UNISSA sets standards of excellence within a decade: Rector

A DECADE after it was first established, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) has become a model of excellence and continuing success, thanks to the keen wish of 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 to see the development, consolidation and empowerment of the Islamic faith in the country.

This was underscored yesterday by Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, the Rector of UNISSA, during his welcoming remarks at the university’s 7th Hafl Al-Takharruj (Convocation Ceremony), at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

“Up until now, UNISSA has successfully produced 908 graduates from various faculty levels, with several already working in the government or private sector, while others have set up their own enterprises and built up successful careers,” said Dr Haji Norarfan in his remarks.

“Meanwhile, international students who have studied at UNISSA are able to secure jobs in their respective countries and indirectly contribute towards Islamic development there. This is proof that while UNISSA may be small, it has made some significant contributions towards the development of Ummah on a global scale.

Photos above show 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 Darus-salam, and the Chancellor of UNISSA presenting certificates to graduates

Graduates during the convocation with their certificates. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

“In witnessing the positive developments of UNISSA as a choice of further studies for local and international students, the university has constantly maintained its integrated niche curriculum. Apart from Al-Quran as a core course for all level of studies, UNISSA has also made Information Communication Technology (ICT) as one of its compulsory courses, along with entrepreneurship for all pre-graduates.”

Dr Haji Norarfan also mentioned the Halal industry with its potential to generate income for Brunei’s economy. “To achieve His Majesty’s vision of this country becoming a global Halal hub, UNISSA has established the Halalan Tayyiban Research Centre, which offers minor programmes in Halal Science, one of the popular minor courses among our students,” he said.

“In the international arena, UNISSA has forged strategic collaborations with 74 higher education institutions as well as with regional and international professional bodies through Memorandum of Agreement (MoA),” he said. “This strategic networking has opened many synergic collaborative opportunities, knowledge sharing and research explorations. Apart from that, we have also been able to carry out study abroad programmes for our students, at a minimal cost.

“Up until now, UNISSA has accepted a total of 197 international students from 34 countries, and this is expected to grow from time to time, as the students gain confidence with the quality of the learning and teaching offered at UNISSA,” said Dr Haji Norarfan, concluding his speech.

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