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, the Chancellor of Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) said the family institution has the obligation of being aware of children’s unhealthy activities, inside and outside of home.
His Majesty said this delivering a titah during the 13th KUPU SB convocation ceremony yesterday.
“Actual education shall take place at home or within the family, because children spend more time there compared to school grounds. Therefore, the family institution plays a crucial role in continuing the children’s learning at school,” His Majesty said.
The monarch noted that nowadays, society is facing social issues as a result of the misuse of social media. If left unaddressed, it can have an impact on mental health and social media nurtures fantasies that are far from reality, His Majesty said.
The monarch urged relevant parties involved in information technology and communication to increase their efforts in monitoring and controlling websites, mobile phone applications, video games and social media posts that could jeopardise faith, morale, health and discipline.
His Majesty meanwhile lauded KUPU SB for enhancing their co-curriculum, while not neglecting its primary goal of producing pious graduates.
The monarch also expressed delight in seeing KUPU SB being committed to strengthening its co-curricular programmes, with the most recent collaborating with the Mosque Affairs Department in encouraging students to participate in the Leadership and Glorifying Mosque Programme.
His Majesty believes KUPU SB can play a role in providing the younger generation with an understanding of how social media is used and exposing them to mosque management for officers, imams, bilal and mosque takmir committee members. His Majesty noted KUPU SB’s potential in producing teachers that not are only educated in Islamic studies but also general subjects.
His Majesty consented for the university to establish the Faculty of Social Science Education during the 11th KUPU SB convocation ceremony in 2021 and thanked the university, particularly the KUPU SB council members, ra’es, key officers, members of the academia and staff for their service.
His Majesty also congratulated graduates for completing their studies and extended his appreciation for the academia for guiding the graduates as well as parents and families for their prayers that led to their children’s success. – Rokiah Mahmud
