By, Muhammad Hanif Bin Naim, Akmal Ezzati Binti Ahmad Rafa’i & Muhammad Hafiz Zhafri Bin Abd Kamal
PAGOH, 4 June 2025: May 2025 was a month of movement, momentum, and meaningful moments for IWON Pagoh. From surprise training in Terengganu to landmark collaborations with international universities and local schools, the team’s journey echoed the spirit of empowerment and excellence.
A Surprise Stop in Terengganu: Training Young Minds
In the midst of IIUM Pagoh’s IIUM World Debate and Oratory Centre (IWON) packed schedule, an impromptu training session was held on 11 and 12 May with SMKA Durian Guling, Marang, Terengganu. Despite the spontaneous nature of the visit, the session focused on Malay debate skills and turned out to be a meaningful knowledge-sharing experience. Our team engaged with passionate young debaters, nurturing their potential and exposing them to structured argumentation and critical thinking. This proved once again that sometimes, unplanned moments spark the most powerful impact.
IWON and Department of Arabic Language Host Landmark Workshops in May 2025
During a two-day programme on 14 and 15 May 2025, a significant milestone was achieved when IWON collaborated with the Department of Arabic Language (DOAL), Kulliyyah of Sustainable Tourism and Contemporary Languages (KSTCL), in conjunction with a student exchange programme from Yala Rajabhat University (YRU), Thailand. Held across 14th and 15th May, this partnership resulted in two impactful workshops aimed at enhancing public speaking and debating skills among students.
Arabic Public Speaking Workshop (ورشة فن الخطابة)
On 14 May 2025, the Arabic Public Speaking Workshop (ورشة فن الخطابة) took place at SAR 2 from 8:00 to 10:00 PM, conducted by Nurhafizah Mashitha Kholish. The session offered participants practical techniques to improve stage presence, vocal projection, and audience engagement. Emphasising the power of delivery, the speaker encouraged students to harness their confidence and creativity in public speaking. Her session, themed, “Discover the secrets of impactful delivery and learn how to mesmerize your audience,” inspired participants to speak with clarity and conviction.
Arabic Debate Workshop (ورشة فن المناظرة)
On 15 May 2025, the Arabic Debate Workshop (ورشة فن المناظرة) took place at SAR 1, led by Muhammad Hafiz Zhafri Bin Abd Kamal. This workshop covered key elements of debating including argument structuring, critical analysis, and effective rebuttal. The session concluded with a mock debate between Yala Rajabhat University (Proposition – فریق الموالاة) and MIRQAH representatives (Opposition – فریق المعارضَة), who debated a motion on emotional resilience following breakups. The discussion introduced a rarely addressed yet engaging topic, highlighting the participants’ intellectual depth and adaptability.
This marked the first time IWON co-hosted a workshop with an academic department, with more collaborations expected in the future.
Leading the Future: IWON x KUPSAS
On 24 May, IWON shifted gears to nurture a younger generation through the Kursus Kepimpinan Pemimpin Muda Sekolah (KUPSAS) at SK Seri Duyong, Melaka.
A total of 101 future student leaders were trained through a dynamic lineup of activities designed to sharpen their leadership and communication skills. The program featured two impactful talks on leadership and public speaking, alongside three engaging activities, including the much-loved Escape Leadership Room challenge and the creative simulation Reka Dunia, Ubah Sekolah, which encouraged critical thinking and innovation.
The program aimed to instill Gen Z with not only leadership traits but also the art of speaking with hikmah and leading with amanah. Led by Chief Facilitator Muhammad Hanif Bin Naim and 10 other passionate IWON talents, it was a day of transformation. The program was made successful through the dedication of the facilitators, namely Nur Thaqifah Irdina Binti Mohd Nadzri, Lina Masturina Binti Alwi, Nur Adilah Binti Selamat, Amirah Hanan Balqis Binti Borhan, A’leeya Sofea Binti Mohamad Asri, Nurul Haziqah Binti Md Haled, Ahmad Shazrie Hakimie Bin Mohd Mazni, Siti Aisyah Binti Azhar, Ahmad Zaki Bin Amir Hamzah, and Nik Aminurrashid Bin Nik Zul Azhar.
Looking Forward: From Magical May to Joyful June
May 2025 was a whirlwind, a symphony of voices, a surge of training, and a celebration of victories. But it was also a beginning. As we are stepping into June, may our hopes soar higher, our voices grow stronger, and our dreams turn bolder. Let this not be a peak but a launchpad. To all IWON talents: keep speaking, keep dreaming, and let your voices echo into history. May is living proof of “the generation of thinkers.”***
