When my name was announced as the Student Ambassador of the Year, I was genuinely taken aback. I remember sitting there, clapping for others, never once expecting that my name would be called last.

Looking back, I still find it emotional to receive this award, as I never carried out duties as an ambassador with the intention of public recognition, nor was I aware that such an award even existed until that glorious night. My focus has always revolved around being active in community projects to help others in quiet yet meaningful ways. To me, this award is more than a personal achievement; it is a symbol of the strong principles I hold as a student, friend, and a leader. In the grand scheme of it all, I find great satisfaction working with different students, lecturers, and staff. It stands as a reminder that the smallest acts of kindness, when done consistently and sincerely, can leave a lasting impact.

At the foundation of everything I do, lies one of my strongest principles, which is to be the most reliable person in the room. I define reliability as a form of respect for the people who trust you. It means consistently showing up, even on days when you do not want to (perfect gym motivation). It is no secret that this trait will drastically improve one’s social and business life. Whether it was organising events, supporting my peers in difficult moments, or volunteering in university activities, I’ve always tried to ensure that I could be counted on, often taking up important roles. I believe that everyone should have this value in their moral arsenal, as it will take them far in life after graduation.

Over time, I realised that these moments of service accumulate to build a legacy of kindness and service.

I’ll be the first to admit that I am not perfect, as there have been times when I have fumbled in group projects, either from sheer carelessness or naivety. But instead of letting those moments define me, I always choose the humble approach to reflect on them deeply and turn them into essential lessons so that I can be better in the future. An optimistic mindset goes a long way. As the saying goes, a gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials. I believe that every time I make a mistake, I will always be one step ahead in improving myself. These little steps, when added up, can fully shape the behaviour of an individual. Through reflection and self-awareness, I continue striving to become a better person each day, not just for my own sake, but for everyone who places their trust in me.

Another philosophy that defines my experience as an ambassador can be summarised by three words: UFC – Unity, Friendship, and Collaboration. I hold these values close because they represent the essence of what makes our community strong.

• Unity reminds me that despite our diverse backgrounds, we tend to share a common goal, which is to grow, to improve, and to uplift one another.
• Friendship gives warmth and meaning to our work; it transforms mere cooperation into a genuine connection, making it easier to navigate projects.
• Collaboration brings everything together. It is through teamwork that ideas flourish and challenges become opportunities. I have learned that no meaningful success happens in isolation.

The Student Ambassador programme has provided me with the opportunity to meet amazing new people from different walks of life. We have worked together to make ends meet while organising university-based events. I find it interesting and humbling to share and receive ideas from others, especially those younger than me, as their ideas are very creative and innovative. The most notable memory that I will always cherish is the Student Ambassador Camp, an out-of-campus event that pushes us both mentally and physically, while strengthening our camaraderie.

Throughout my journey here at IMU University, I have found great passion in taking part in programmes that involve interaction with people. For those interested in boosting confidence and communication skills, I would highly recommend events like Education Fairs and IMU Open Day as significant starting points for participation. Communication is imperative, especially in the real world when we are dealing with both patients and business, as well as maintaining a dynamic and effective work team. Thus, it is never too late to try new things.

Beyond that, I take great joy in contributing my photography and videography skills during various events. Capturing meaningful moments and documenting experiences not only brings me personal fulfilment but also allows me to sharpen my creative and technical abilities continuously.

Receiving this award has been a profoundly humbling experience. It made me pause and reflect on the values that guide my journey. I am grateful for the hurdles that I have faced, as they have pushed me out of my comfort zone to resolve them. I enjoy working with my colleagues to tackle complex situations and host memorable and impactful events, such as U-Race 2025 and Interprofessional Learning Day 2025. I see this recognition not as the culmination of my efforts, but as encouragement for me to keep growing. I firmly believe that authentic leadership is not defined by titles or applause, but by the quiet moments when no one is watching. To the future leaders out there reading this, if you are feeling lost in your projects, don’t give up, because nobody is born with this trait.

As I look back on this journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. This award is not mine alone; it belongs to every person who has guided me and worked alongside me. Leadership is never a solo act, as it is a continuous exchange of trust, communication, and companionship.

Moving forward, I strive to lift others, as a friend who listens, a dental student who serves with purpose, and hopefully one day as a tutor to enlighten others.

The Student Ambassador programme has been truly a worthwhile experience.

Written by Ferdinand Fershan Ng Yiyuen