Celebrating our Journey: A Valedictorian’s Perspective

By, Tanasiya

GOMBAK, 6 December 2025: Dr Maryam Syahidah Binti Azlan, a graduate from Kulliyyah of Allied Health Science, delivered the valedictorian speech and honoured the hard work of all the graduates in the first session of the 41st IIUM convocation at the Main Hall of IIUM Cultural Centre (ICC).

“Trust me, in my whole life I never felt as challenged, as stretched, or as humbled until I began my PhD,” she started her speech by acknowledging the challenges she faced with her degree.

Dr. Maryam expressed how her research on Malaysian herbs and cancer prevention taught her that, “Science and Faith are never separate. They walk hand in hand in seeking shifa, healing humanity.”

She further acknowledged the resilience of all the students who worked hard and expressed how she found it inspiring.

“Together we are proof that this university continues to nurture minds that care for the Ummah”, Dr. Maryam stated.

Dr. Maryam further paid a tribute to the pharmacy students “To our pharmacy undergraduate who are here today, though the sleepless nights demanding practicals and hours spent memorizing chemical structures have passed, remember that you have chosen a path that unites science and humanity, your knowledge holds the power to release suffering and promote well-being and you should be proud of the journey you are on.”

She also thanked her supervisors, especially Assoc. Prof. Dr. Radiah Bt. Abdul Ghani, and all the staff from the deputy dean of postgraduate and responsible for research and innovation in Kulliyah of Allied Sciences for all the support.

At last, she congratulated her fellow graduates and reminded them, “As we leave this hall today, let us remember that our degrees today are not the destination but the beginning of a greater journey to serve, to inspire, and to heal the world with our knowledge and skills. I want you to remember that Malaysia is such a blessed country with so much potential, resources and access, so don’t be complacent and work hard, dream big, and chase it with unwavering commitment.”***