From Microbiology to Economics: Norhashimah Reflects Her Journey and IIUM’s Impact

By, Farah Aishah Binti Rosli

GOMBAK, 7 December 2025:  “Life always falls in the ways we never expected. It’s a sign of greatness from Allah and today, we realise that every step, every doubt, every detour was leading us exactly to where we are meant to be,” said Norhashimah Mohamad Haida, the recipient of the Best Student (Master) Award for the Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Science.

In a inspiring address, Norhashimah captured the audience’s attention as she recounted her academic journey that began nine years ago in the United States.

In her speech, Norhashimah recounted her days as a microbiology undergraduate, raising a three-month-old baby in the cold and wrestling with the dilemma of choosing between her children and her academic dreams.

“I had faith that one day, I would have the chance to graduate again,” she said. “And today, I stand here as the recipient of the Best Student Award”.

Her speech, Norhasimah highlighted the holistic education and ethical grounding she received, attributing much of it to the pivotal guidance of her outstanding lecturers.

To her, IIUM represents the worldview she gained through her interactions with its lecturers. “I often rushed from my office to class from 6 to 9 pm, yet every interaction with my lecturers left a lasting impression”. 

She further elaborated that the lecturers’ ethics and integrity in connecting lessons with God-conscious principles contribute to IIUM’s ummatic excellence, as the university does not only impart knowledge, but also instils the reason why and for whom we think, which encourages students to be the source of inspiration to the ummah.

Norhashimah expressed deep gratitude to her husband, family, parents, and lecturers, whose constant support enabled her to manage both work and study.

The valedictorian urged graduates to take pride in their IIUM identity and to inspire the ummah through their knowledge and actions, wherever they may be.***