Grand Talk Opens the POSSA Voyage Festival 2025

By, Nur Zahirah

GOMBAK, 4 November 2025: The Opening Ceremony and Grand Talk held last night at the Main Auditorium, IIUM marked the opening of the POSSA Voyage Festival 2025 organised by the Political Science Students’ Association (POSSA).

The forum, titled “When Faith Guides Governance” featured two distinguished speakers, YBhg. Datuk Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Berghout and Dr. Zahid bin Zamri and was moderated by Sr. Ainul Amanie.

The talk highlighted the importance of manifesting the Islamic values such as taqwa, muhasabah, and shura in all aspects of our life, particularly in the governance of the nation.

Despite the risk of being seen as too idealistic in implementing these values, Dr. Zahid pointed out the strong need for each of us as Muslims to uphold these Islamic values for the rest of our lives. These Islamic values are in fact common and universal values which can actually benefit and drive society towards progress.

Datuk Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Berghout also emphasised the importance of each of us for reflecting and taking the initiative as agents of change in implementing these values in our lives in society regardless of our fields whether in politics, economics, law or even science.

This manifestation will inspire both Muslims and non-Muslims to see and understand the relevance of the Islamic values in navigating our lives.

Another highlight of the festival is the Voyage Students’ Vendor which will be organised for two days starting today, and the Gallery Walk involving Political Science Student from PSCI 3315 under the supervision of Dr. Lau Zhe Wei which will take place tomorrow, 5 November 2025 at HS Square.

“The students’ vendors are to instil entrepreneurial spirit among IIUM students. The vendors are selling cakes, soft cookies, refreshments, books, fresh flowers, and much more,” explained A’isyah Kamilia, the Programme Manager for the Voyage Festival 2025.

Today, the Open Mic Session was also held as a platform for students to voice their opinions especially on issues faced by Muslims around the world while the Closed Forum is a forum for IIUM’s students’ leaders to share their insights on their leadership while navigating life as students.

The closing ceremony tomorrow will conclude the festival, featuring a special Poetry Recitation by Br. Nadzmi.***