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, Chancellor of Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB), has called on the university to become a pioneer in empowering religious education and act as a leader in shaping Syariah-compliant education policies.
Delivering a titah at KUPU SB’s 14th Convocation Ceremony on Thursday, His Majesty underscored the critical role of the university in producing well-trained religious teachers who serve as shapers of moral behaviour and providers of essential knowledge for the nation.
His Majesty emphasised that KUPU SB must look beyond its immediate academic framework and actively monitor, assess, and provide input on educational practices and strategies requiring improvement, particularly from the perspective of Islamic law and community needs.
“KUPU SB holds a unique responsibility to voice its views through the university council on matters related to religious education,” His Majesty said. “This responsibility aligns with its mandate to advance religious education and ensure it remains relevant and impactful for the nation.”
The monarch also praised the leadership of KUPU SB for their ongoing efforts in reforming and improving the institution, which include restructuring its direction, aligning management systems, enhancing its website branding, and establishing new centres. His Majesty also highlighted the review of course structures and human resources as critical steps towards achieving educational excellence.
In His Majesty’s view, such improvements are essential for any higher education institution in its pursuit of distinction, particularly one tasked with the responsibility of advancing Islamic education.
The monarch reiterated the importance of ensuring that KUPU SB’s programmes remain relevant to the country’s needs, particularly in Islamic education, while also equipping graduates to compete in the job market.
Addressing the graduates, His Majesty expressed gratitude to Allah the Almighty for the opportunity to share their success. The monarch extended heartfelt congratulations to the degree and diploma recipients and conveyed appreciation to parents, guardians, and lecturers for their sacrifices and support in ensuring the graduates’ achievements.
His Majesty concluded by affirming his hope that KUPU SB will continue to focus on fostering a high-quality learning environment and providing a robust platform for religious education to flourish, cementing its role as a leader in Syariah-compliant education policies. – LYNA MOHAMMAD
