Ahmad Soleh Bin Abd Rashid
People often ask me what motivates me to continue serving the community despite the responsibilities of being a student and the President of the Sunway University Islamic Society (SUIS). For me, the answer has always been simple. I am constantly guided by the saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people." Those words have shaped not only my perspective on leadership but also the way I choose to live my life. They remind me that true success is never measured by titles or recognition, but by the positive difference we make in the lives of others.
I believe every one of us shares a responsibility to care for the community around us. We often forget that our lives are interconnected, and the challenges faced by one group eventually affect us all. Whether it is poverty, social issues, or a lack of educational opportunities, every act of kindness contributes towards building a stronger and healthier community. I have always believed that when we improve our community, we become better individuals ourselves and that belief continues to fuel my passion for serving others.
Serving the community has also transformed me personally. Every mentoring session, outreach programme and community engagement has allowed me to meet people from different walks of life. These experiences have strengthened my communication skills, broadened my perspective and taught me empathy beyond what any classroom could offer. Every interaction reminds me that leadership is not about standing in front of people, but it is about standing beside them.
As the President of the Sunway University Islamic Society (SUIS), I have the privilege of representing a club that is deeply committed to serving both the Muslim community and society at large. While SUIS is rooted in promoting Islamic values, our mission has always extended beyond religious activities. We strive to create an environment where compassion, generosity and understanding can be experienced by everyone, regardless of their background.
One of the things that makes me proudest is seeing students from different cultures and faiths joining our programmes. Although our activities are centred around Islamic teachings, they also provide opportunities for non-Muslim students to learn more about Islam in an open, respectful and welcoming environment. These moments remind me that service has the power to unite people beyond differences and create meaningful human connections.
Among all the initiatives we have organised, the Infaq Ramadhan programme remains one of my most memorable experiences. Through the generosity of donors and the dedication of our volunteers, we successfully distributed free food packs to Sunway students and staff during the holy month of Ramadhan. What touched me most was not only the number of people we were able to help, but also the overwhelming trust placed in us by members of the public who contributed to the initiative. Their generosity reaffirmed my belief that kindness inspires kindness, and that communities become stronger when people come together with a shared purpose.
Of course, balancing academics with leading a student organisation is not always easy. There are deadlines to meet, meetings to attend and programmes to organise. However, I have learned that effective time management is the key. By planning my schedule carefully and avoiding procrastination, I am able to fulfil both my academic responsibilities and my commitment to community service. It is challenging at times, but every effort becomes worthwhile when I witness the positive impact our initiatives have on others.
Looking ahead, I hope to expand our efforts through mentoring and sharing sessions with children from orphanages. I believe that providing guidance, encouragement and exposure to educational and career opportunities can empower them to dream bigger and build brighter futures. Sometimes, a simple conversation can change the direction of someone's life.
To any student who wishes to begin their journey in community service, my advice is simple; start by joining an organisation that shares your passion for making a difference. You do not need extraordinary resources to create extraordinary impact. All you need is a sincere heart and the willingness to take the first step. Through SUIS, I have learned that leadership is ultimately about serving others, and that every act of compassion, no matter how small, has the power to transform lives, including our own.
