Azlan Othman

Education is a lifelong investment that is indefinite and immeasurable, said His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

In delivering his titah as the Chancellor of Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) at the International Convention Centre yesterday, the monarch said, “Numbers cannot be used to limit investment in knowledge. It would be wrong to restrict education, due to fear of no jobs or an increase in unemployment.

“Education is definitely an investment, while career or employment is a separate investment. Both are equally important, but investing in education takes precedence. Employment may happen later, but education cannot be delayed.

“Such is the importance of education. As stated in Verses four and five of Surah Al-‘Alaq, Allah the Almighty teaches man by means of the pen, what he knows not.”

Around 259 students graduated from KUPU SB yesterday with PhDs, Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees, Higher Diplomas and Diplomas in religious teaching.

The monarch commended KUPU SB for continuously strengthening its academic programmes and enhancing character development among students through co-curriculum activities. “In this regard, I wish to remind all institutions of higher education to work together in encouraging academic activity that is beneficial for the nation,” said His Majesty.

“I once mentioned Jawi writing, which in my opinion, should not be entrusted solely to KUPU SB, since it is everyone’s responsibility. For isn’t Jawi writing equal to language, which forms the soul and identity of a nation? Since it is our joint property, then all parties, particularly institutions of higher education, should join forces and work together in upholding this heritage. Based on this rationale, I have given my consent for the establishment of a Jawi Studies Centre.

“I also mentioned on the need for Islamic history to be included as a side subject, alongside the current subjects being taught at schools and institutes of higher education in the country. I am pleased to note that KUPU SB has organised a seminar on this topic. It illustrates the beauty of Islamic history that corresponds to the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) concept and a Zikir Nation.

“As to our obligation towards religion and the nation, I wish to remind that we should think and act as true Bruneians, and not otherwise.”

Earlier, the monarch described teaching as a noble career that produces professional human capital in various fields.

“Teachers are conduits of learning, while education is the most crucial asset in nation-building. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of teachers to pass down knowledge to the people of this country,” said His Majesty.

“Those receiving this legacy should put it to use and improve on it. To put to use here means to learn and practise, while to improve on means to teach and distribute. This should be constant, without any interruptions.

“Any interruption would lead to a loss of investment.”

His Majesty concluded the titah by congratulating and expressing his gratitude to the KUPU SB workforce, including the chairperson and university college membership, Ra’es, senate, core officers, academicians and staff members, for their services and contributions.