‘Never Be a Quitter’ says Royal Education Award Recipient Nik Ahmad Farhan Sharing His Journey

By, Darwina Natasha Shamsul Azwar

GOMBAK, 8 December 2025: Nik Ahmad Farhan bin Nik Mahmood Farid was announced as the Best Undergraduate (Academic) from Kuliyyah of Engineering (KOE)) and was honoured with the Royal Education Award in the fifth session of the 41st IIUM Convocation Ceremony at the Main Hall of IIUM Cultural Ceremony (ICC), IIUM Gombak campus.

“The Royal Education Award is the most prestigious award an undergraduate student can receive, as it is granted by the Majlis Raja–Raja itself,” he said.

To qualify, students must excel academically and be active in co-curricular activities. His involvement included organising an educational trip to the Singapore Airshow, participating in sports, and attending various seminars.

He shared that his achievement was the result of consistent discipline and strong personal habits cultivated throughout his degree.

He said, “Some of the key factors were reading the Qur’an, praying on time, and staying humble. Planning and organising your studies properly is also very important.”

Despite his achievements, he openly shared that his journey at IIUM was not without struggles. One of the biggest obstacles was stepping outside his comfort zone.

“One of the main challenges was stepping out of my comfort zone,” he revealed, explaining that growth often required doing things that felt unfamiliar or intimidating. But it was precisely these uncomfortable steps that pushed him towards becoming a better student and a better person.

In his valedictory speech, he reminded graduates about the importance of balance and purpose, “Always remember that our life requires balance between dunya and akhirah, between intellect and adab, between ambition and humility… We were not shaped just to graduate, we were shaped to contribute… not to chase titles, but to uplift humanity.”

The most heartfelt part of his message was dedicated to his parents, whom he described as his greatest source of motivation.

He said, “They sacrificed so much to raise me and support my success. They treated me with love and care, and they were my backbone whenever I felt tired or had a mental breakdown.”

He also urged fellow graduates to appreciate the sacrifices of their families in his speech.

“I urge you to never forget all the sacrifices, exhaustion, prayers, and tears that have been shed by your parents and loved ones. Repay them as long as we are alive,” he said.

He ended with a piece of advice for students still on their academic path, “Never be a quitter, no matter what you are doing right now. Whatever you do in this world, do your best and strive to become the best version of yourself.”

Through his resilience, humility, and gratitude, Nik Ahmad Farhan stands as a reminder that success is not defined by perfection, but by persistence and by the people who help us rise.***