| Wani Roslan |
HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Chancellor of Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB), consented to present graduation certificates to 233 graduates at the 8th KUPU SB Convocation Ceremony held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday.
Upon arrival at the venue, His Majesty was received by Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, who is also the Chairman of the KUPU SB Council; State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned; Chief Syar’ie Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar; and Acting Ra’es of KUPU SB Dr Haji Adanan bin Haji Basar.
The ceremony began with the singing of the national anthem and a recitation of Surah Al-Luqman verses one to nine and Surah Al-‘Alaq verses one to five by the graduates.
KUPU SB Acting Ra’es delivered his opening remarks, in which he highlighted the university college’s various developments and activities.
Dr Haji Adanan explained that the college university is now offering core courses focussed on thinking skills and Islamic communication, in the disciplines of Fiqh, Qawa’id al-Fiqhiyyah, Siasah Syar’iah and Maqasid Syariah. The “Islamic communication” portion, he says, will revolve around teaching Hiwar manners based on the Al-Quran and Hadith, Hikmah of Scholar, and the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy.
“All students are required to immerse themselves in the Satu Semester Satu Nadi approach, which has shown positive effects in creating the students’ identity,” he said, commenting on the university college’s co-curriculum programmes.
Dr Haji Adanan added that through this approach, KUPU SB has succeeded in increasing its students’ thinking ability, creativity and productivity, as well as improved their entrepreneurship skills. The students’ life skills are also being enhanced with technical and vocational skills and courses carried out through the cooperation of a number of ministries.
“KUPU SB has also established an Agriculture Club last year, and this year, the club will be implementing its Agropreneur Academic Pilot Project in collaboration with a company involved in the agricultural sector,” he said.
Before leaving the ceremony, His Majesty mingled with the graduates and their family members.