KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 2008 – It is with extreme pride that MERCY Malaysia congratulates Mohammad Said Alhudzari bin Ibrahim on winning International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)’s Humanitarian Award, in the individual category.

It was Mohammad Said’s dedication, commitment and promise that garnered him the recognition for excellent commitment in humanitarian and community service activities during his four-year study with the university.

Mohammad Said was bitten by the volunteering bug when he joined a mentoring project organised by IIUM in partnership with BP Asia Pacific Malaysia Sdn Bhd for a community service project in 2003. The 24-year-old then led the same project in 2005 and 2006.

“Serving humanity. It's really a big word and a huge responsibility, for me-lah. That's why I’ve stuck around because I like this responsibility and experience. For a fresh graduate like me, it is something I really must have,” he said in an emailed response from Sudan, where he is stationed as the country’s Programme Officer, implementing health and water sanitation projects among needy communities.

Upon completing his bachelor’s in Human Sciences (Hons) majoring in English Language and Literature early last year, Mohammad Said decided to venture into voluntary work in a major way. He joined non-profit organisation MERCY Malaysia as a volunteer for several months before being absorbed as a Relief Operations Officer.

“After I finished my studies in IIUM and I could not participate in student activities anymore, my student adviser proposed that I join MERCY Malaysia. So, I did,” said Mohammad Said, who is much admired by colleagues and partners for his dedication and sacrifice.

“I got to know the difference between “assessment” and “rapid assessment”, how to plan your services for the beneficiaries, how I should plan according to their needs and managing donations to get maximum impact for the beneficiaries and many more.

“Most importantly, all these things never crossed my mind. My simple understanding was only that if you receive something to be donated, you should just give it to them (the beneficiaries). Now I know it's not as simple as that.”