Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) feted 471 graduates at the 13th UNISSA Hafl Al-Takharruj (Convocation Ceremony) at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas yesterday.
This number marked the university’s highest total of graduates since 2011.
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 UNISSA presented graduates with Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degrees, higher national diplomas (HND), higher diploma and diplomas in various fields and disciplines as well as a Special Degree in 30 Juzuk Al-Quran Memorisation.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Pro-Chancellor of UNISSA.
Upon arrival, the monarch was greeted by Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh as Chairperson of the UNISSA Council and Rector of UNISSA Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal.
His Majesty’s entrance was led by the mace of convocation featuring UNISSA’s Mushaf Al-Quran, followed with selawat and qasidah ‘Ahlan Bikum Sultanana’ and the singing of the national anthem.
The ceremony also saw the recitation of Surah Al-Baqarah from verses 168 to 171 by Abdul Haziq Syarafuddin bin Haji Abdul Habib, a Bachelor of Usuluddin (Tahfiz and Qiraat) graduate who represented the country at the National Al-Quran Reading Competition for Youth in 2022. The Al-Hadith was read by Abdul Rahim bin Haji Mohd Arsat, a Bachelor of Usuluddin graduate. Meanwhile, both interpretations of Al-Quran and Al-Hadith were delivered by Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ahim, a Master’s Degree graduate from the Faculty of Islamic Technology.
The ceremony continued with welcoming remarks by the rector of UNISSA who later announced recipients for the Medals and Book Prize Awards as well as contributors for the 13th Hafl Al-Takharruj.
The ceremony then witnessed His Majesty delivering a titah and awarding certificates to seven PhD graduates; 73 Master’s graduates; 358 graduates in Bachelor’s Degrees, 10 in Graduate Diplomas; 21 graduates in HND programme; one National Diploma graduate; and one recipient for Special Degree in 30 Juzuk Al-Quran Memorisation.
From the total, 35 graduates comprised international students from Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Morocco, Palestine and China.
It is hoped that the graduates will continue to contribute their services in their career within the community arena, carrying the values of piety, leadership, excellence, integrity and vision.
This is in line with UNISSA’s mission to produce pious and reputable leaders who can serve and contribute to the development of the ummah through academic excellence, research and community service.
The university’s progress will be more prominent with the establishment of its Sinaut Campus, which houses the Faculty of Agriculture and the Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre, and subsequently the establishment of its permanent campus in Mukim Labu, Temburong District. It will further enhance UNISSA’s reputation and realise the country’s aspiration to be recognised as a global Islamic institution hub for higher learning. – Rokiah Mahmud
