His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in a titah expressed confidence that the Ahli Sunnah Waljama'ah Understanding Studies Centre, KUPU SB, would be more meaningful if it remained consistent with various knowledge-based activities in aiding relevant government agencies in deepening the understanding of the teachings of Ahli Sunnah Waljama'ah. Refinement and development efforts alone would not suffice without full implementation of existing laws. Thus, commitment and cooperation of all parties in tackling any issue of deviationism or the infiltration of beliefs that differ from the countries are vital. The Monarch made the titah at the 3rd Convocation Ceremony of the Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College, KUPU SB at the International convention Centre, in Berakas this morning.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was welcomed by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Yang Berhormat, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, and the university's Rector, Doctor Hajah Masnon binti Haji Ibrahim. The ceremony began with the traditional Chancellor's Procession.

The ceremony began with the reading of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the State Mufti, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

The reading of Al-Quran's Surah al-Mujadalah by Awang Ahmad Syujaiee bin Mudim Haji Metassim, a Bachelor degree graduand of KUPU SB and the National Youth Quran Reading Competition 2008 champion, among other things outlined three main issues. They're, remembering and obeying Allah the Almighty at all times and in all situations is an obligation, Allah created mankind from a lowly being and then elevated them by giving them the ability to read and write and knowledge, and that Allah gives knowledge and guidance to which He chooses.

In a welcoming speech, the Ra'es or Rector of the Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College touched on the institution's efforts towards achieving the National Vision 2035 for highly educated and skilled citizens. Doctor Hajah Masnon said as the sole religious teachers training institution in the country, KUPU SB is very focused and determined to produce a teaching workforce that is highly educated, qualified and skilled in religious education that is the pillar of all levels of education. She said the university college has begun offering Doctor of Philosophy or PhD Programmes in Religious Teaching and that four people have started their studies in the previous 2013/2014 session. Although the number of students is small but it's very significant, especially since they're all Bruneians and related to the national vision.

In his titah, His Majesty said Brunei Darussalam always needs religious teachers who are competent and tenacious, capable of shaping the character of their students. This should begin from the early development of the child, as in the Malay proverb, 'melentur buluh biar dari rebungnya', or mould them while they're young. The result would be members of society who are fortified against negative influences such as crimes and social ills as well as deviant beliefs that could mislead the ummah and harm the nation. With such members of society, His Majesty believed that the aspiration to see Brunei Darussalam become a true Baldatun Tayyibatun Warabbun Ghafur, or a prosperous and blessed nation would be achieved

I truly hope that KUPU SB will be able to churn out not only a good teaching workforce, but also human capital that is loaded with religious knowledge and that possesses the required skills. KUPU SB must thereby possess effective teaching methods. To this end, KUPU SB should develop solid and comprehensive teacher training methods. I am pleased to note that jawi writing and Islamic turath book studies have been developed to great effect at KUPU SB. In addition to being offered in academic programmes at KUPU SB, they are also being offered as a special study programme for the public. The programme is known as the "Islamic Turath Book Studies in Bahasa Melayu" programme. I am of the opinion that it is important for jawi writing and the study of Islamic turath books to be protected, and even empowered, as jawi represents our national identity. The study of turath books, meanwhile, constitutes an invaluable Islamic knowledge heritage. To that end, such an effort befits the uniqueness of KUPU SB as a leader in Islamic education. I thereby see KUPU SB as the most suitable institution for offering or conducting academic programmes in the field of jawi writing and turath books, matching its characteristics as a pillar of Islamic excellence in the country. Touching on the issue of beliefs that are affecting the Islamic world in this day and age, I hope that the relevant parties would not look lightly on such an issue, as it could mislead and thus affect the national security and the religious harmony that we have enjoyed all this while. Such is the importance of reinforcing our beliefs. And such reinforcement will further strengthen our Ahli Sunnah Waljama'ah teachings, which have been ingrained within us. I am optimistic that the Ahli Sunnah Waljama'ah Understanding Studies Centre, KUPU SB, which has been set up two years ago, will be more meaningful if it remains consistent with various knowledge-based activities in aiding relevant government agencies in deepening the understanding of the teachings of Ahli Sunnah Waljama'ah. This centre, I am certain, can move further ahead. Nevertheless, refinement and development efforts alone would not suffice without the full implementation of existing laws. In that regard, the commitment and cooperation of all parties in tackling any issues of deviationism or the infiltration of beliefs that are not in the same "vein" as ours are absolutely needed. Lastly, I wish to record the highest congratulations and all the best in future endeavours to all the graduands receiving their certificates and diplomas today. I hope that the graduands will be able to contribute their knowledge to the development of religious teaching in the country, and thus to the development of Muslim development in general. I would also like to congratulate and thank the relevant parties at the Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College, particularly to the Chairman and Members of the University College Council, the Ra'es, leading officials, academic staff, administrative officers and all staff of the University College, for all their contributions and meritorious services.

May Allah the Almighty extend His Blessings, Guidance and Protection to the Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College.

Two hundred seventy five KUPU SD graduands received their degrees and diplomas at the third convocation. To launch the ceremony, His Majesty consented to pronounce the Titah of Chancellor's Authority.

His Majesty then consented to award degrees and diplomas to the 275 graduands. Fourteen received Master Degrees in Religious Teaching, 43 were awarded Post Graduate Diplomas in Religious Teaching, 64 other received Bachelor Degrees in Religious Teaching, 125 were awarded the Higher National Diploma in Religious Teaching, and 29 received diplomas in Shari'ah and Usuluddin studies. From the first convocation in the year 2011 until now, KUPU SB has produced 629 graduates in various programmes

The graduates' success in their paper chase is the result of hard work and resilience in the face of numerous challenges in the academic world. The success marks the beginning of their journey in the working world, especially in the field of religious teaching and in efforts to bring reforms that would contribute to the development of religion, people and the nation. The increase in the number of KUPU SB graduates is yet another success in producing religious teachers whose role would be to teach the young Bruneians to carry out their responsibilities together in preserving, stabilising and strengthening religious practices and understanding among the people of Brunei Darussalam.

The Seri Begawan Religious University College is an institution of higher learning that provides its students with knowledge and skills in religious teaching, relevant to the country's situation and needs. As a university college focusing on religious education, KUPU SB always strives to develop its academic programmes. Since its establishment in the year 2007, the university college is determined to become the country's National Centre of Higher Islamic Studies. KUPU SB has achieved encouraging progress and development that among other things include regional and international cooperation and relations. The University College is a member of the Consortium of Asia Pacific Education University and have signed Memorandums of Understanding with 18 universities that focus on improving the capacity and roles of universities in teaching and education. KUPU SB is also a member of the Asia-Pacific University Community Engagement Network that has a membership of more than 60 universities from 14 countries. Their focus is on cooperation networks among institutions involved in community services.

News courtesy of Radio Television Brunei
Photo courtesy of InfoFoto

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