KUCHING: A total of 96 graduands of Institut Kemahiran Islam Malaysia Sarawak (IKMAS) were presented with their Diplomas In Islamic Studies and Preaching at the 15th IKMAS Convocation yesterday.
The graduands, who completed their three-year studies in Islamic Studies and Preaching, received the diplomas from the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud at a convocation ceremony held at Dewan Kompleks Islam Sarawak at Jalan P Ramlee here.
At the convocation ceremony, four graduands were presented with IKMAS excellence awards.
They were Anis A’Qilah Bt Ya’akup, who received the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Academic) Award, Hezret Harrani Bin Su’udi, who was presented with the Islamic Development Department Malaysia Department Director-General Award (Leadership), Nurul Tauyah Bt Yusuf, who received the Sarawak Islamic Council Award (Co-Curriculum) and Norsahira Bt Rasidi, who was presented with the IKMAS Award (Personality).
Since its establishment 16 years ago, IKMAS has produced 821 graduands comprising 358 males and 463 females.
Tun Taib said IKMAS had produced many graduands who contributed to the development of the state in various sectors.
He hoped IKMAS would take steps to expand in order to meet the manpower needs of the state’s economic and industrial development in future.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Major General (Rtd) Dato’ Seri Jamil Khir Bin Haji Baharom said IKMAS was mooted by Tun Taib.
He said Tun Taib had granted a 30-acre land at Telaga Air to build the IKMAS Complex when he was the Chief Minister.
As a higher learning institution, he said IKMAS provided training for SPM school leavers in Islamic studies at the diploma and certificate levels.
The convocation ceremony yesterday was also attended by the wife of the Head of State, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Ragad Kurdi Taib, Director General of Islamic Development Department Malaysia (JAKIM), Tan Sri Dato’Haji Othman Bin Mustapha, President of Sarawak Islamic Council, Datu Haji Misnu Taha and members of the Board of Directors of IKMAS.
