Rokiah Mahmud
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) called on all higher education institutions to evaluate and, if necessary, redraft their curriculum programmes, ensuring the knowledge acquired would extend to benefit not just the students, but the nation as a whole.
“The Sultanate requires academic and intellectual programmes that will address communal issues, including improving technological facilities, strengthening the economy, providing food safety resources and national safety,” the monarch said.
His Majesty said this in a titah during the 12th KUPU SB Convocation Ceremony yesterday.
KUPU SB imbues the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), regarded as the most exalted teacher in guiding the Ummah, the monarch said.
Aside from the academic programmes, KUPU SB as a teaching institution needs to be involved in providing teachers’ character and pedagogy-strengthening trainings.
This refers to the assimilation of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) and spiritual values, therefore ensuring all fronts of teaching and learning will be embedded with pious practices and values.
“There is a clear difference that Islamic education attains, by not putting aside matters pertaining to the hereafter (ukhrawi),” His Majesty said.
The monarch lauded the institution for upholding the titah delivered during the National Youth Day celebration, which called for the provision of character-building programme for the youth.
KUPU SB’s continued practice of evaluating the effectiveness of its curriculum also received the royal nod. This includes the redrafting of curriculum for postgraduates’ programmes, allowing students at Master and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) levels to discuss current issues based on Al-Quran and Al-Hadith.
With its high-quality, outstanding programmes and activities, KUPU SB is fast gaining popularity among students, especially from the region.
“Apart from the Islamic teaching programme, KUPU SB is also renowned for having solid co-curriculum programmes to produce competent educators, thus further strengthening KUPU SB’s reputation,” the monarch said.
