‘No Effort Is Ever Wasted,’ says KENMS Graduate Sumayyah at 41st IIUM Convocation Ceremony

By, Sarah Jamil

GOMBAK, 11 December 2025: Sumayyah binti Maszlee, who graduated with a Bachelor of Finance (Islamic Finance) with Honours, reflected on her academic journey as she celebrated her convocation during the third session of the 41st IIUM Convocation Ceremony at the Main Hall of IIUM Cultural Centre (ICC).

Sumayyah began her studies at IIUM Academy with a clear passion for Islamic finance, a field she believed holds great potential. Throughout her degree, she actively participated in various student societies, but it was her involvement in the Islamic Finance Students Council that had the greatest impact on her personal and leadership development.

“Representing students and planning finance-related programmes pushed me to grow. Those experiences helped me build confidence, discover what I enjoy doing, and stay driven to aim for bigger goals,” she shared.

She also faced the challenges of balancing her academic responsibilities with her commitments outside the classroom. She admitted that the journey required discipline, strong time management and the willingness to learn through trial and error.

Her deepest motivation came from her parents, the former Minister of Education, her father Prof. Dr. Maszlee bin Malik and her mother whose guidance and resilience inspired her to persevere.

“My parents often shared their own experiences about overcoming challenges. Hearing that reminded me that success doesn’t come overnight,” she said.

She added,“A big part of why I push myself is because I want to make them proud.”

Reflecting on her time at IIUM, Sumayyah emphasised that the most valuable lesson she learned is that “No effort is ever wasted.” She believed that growth takes shape through consistent work, even during moments when progress feels slow.

“When you truly pursue something, you will gain something from it knowledge, experience, or confidence. That mindset helped me appreciate the journey, not just the outcome,” she noted.

To students currently facing academic or personal challenges she said, “It’s okay to make mistakes and take longer than others. A degree is just one chapter. Focus on getting back up, learning from every challenge, and growing stronger each time.”

Sumayyah’s journey serves as an inspiration to IIUM students striving to balance academic excellence with personal growth, reminding them that determination, patience, and effort will always lead to meaningful progress.***