It was a historic and memorable day for 149 graduates from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Session 2007/2008 after receiving their certificates from His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during the university's inaugural convocation ceremony held at the Plenary Hall, International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday.

Accompanying His Majesty was HRH Prince Dr Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office.

The ceremony began with the Chancellor procession followed by the call of Azan, which reverberated across the ICC's Plenary Hall.

His Majesty consented to deliver a titah highlighting the monarch's vision for the university to accomplish international standards and in enhancing its quality.

The rector of UNISSA also delivered a speech prior to His Majesty's titah, and among other things underscored the university's accomplishments since its establishment in 2007 and highlighting its aspirations for the years to come.

The ceremony saw two key events, marking another milestone set to be cherished by the university for years to come towards its journey in becoming a dynamic and progressive international Islamic University. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to receive the Honorary Doctorate of Syariah & Law from the Rector of UNISSA, Dr Hj Serbini bin Hj Matahir @ Tahir. His Majesty also consented to confer HRH Prince Dr Haji Al-Muthadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minsiter's Office the title of Pro-Chancellor for UNISSA.

UNISSA's first convocation ceremony saw His Majesty consenting for the conferment of Doctorates, Masters, Bachelors and Diplomas for UNISSA's graduates from Session 2007/2008 in different academic aspects respectively.

The advent of graduates from UNISSA marks a new hope by offering their services in the government and private sectors for the development of the country's workforce.

In August 2007, UNISSA began recruiting its first intake of students with 113 students enrolling in its 2007/2008 sessions. After four years of challenges, experience and knowledge they acquired from their study tenure in the university, the graduates have finally reached one of their most momentous events in their lives.

The first convocation ceremony also realises UNISSA's perseverance of purity of Islamic values, in line with international standards. UNISSA has successfully implemented academic programmes, research and human resource capabilities to produce expedient and expert graduates who still instil the values of Islamic teachings, in accordance with the 'Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama'ah'.

These graduates are expected to evolve into scholars and intellectuals with authority and integrity, while still preserving Islamic teachings and values to contribute to the development and modernisation of Brunei Darussalam. - Borneo Bulletin (4th Novempber 2011)