Wan Junaidi presents an award to one of the IKMAS graduates on stage. -Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo
KUCHING (Aug 26): Institut Kemahiran Islam Malaysia Sarawak (IKMAS) must expand beyond its traditional religious training to equip graduates with skills for Sarawak’s emerging industries, said Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
Delivering his keynote address at the 21st IKMAS Convocation Ceremony today, Wan Junaidi called on the institution to broaden its academic offerings and collaborate with other higher learning institutions to ensure its graduates remain competitive and relevant.
“Are we only training graduates to become imams and religious officers? Why not also prepare them to be administrators, educators, researchers, entrepreneurs — even engineers — who carry Islamic values into every sector?” he said.
His speech text was shared with the local media through Astana Negeri Sarawak.
Wan Junaidi cited Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s push for new industries such as hydrogen, methanol, solar energy, algae-based biofuel and the digital economy, stressing that these sectors offered vast opportunities for youth, including IKMAS graduates, to contribute to Sarawak’s growth.
“Are we just waiting by the roadside while other buses pass by, with IKMAS just standing there with robes and turbans? IKMAS must get on board and contribute directly to the state’s progress,” he said.
He suggested the introduction of broader certificate-level programmes and partnerships with local and international universities to ensure IKMAS graduates could “stand shoulder to shoulder” with others in various industries.
On another matter, he also urged IKMAS to address negative behaviours among some religious students, including involvement in drug abuse, illegal racing, bullying and other misconduct.
Alluding to recent bullying cases outside Sarawak which have gone viral, he said such actions not only humiliate others but also cause serious injuries.
“As an Islamic institution, IKMAS should not only teach religious knowledge in theory but also emphasize practising values and morals to produce good, noble and respected Muslims,” he added.
Held at the Sarawak Islamic Complex hall, 94 graduates received their scrolls during the convocation ceremony.
Of the total, 65 graduated with a Diploma in Islamic Preaching (Diploma Dakwah Islamiah), six with a Diploma in Tahfiz al-Quran and al-Qiraat, while 23 received Certificates in Islamic Studies.
Several outstanding graduates were also honoured with special awards, including the Institut Kemahiran Islam Malaysia Sarawak Award, Sarawak Islamic Council Award, Director-General of Jakim Award and the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Award.
Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordination for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, and other dignitaries.
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