BY JACINTHA JOLENE & ELEAZAR BARRICK PETER
KUCHING: Sixty-four graduands of Institut Kemahiran Islam Malaysia Sarawak (IKMAS) received their diplomas and certificates at the institute’s 19th convocation ceremony yesterday (Sept 19).
Fifty-five completed their studies in Diploma in Dakwah Islammiyah and the rest obtained their Certificate in Islamic Studies.
They received their scrolls from Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
Four of the graduands received the IKMAS excellence awards.
They were Fauziah Rasid who received the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Academic) Award; Azzimizee Din – Islamic Development Department Malaysia Director-General Award (Leadership); Aziah Umairah Abdul Rahman – Sarawak Islamic Council (Co-Curriculum) Award; and Izzudin Muhammad Hazman – IKMAS Award (Personality).
Since its establishment, IKMAS has produced 1,421 graduates who are now in various career fields.
“I believe the graduates are more mature and confident in their identity, have mastered the knowledge that they acquired, are skilled in communication, possess critical and innovative thinking, entrepreneurial mindset, display exemplary character, and are capable of becoming future community leaders,” Mohd Na’im said.
He urged the graduates to serve and educate the community in moral values, etiquette, and wisdom.
“IKMAS graduates need to always be a bridge that strengthens unity and harmony in society, especially in Sarawak.
“At the same time, graduates should always practise moderation in all matters and be guided by the values of knowledge and facts.
“Do not be extreme and excessive when interacting with the community, as it may lead to division.
“I hope IKMAS graduates will become ambassadors in unifying the community with love, warmth, and mercy,” he added.
At the same time, he stressed the importance of mastering English, other than Malay and Arabic languages, which could be an added value to a candidate while looking for jobs.
“We want to elevate IKMAS to an international level, so mastering languages in the context of enhancing professionalism is important,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were Jakim director-general Datuk Hakimah Yusoff, Sarawak Islamic Council president Datuk Misnu Taha, Sarawak Mufti Datuk Kipli Yasin, IKMAS director Hanifuddin Roslan and Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching Raden Sigit Witjaksono.
