On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) held its second commencement ceremony, a momentous occasion marked by the inspiring speech of the best student Ebrahim Omar Obaid Basalma. Hailing from Yemen, Ebrahim graduated from the Faculty of Economics and Business with an outstanding GPA of 3.98 out of 4.00.

The ceremony, attended by distinguished guests including the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, UIII Rector Professor Jamhari, and Yemen Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Mohamed Ali Al-Najar, was a testament to the academic excellence and diverse community at UIII. Ebrahim’s speech, delivered partly in Arabic, resonated deeply with the audience.

Ebrahim began his speech by quoting a verse from the Quran, which translates as: “And say, “Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so, will] His Messenger and the believers. And you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you of what you used to do” (9:105).

He then transitioned to English, expressing his pride and gratitude for being part of UIII. “Throughout my academic journey in the Master’s program at the Faculty of Economics and Business, this university has been a true home of knowledge and learning,” he said.

Ebrahim highlighted the challenges and opportunities faced during his studies, emphasizing the significant impact of his supervisors M. Luthfi Hamidi, Ph.D., and Aimatul Yumna, Ph.D, who supervised his thesis on sustainability practices in Islamic banking. “This topic is crucial for the prosperity and development of our communities,” Ebrahim noted.

He extended heartfelt thanks to other lecturers and academic staff at the Faculty of Economics and Business, especially to the Dean Professor Dian Masyita. Ebrahim also acknowledged the unwavering support of his family and friends back in Yemen.

Reflecting on his time at UIII, Ebrahim described it as a unique and enriching experience. “This institution was not just a place for academic learning but also a vibrant environment for cultural and intellectual exchange,” he said. He praised the diverse academic community at UIII, where students from around the world come together to exchange ideas and build a brighter future.

As he concluded his speech, Ebrahim congratulated his fellow graduates and wished them success in their future endeavors. “Today, we close one chapter and begin another, filled with dreams and aspirations that we will continue to pursue,” he said.

The commencement ceremony was a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the promise of a bright future for all graduates. Ebrahim’s speech was a highlight, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present and exemplifying the values and spirit of UIII.