IIUM In-Touch Special Edition 2024

our youth through channels often beyond the influence of parents and teachers. This presents a unique challenge for universities, especially one like IIUM, where we seek to reconcile Islamic values with modern advancements. Islam doesn’t reject technology— in fact, it embraces it. But we must ensure that technology is used purposefully. For us at IIUM, this purpose lies in what I call Ummatic development, which means nurturing students who are intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually developed to serve the Muslim Ummah and humanity at large. To achieve this, we must create an environment that supports not just academic learning but holistic development. Our libraries, classrooms, and campus facilities should be equipped with smart technology that enhances the student experience. These are tools, however; they’re secondary to the deeper purpose. What really matters is the quality of the content we provide and the attitudes we foster in our students. This shift requires us as educators to change our approach. At 78, I’m still learning to keep pace with these technological advancements. It’s not easy, but it’s essential if we are to meet the needs of today’s students. We must create an active, engaging campus life where students are encouraged to explore ideas, challenge themselves, and embrace their global responsibilities. Being an international university demands an outward-looking mindset. Our students need to understand their place in the global Muslim community and recognize their responsibilities within it. My goal as Rector is to inspire students, to prepare them not just academically but holistically. I want them to understand that their education doesn’t end when they receive their degree. In fact, a degree is just the beginning. Life will continue to challenge them, and they must be ready to keep growing, to seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave. I’m committed to helping our students become resilient, adaptable, and conscious of their purpose in this ever-evolving world. This is how IIUM can truly make an impact—by shaping graduates who are ready to serve, lead, and contribute meaningfully to both the Ummah and humanity as a whole. 5. Could you share your insights on youth development in today's context; especially in IIUM, i.e., how do you plan to enhance student life and create a more supportive environment for students at IIUM? Every generation faces unique challenges, and as educators, we must prepare our students to meet these head-on. Enhancing student life at IIUM is about creating a truly supportive environment that nurtures both personal growth and academic excellence. When I speak about IIUM's international character, I’m referring to the unique diversity within our campus community. We are privileged to have students from all over the world, and I encourage them to make friends across cultures, learn new languages, and organize events that foster international interaction. This is part of becoming “Ummatic”—forward-looking, open, and globally minded. And this doesn’t mean students can’t enjoy an entertaining campus life. We provide ample facilities for co-curricular activities, including sports, as some of our students excel in athletics. One of the areas I’m especially keen on reviving is our debating culture. IIUM once had a formidable debating team that achieved international recognition. I want to bring that back and even advance it further, enabling our students to develop articulate, persuasive communication skills. These abilities will serve them well, whether they pursue careers in law, public service, or any field where eloquence and substance are key. Overall, my vision is to provide an environment that cultivates well-rounded students with a clear sense of purpose and vision, embodying IIUM’s motto: a garden of knowledge and virtue. We want students to not only excel academically but to emerge as individuals of integrity and character. 15