Izah Azahari
While the government has provided free education for its people to produce knowledgeable citizens, the private sector plays a role in honing the skills and knowledge of graduates in the halal industry.
Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre Deputy Director Dr Zeiad Amjad Abdul Razak made these comments during an interview with the Bulletin at an event where some 80 students from the Faculty of Agriculture and Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) participated in a Shariah Economic Forum between UNISSA and the International Halal Trade Hub and Services Sdn Bhd (IHTHS) at UNISSA Sinaut Campus, Tutong yesterday.
The deputy director also delivered a speech at the event.
Dr Zeiad Amjad said the event co-organised between UNISSA and IHTHS Brunei aims to produce graduates with practical knowledge in Brunei’s halal industry as they believe knowledge obtained theoretically at the campus is insufficient.
The deputy director said it will help increase students’ confidence when conducting business with the private sector.
“It also aims to aid the students in choosing a career path for their future,” he said.
Dr Zeiad Amjad also reminded students to not rely on securing a job in the public sector as it is impossible for the government to accommodate the whole populace.
“Students must be open-minded, learn how to manage a business, get involved in private sector activities, and make cooperation between the government and private sectors meaningful,” he said.
The event also saw a lecture titled ‘Realising The Halal Economy’ by Ali Hashim Corporation Chief Executive Officer Pengiran Subandi bin Pengiran Haji Kamis.
Head of the Postgraduate programme under the Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre Associate Professor Dr Nurdeng Deuraseh said UNISSA hopes to materialise the halal economy by integrating knowledge obtained in lectures with outside exposure to the industry.
He said in an interview that it won’t be easy to realise the halal economy in the Sultanate with theoretical knowledge alone, and the university tries to make its students think of ways to make it achievable through industry involvement.
The programme also saw a forum delivered by Pengiran Subandi, IHTHS Industry Advisor Ramlee bin Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Zainuddin and moderated by IHTHS Chief Executive Officer and Advisor Captain (Rtd) Zailan bin Pehin Datu Kerma Setia Major (Rtd) Dato Seri Laila Jasa Mohd Don.
Students had the opportunity to view an exhibition of products from IHTHS at the event.
