let your ideas be read,” she stated.

Speaking at the launch, the Head, Department of Sociology & Anthropology, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rohaiza Abd. Rokis, congratulated the students and expressed admiration for their dedication to reflective writing, which is challenging yet crucial for academic excellence. She highlighted how writing beyond examination structures requires deep intellectual engagement and personal discipline, which speaks volumes about the department’s commitment to nurturing critical thinkers.

Meanwhile, the Dean of AHAS KIRKHS, Prof. Dr. Shukran Bin Abd Rahman, emphasized the importance of nurturing institutional scholarship, ensuring that students not only complete assignments but also develop writings meant to be read by a broader audience. “At IIUM, we are not merely training students to submit academic assignments, but we are cultivating scholars who can articulate knowledge for real-world application. GISTS is a major step forward in aligning academic initiatives with IIUM’s mission of producing future leaders and professionals who are equipped to shape society,” he stated.

Prof. Dr. Shukran further emphasized that initiatives like GISTS serve as IIUM’s equivalent to global movements such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People and the Economy), a crucial push toward making social sciences more impactful and recognized. “Our students are not simply writing to fulfill coursework requirements; they are writing to be read, to make an impact. Through GISTS, we are embedding this mindset within our academic system, ensuring that scholarship is both institutionalized and nurtured beyond traditional student leadership roles,” he remarked.

As GISTS continues its impactful role in shaping academic discourse, the publication of “The Future for Knowledge Generators” marks another milestone in a transformative movement—one that will keep inspiring young scholars to write, reflect, and contribute meaningfully to knowledge generation for years to come.

The book can be obtained directly at the GISTS Operation Room, Level 2, HS Building, AHAS KIRKHS, IIUM, or by reaching out to Dr. Iyad M.Y. Eid at iyad@iium.edu.my.***