Rokiah Mahmud
Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) launched World Book Day 2022 celebrations yesterday in support of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declaration of April 23 as World Book Day.
The celebration, aiming to encourage the culture of reading, publication and book copyright preservation, was held at UNISSA’s library. The opening was officiated by its rector, Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal.
The organising committee chairperson Norhasinah binti Haji Moksin said the annual World Book Day celebration was organised by UNISSA in cooperation with the library, Centre for Research and Publication as well as Centre for Promotion of Knowledge and Language.
She said as the country is still going through its third COVID-19 wave, university services have been affected and interrupted. However, she said there are still students and academics who apply and need help to obtain books and reference materials.
Norhasinah added that the event also aims to appreciate those who borrow the most books. “They can be an example and a source of motivation for UNISSA members in using library.”
She added that the event also aims to show appreciation for those who made book contributions in the form of waqaf (endowment).
Dr Haji Norarfan officiated UNISSA’s Al-Imtiaz Gallery that functions to preserve, disseminate and uphold efforts and contributions from various parties while at the same time, commemorate UNISSA’s journey in achieving success.
The gallery showcases UNISSA’s history and significant events in its efforts to develop as an excellent Islamic university in accordance with the direction inspired by 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 celebration will be held for four days and features activities including book discussion coordinated by the Centre for Research and Publication and writing workshops.
Meanwhile, the ceremony also saw a presentation of certificates of appreciation to academics and students who borrowed the most books, book contributors and students who are active on the library’s social media.
