My Journey with Toastmasters: From Shyness to Leadership and Giving Back
ALOR SETAR, 18 June 2025 – From shy beginnings to standing on national stages, Mahmoud, a final-year student at Albukhary International University (AIU), has transformed his personal journey into an inspiring story of growth, service, and leadership through public speaking. As the first AIU student and African to join the Darulaman Toastmasters Club in Kedah, Mahmoud’s Toastmasters journey began in November 2022, when he courageously faced his fear of speaking before even a small group.
What started as a personal challenge quickly evolved into a remarkable leadership path. His dedication earned him a place on the club’s executive committee in June 2023, followed by promotions to secretary and eventually vice president of education (VPE). Recognized as one of the club’s most active members since 2024, Mahmoud credits Toastmasters for reshaping his confidence and broadening his horizons in ways he never imagined.
One of the major highlights of his journey came on 13 April 2025, when Mahmoud was awarded second-best speaker at the prestigious Malaysian National Public Speaking Championship 2025, hosted by the Malaysian Institute for Debate and Public Speaking (MIDP) at Taylor’s University. Earlier, in November 2024, he secured third place in the District 51 Division N Area N3 International Speech Contest for the 2024–2025 cycle.
Beyond competitions, Mahmoud has channeled his experience into uplifting others within AIU and beyond. In January 2024, he organized Media Mastery, a series designed to build media and presentation skills among first-year BMC students, featuring Sri Kugan, the 2019 Malaysian National Public Speaking Champion. In November 2024, he led another initiative, On the Way to Excellence, for new students transitioning into university life, held from 16 to 17 November.
In June 2025, Mahmoud curated and moderated the Public Speaking Series 2025, a three-part event on 14th, 21st, and 28th June, inviting renowned speakers from Malaysia and abroad. Over 100 AIU students benefited from the sessions, many of whom were not club members but left empowered and inspired to find their voices.
As he officially concluded his Toastmasters journey on 12 June 2025, Mahmoud expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Albukhary Foundation for the scholarship support that enabled his academic and personal development. “Their support has made a significant impact on my journey, and I strive to share the opportunities I’ve received with others,” he said.
Balancing academic life and community engagement has not been without its challenges, but for Mahmoud, the rewards have been life-changing. Guided by his personal motto, “I do it my own way,” he continues to inspire peers with his resilience and vision.
Mahmoud’s journey is a shining example of the transformative power of education, mentorship, and determination—an embodiment of AIU’s mission to nurture globally minded, confident, and service-driven leaders.
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