THE development of the academic staff is very important in improving the quality and image of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), said its Acting Rector, Pg Anak Dr Hj Amiruddin Alam Shah bin Pg Anak Haji Ismail, during the university’s 3rd Hafl Al-Takharruj (Convocation) at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

He added that there were currently 45 local academic staff members – 14 of whom hold PhDs, nine pursuing the doctorate degree and another 10 to undertake the same programme next year.

“This corresponds to UNISSA’s Strategic Plan 2009-2018, which has set a target of having 70 per cent of its local academic staff PhD-qualified,” he pointed out.

Despite being a relatively young establish­­ment (UNISSA opened seven years ago), UNISSA has taken the cue from reputable overseas universities by laying out a solid plan in its bid for success.

“UNISSA has been a member of the Rabitah Jami’at Islamiyyah ( Islamic Universities League), which has more than 110 Islamic universities from all over the world,” the acting rector said.

“Apart from its role in teaching and learning activities, UNISSA also focuses on the areas of research and publication.”

He revealed that UNISSA was planning to create a research centre of Al-Quran Al-Karim and Al-Sunnah Al-Nabawiyyah.

“The centre is expected to soon become one of the hallmarks of UNISSA as a university that provides a wide range of disciplines centered on the teachings of Al-Quran Al-Karim and Al-Sunnah Al-Nabawiyyah,” he added.

In addition, he continued, UNISSA was also trying to streamline, consolidate and enhance the academic curriculum needs within religion, race and country.

“We have a long-term framework that will set up a training institute for Syariah Laws. The establishment of this institute was approved by the Special Panel for Order Fulfillment of Syari’ah Penal Code,” said the acting rector.

UNISSA has also been constantly involved in various forms of scholarly activities such as conducting seminars at national, regional and international levels, as well as contributing their scientific knowledge and expertise to the community.

This community service does not only involve the academic staff but also its students, who share their knowledge on religion with the society, said Pg Anak Dr Hj Amiruddin Alam Shah.

“Students come forward on their own accord to serve as volunteers for the community and needy children.

“We have had activities such as read-a-thons in Arabic and English languages to promote the culture of reading and help foster volunteerism at the Ministry of Health’s Child Development Centre ( Special Needs).

“The community activities are not only to promote Islamic values. They also serve as a platform to ensure that knowledge and charity go hand-in-hand,” he highlighted.

The acting rector said that despite the emphasis on academics and activities, UNISSA’s facilities were still being fully utilised.

Pg Anak Dr Hj Amiruddin Alam Shah also mentioned that several buildings at UNISSA’s campus had been renovated and would serve perfectly for its students and workforce. - Borneo Bulletin (3 November 2013)