His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam called on Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali to diversify its teaching approach and not ovelrook the importance of 21st-Century skills, during a titah on Wednesday.
“Methods for acquiring these skills need to be explored so that every student can master them prior completing their studies, preparing them for the next phase of their lives,” said His Majesty during the university’s 14th Hafl Al-Takharruj (convocation) ceremony.
His Majesty acknowledged that while UNISSA, as a pure Islamic university, has traditional content at its core, there is also room to diversify its teaching approach.
Meanwhile, the monarch also called on the university, along with policymakers and economists, to develop more effective strategies for expanding new sectors and industries that align with graduates’ qualifications.
His Majesty stressed that stakeholders must plan to maximise the use of qualified human resources and contribute effectively to the nation’s advancement.
The monarch commended UNISSA for its several accomplishments on the global arena, notably its improved standing in the World University Rankings for Innovation. His Majesty hopes the achievement would serve as a catalyst for the university to become a leader in providing high-quality Islamic curriculum and research, both nationally and globally.
His Majesty advised UNISSA to continuously strengthen the identity of its graduates, stressing that ethical aspects, morality, and integrity should be fundamental elements in every programme and activity.
The monarch emphasised that fostering these qualities is equally important in other higher education institutions, as it is crucial to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also possess noble character and uphold virtuous values.
“This aligns with the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy, which has been long cherished and practiced by the people of Brunei,” said His Majesty. – Rokiah Mahmud
