| Izah Azahari |
GRADUATES of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) were celebrated in a Graduates’ Night ceremony in conjunction with the university’s 8th Hafl Al-Takharruj (Convocation Ceremony) at the Rizqun International Hotel last night.
The guest of honour was the Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman.
The event began with the recitation of verses from Al-Quran, followed by a welcoming speech by the Acting Assistant Rector of UNISSA Dr Abdul Nasir bin Haji Abdul Rani in his capacity as the Chairman of the event.
In his speech, the chairman highlighted that after a decade since its establishment, UNISSA finally awarded its first Pro-Chancellor Medal to a graduate who has met the criteria set by the university with a fair, thorough and correct candidate evaluation process.
The chairman also explained that medal recipients have gone through several evaluation levels with a number of specific criteria, where they are assessed through their achievements in a holistic manner encompassing academic excellence, active participation within and outside of campus activities and active involvement in community service.
Continuing his speech, the chairman also mentioned that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between seven overseas universities and higher education institutions was a proactive step by UNISSA in the agenda of expanding cooperation within the field of academics, research, exchange and student mobility on an international level.
The event continued with the presentation of medals and book prizes to recipients by the guest of honour, followed by the MoU signing and a recitation of a Doa Selamat to conclude the event.
The Pro-Chancellor Medal went to Mohammad Adika Yusra bin Mohammad Yusof who graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Islamic Finance, while the Rector Medal went to Nurul Amirah Afiqah binti Khairuddin who graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Usuluddin (Tafsir and Hadith).
Deputy Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh; Rector of UNISSA Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal; permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, and senior officers from the Ministry of Education, as well as representatives from higher education institutions within and outside the country were also present.