By, Farihah Halim
GOMBAK, 19 May 2026: Leadership without integrity is meaningless, said YDH. Dato’ Sri Mohd Shuhaily bin Mohd Zain, Director General of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) returned to the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) to inspire students with lessons on amanah, discipline, and purpose during the special alumni talk held in conjunction with AHAS KIRKHS Inspire Week 2026 at the Senate Hall.
Throughout the session, Dato’ Sri Mohd Shuhaily strongly emphasised the importance of amanah and responsibility, particularly in leadership and public service. Responding to a question about how he ensures integrity within his organisation, he explained that amanah begins within oneself and cannot be fully imposed on others.
“You cannot fully change other people. You need to change yourself first. Your principles and values hold who you are,” he said.
He further reminded students that, as Muslims, leadership should always be guided by wisdom and reliance on Allah.
According to him, true leadership is not merely about authority or position, but about responsibility, sincerity, and using one’s influence for the benefit of others.“When one day you have the power to change something, use it to help people,” he advised.
The session also highlighted the importance of sacrifice and wholehearted effort in achieving success.
“In order to win something, you need to give everything,” he said, encouraging students to pursue their goals with sincerity and commitment.
Sharing his student life experience, he admitted that he was an ordinary student during his years at IIUM. However, he believed discipline and proper time management were the factors that shaped his success.
The session attracted students eager to hear reflections from the prominent IIUM alumnus, who shared his journey from being an ordinary student to leading one of Malaysia’s key enforcement agencies. YDH. Dato’ Sri Mohd Shuhaily bin Mohd Zain is an alumnus of the Department of Political Science, AHAS KIRKHS, Class of 1996.
AHAS KIRKHS Inspire Week 2026 is a week-long programme featuring ideas, conversations, exhibitions, and shared experiences aimed at inspiring, connecting, and strengthening the IIUM community.***
