His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) yesterday officiated the university's second Convocation Festival or 'Mahrajan Hafl al-Takharruj' to celebrate UNISSA undergraduates who have completed their studies.

The university's convocation will be held this Saturday, November 3, 2012.

Rector of UNISSA, Dr Hj Serbini bin Hj Matahir, who is also the chairman of the executive committee said UNISSA in embracing the education system based on Al-Quran and al-Sunnah has taken several steps such as making it mandatory for all students to be well versed in reading and memorising the Quran.

UNISSA also has in place a tutor programme where students get guidance to establish a harmonious campus life like a family. Through this programme, the students would foster closer ties to facilitate the guidance programme based on Al-Quran and al-Sunnah education system in line with the UNISSA's vision to become a true Islamic university that is progressive and dynamic.

Dr Hj Serbini also said the convocation festival focuses more on academic values without creating a vibrant momentum. It is also to uphold the titah of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during the first convocation festival where the ruler underlined the need for undergraduates to be exposed to many useful events and programmes to train them to act and think wisely and not to be dragged into reckless excitement that would weaken their hearts.

The festival includes a symposium targeting the public, knowledge discussion among undergraduates, Arabic language learning session for visitors, mini exhibition from faculties and centres, exhibition and selling of publications.

Speaking on the theme which reads 'Al-Quran and al-Sunnah, the basis for a pious family', it is not only a significant theme for UNISSA as a true Islamic university but also to disseminate it as a message for the nation in upholding the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) concept.

Al-Quran and al-Sunnah form the basis for the country to produce a sustainable and excellent human model in this life and for the hereafter.

It is recognised as a relevant guideline in our journey. The theme is also timely and in line with the country's Vision 2035 to produce a highly educated and skilful workforce with Islamic values.

The festival will run until Friday at the International Convention Centre and is open to the public from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

It is filled with various programmes and activities that are religious, academic-oriented and informative besides fostering ties between the university's workforce and the community.

Among the highlights of the Convocation Festival were the recitation marking the completion of the reading of 30 Juzuks of Al-Quran and thanksgiving prayer last night at Sultan Sharif Ali Mosque in Kg Sengkurong. - Borneo Bulletin (1 November 2012)