A TOTAL of 275 graduates received their certificates yesterday from His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Chancellor of KUPU SB, at the 3rd Convocation Ceremony of the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB).

The convocation ceremony was held at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was welcomed and greeted by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman and the Ra’es of KUPU SB, Ustazah Dr Hajah Masnon binti Haji Ibrahim.

The ceremony began with the Chancellor procession led by KUPU SB Mushaf Al-Quran, used as the ceremonial mace for the convocation ceremony.

The recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah was then read by State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned to mark the commencement of the convocation ceremony.

It was followed with the recitation of verses of Al-Quran read by Awang Syujaiee bin Mudim Haji Metassim, a graduate in Bachelor of Religious Education (Syariah) and champion of the Youth Al-Quran Reading Competition in 2008. Meanwhile, the translation was read by Awang Haji Mohammad Hendra bin Haji Meraji also a graduate in Bachelor of Religious Education (Syariah).

In her welcoming address, the Ra’es of KUPU SB, Dr Hjh Masnon said as the only highest religious education training institution in the country, KUPU SB is very committed in achieving their aim towards producing religious teachers that are not only highly educated but also highly skilled, especially in the field of religious education at all levels of education.

“Thus, the commitment also portrays towards realising the nation’s Vision 2035 especially in the aspects of producing highly educated, skilful and knowledgeable society. At the same time, KUPU SB has also begun to offer doctorate programmes in religious education.

“Although the number of students in this programme is relatively small, the chosen candidates are regarded as those who are able to realise the country’s Vision 2035,” she said.

She added that KUPU SB is also in the process of offering higher education for graduates who have scored excellent results in their respective programmes and courses. Meanwhile, in terms of the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah Centre of Research, the centre has played a vital role in national, regional and international levels.

“Whereas, in the field of mutual understandings and cooperation in terms of regional and international levels, KUPU SB has become a member in two organisations namely the Consortium of Asia-Pacific Education University (CAPEU) and Asia-Pacific University Community Engagement Network (APUCEN),” she said.

The 3rd Convocation ceremony for KUPU SB also saw His Majesty delivering a titah and was followed by the conferment of degrees and diplomas for KUPU SB graduates who have completed their studies in their respective fields and courses.

From the total of those that graduated yesterday, 14 students received their Bachelor of Religious Education in Aqidah and Penyeliaan, 43 received Postgraduate Diploma of Religious Education Session 2012-2013, 64 received their Bachelor of Religious Education for Usuluddin and Syariah, 125 students received Higher National Diploma in Syariah and Usuluddin, while 29 received Diploma of Religious Education in Tauhid, Tafsir and Hadith, Fiqh and Usul Fiqh.

At the ceremony, the Ra’es of KUPU SB also announced that two graduates received the Ra’es awards in the field of Usuluddin and Syariah for religious education degrees while 43 graduates received the Dean prize in various disciplines.

The ceremony ended with a recitation of Doa Selamat read by the State Mufti.

With the presentation of degrees and diplomas in the third convocation, KUPU SB is resolute towards achieving the monarch’s aspiration in making the institution as an excellent higher Islamic education centre in the country and as a source of pride for the nation. - Borneo Bulletin (1 December 2013)