e-Risalah Jan-Mac 2024

T he Sabah State Government has formed a strategic partnership with USIM to provide sponsorship for Sabah state students to undertake an exclusive three-year Turath studies program at USIM. This partnership was announced by the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who stated that this initiative is part of the efforts to increase the participation of Sabah’s youth in deepening their understanding of Turath knowledge. Named the Sabah Turath Ambassador@USIM program, this initiative is an exclusive offer for Sabah’s youth wishing to continue their studies at USIM. “I see this initiative as a very important step in enriching the understanding of Turath knowledge among our young generation,” said Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor during the inauguration of the Sabah International Turath Symposium, Malaysia 2024 at the Sutera Harbour Hotel, Kota Kinabalu on March 7th recently. The speech was read by the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Datuk Dr. Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif. “I hope that students who successfully complete this program will become scholars capable of playing an important role in the empowerment of Islamic Turath in the state of Sabah after completing their studies,” he added. Moreover, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor also urged the Muslim community in Sabah to improve themselves through learning knowledge, skills, and attitude changes that lead to self-empowerment and community development. “We need to strengthen our understanding of Islam and apply the values contained in Turath knowledge to produce a dynamic and innovative generation,” he said. Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor hopes that this program will provide benefits and useful knowledge to the Muslim community in the Land Below the Wind. “With this program, we can discuss more deeply about the framework of Turath book reading so that its contents can be utilized optimally. Understanding and applying Turath knowledge is important in strengthening faith and religious understanding among Muslims,” he said. The Sabah International Turath Symposium 2024 aims to dignify Islamic Turath books and highlight their importance in the context of the contemporary Islamic world. HarmoniousMalaysia Lecture Series: Enhancing Appreciation for National Harmony The Sabah State Government Sponsors Youth to Pursue Turath Studies at USIM T he organization of the Harmonious Malaysia Lecture Series 1 in 2024 marks the beginning of efforts to propel USIM as an inclusive and relevant higher education institution for all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion. The lecture, delivered by the Honorable Senator Dato’ Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Na’im Haji Mokhar, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Religious Affairs), held at the USIM Senate Hall, focuses on building a patriotic and democratic society through a deep understanding of the Federal Constitution and the National Principles (Rukun Negara), as well as strengthening the ecosystem of unity and harmony. The first lecture was attended by 120 participants from diverse backgrounds, providing a platform for the exchange of knowledge among leaders, academics, and the general public on the importance of harmonious living in a society with diverse ethnicities, traditions, and religions. Associate Professor Dr. Nik Salida Suhaila Nik Saleh, Dean of the Faculty of Shariah and Law (FSU), stated that the organization of this program is one of FSU’s initiatives to strengthen knowledge related to legislation and Shariah in the context of well-being, aligning with the agenda to develop Malaysia MADANI. “In line with the six core values of MADANI, which are embodied as a closely integrated framework and philosophy, the Faculty of Shariah and Law (FSU) also plays a role as a catalyst for the construction of a harmonious nation in the context of legislation and Shariah.” She added that MADANI is inspired by the concept of readiness for change, taking into account the suggestions of all segments of society with the desire for substantive reform for a more advanced and prosperous Malaysia. Malaysia MADANI represents six principles: M (Sustainability), A (Welfare), D (Innovation), A (Respect), N (Confidence), and I (Excellence), which serve as pillars in shaping Malaysia’s direction towards an advanced and prosperous nation. Furthermore, she stated that the objective of organizing the Harmonious Malaysia Lecture Series 1 in 2024 is to foster strategic relationships and knowledge sharing between guest speakers, academics, and USIM postgraduate students. This initiative also aligns with the Ministry of Higher Education and the Malaysian Government’s call for well-being in line with the construction of the MADANI nation. CampusNews 033