His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Chancellor of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) consented to attend the university's 2nd Hafl Al-Takharruj ceremony at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

A total of 133 graduates received their certificates from His Majesty. Of the total, 22 graduates received their Masters qualification, 104 graduates received their First Degree and seven received their Diploma.

Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, as the Pro-Chancellor of UNISSA.

The 2nd Hafl Al-Takharruj of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) was held to mark the students' success and achievements in completing their respective graduate courses.

The event began with a recital of verses of Al-Quran and Hadith and the translation of the recited verses. It was then followed by a welcoming address by Dr Hj Serbini bin Hj Matahir/Md Tahir, the Rector of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali.

The rector expressed his deepest gratitude to His Majesty for having consented to attend and officate at the 2nd Hafl Al-Takharruj ceremony.

Dr Hj Serbini in his welcoming address at the ceremony took the opportunity to give an update on the university's progress and achievements since the establishment of the institution.

He said that, since the establishment of the university on January 1, 2007, the university has continuously made an effort to offer new programmes that is best suited with the current development and what is needed for the nation.

"Some of the new programmes offered by UNISSA were Masters Degree and Doctorate Degree in the field of Islamic History and Civilisation, and for the first intake, 11 students were enrolled for the Masters Degree," he added.

UNISSA recently offered a Higher National Diploma in the Dirasat Islamiyyah programme in August this year. This is to provide alternatives for those who have Brunei High Certificate of Religious Education (Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Ugama Brunei, STPUB) and do not fulfill the criteria to enroll for a Degree programme.

The university also organised workshops and talks in general for the people at UNISSA as well as for members of the public, which includes workshop on Jawi script and calligraphy, Taharah workshops. The university also hosted public lectures during the month of Ramadhan and other celebrations on the Islamic calendar.

UNISSA also provides practical, leadership, and community service programmes, and through these curriculums, the students of UNISSA are taught public speaking, to offer their opinions, and to give public talks. For the past year, the university has accomplished tremendous achievements, Dr Hj Serbini said.

The Rector of UNISSA also told the audience of the social responsibilities they had held, such as charity sales, read-a-thon, religious youth camps, and forums which benefits and help the public.

To mark the end of the ceremony, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam handed over the certificates to the graduates.

His Majesty also cosented to have a group photo taken with graduates. - Borneo Bulletin (4 November 2012)