Dayangku Siti Nurkhairina binti Pengiran Metusin, the recipient of the Chancellor’s Scholar for the 2024/2025 academic session, will be pursuing a PhD in Quranic Exegesis (Tafsir) and Sciences (Ulum Al-Quran) at the University of Jordan.
Her field of study is relevant to Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), where she will contribute to contemporary Islamic studies at the Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies.
In an interview, the 26-year-old said, “I hope to study more about Quranic Exegesis, especially on mental health and Al-Quran, to help address mental health issues in the country. My passion for Quranic Exegesis came from my background in Arabic school, where I developed an interest in Tafsir and how Al-Quran relates to lifestyle and situations.”
She also shared her excitement about receiving the award, “When I heard the news, I was really excited but now feeling a bit nervous as there are many responsibilities ahead. I will do my best to graduate with excellent results.”
Dayangku Siti Nurkhairina expressed gratitude to her parents, siblings and friends for their support, and thanked 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 and UBD for trusting her to become a Chancellor’s Scholar and pursue further studies. – James Kon