By, Syafiqah Alattas
GOMBAK, 10 December 2025: A rector’s list Psychology student, Nur Maisarah Kamalhisham was awarded the BUDI Award in the sixth session of the 41st IIUM Convocation Ceremony on 9 December, at the Main Hall of IIUM Cultural Centre, IIUM Gombak.
The BUDI Award is typically presented to IIUM students who demonstrate outstanding Islamic morals and significant contributions to community engagement and societal well-being. Maisarah, who served as the president of PSYCTA IIUM 22/23 and UMission Club IIUM 23/24, embodied this spirit through her leadership and hands-on involvement in initiatives that uplifted both students and communities in need.
When asked to encapsulate her journey at IIUM in one word, she chose “life-changing”, sharing that IIUM shaped her both mentally and spiritually.
“I left IIUM a different person than I first entered,” she said, while also expressing gratitude to her parents for their help on shaping her character and strengthen her commitment to serve others.
Maisarah explained her motivation for taking on two major leadership roles, saying she believed in her potential as a leader and wanted to see how far she could grow while contributing meaningfully to others.
Driven by a passion to inspire others and create positive change, she said she has always believed that “the desire to make a change in this world starts with myself.”
When asked what kept her going during difficult times in her leadership roles, she said she reminded herself of her greater purpose, believing that her efforts were for Him and a bigger cause. She added that every challenge she faced was part of Allah’s plan to help her grow and become a better person.
On achieving the Rector’s List, she highlighted the importance of actively attending and participating in classes, as well as reviewing all the provided materials. She added that making an effort to engage with lecturers is key, as she believes that is where the true blessing of gaining knowledge comes from.
Another tip she shared for studying is to surround yourself with friends who are equally committed to their academics. She said she felt blessed to have friends who motivated, challenged, and inspired her to learn and grow together.
She continued to share her hope of challenging the notion that student leaders active in extracurriculars are less academically capable. She noted that such students often channel their energy into areas where they excel, using their capabilities to grow personally while making a positive impact on the community.
“The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.” Sharing this hadith she lives by, Maisarah said it guides her leadership and continues to give her purpose in serving others.
Maisarah is now pursuing an MSc in Organisational and Business Psychology at the University of Kent. She hopes to further deepen her knowledge and continue learning, preparing herself to make a meaningful impact in the future.***
