KUPU SB pioneers reforms to strengthen religious education
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 Chancellor of Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB), graced the university’s 14th Convocation Ceremony on Thursday, where certificates to 252 graduates were presented.
The ceremony, held at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas, commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, followed by the mass recital of Asma’ Al-Husna.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was welcomed by Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Haji Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, KUPU SB Ra’es Associate Professor Dr Abdul Nasir bin Haji Abdul Rani, and Acting Registrar Awang Adi Rani Soffian bin Abdul Rahman.
During the ceremony, KUPU SB Ra’es Associate Professor Dr Abdul Nasir highlighted recent reforms undertaken by the university. These included international recognition for the Bachelor of Religious Teaching program by the ASEAN Teachers Education Quality Assurance Agency (ATQA). He also noted the university’s efforts to update its vision, mission, and organisational structure to align with His Majesty’s directives during previous visits.
Key developments include merging faculties, rebranding academic centres, and establishing new units to enhance efficiency, address overlapping functions, and optimise resources. These reforms have resulted in the establishment of three faculties, seven Centres of Academic Excellence, and several other management and service units.
The construction of a new academic block equipped with modern facilities has also been approved under the 12th National Development Plan (RKN), further reflecting KUPU SB’s commitment to excellence.
KUPU SB has conducted a comprehensive review of its academic programs to meet national and international standards. To ensure quality teaching, 64 percent of its academic staff have been absorbed into the Public Higher Education Institutions Academic Service Scheme (SPTA), with efforts ongoing to increase this percentage.
The introduction of the “Meja Bantu KUPU SB” app aims to support university members by addressing service and logistics concerns, enhancing the overall academic experience.
In its efforts to foster international collaboration, KUPU SB has signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with foreign institutions, including Hadramout University in Yemen, marking its first partnership with a Middle Eastern university. Five additional MoUs are set to be signed during the 2024 Graduate Night Ceremony, bringing the total to 37 active agreements.
These partnerships have opened opportunities for academic collaboration, research, and human capital development, providing students and staff with avenues to expand their knowledge and skills.
The ceremony concluded with a Doa Selamat led by the State Mufti. His Majesty also received a briefing on the progress of the Mushaf of KUPU SB before departing.
To bless the ceremony a doa selamat was read by the State Mufti. – LYNA MOHAMMAD
This story has been updated to include key information.
