KUCHING: The Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, has emphasised that graduates of the Institut Kemahiran Islam Malaysia Sarawak (IKMAS) should not confine themselves solely to careers as imams, preachers or religious service officers, but instead be bold in exploring wider fields that align with the State’s emerging industries.

He noted that under the leadership Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, the State Government is actively developing sectors such as renewable energy, hydrogen, methanol, the digital economy and future technologies.

“Not all graduates will work in the syariah courts, mosques or religious institutions. You too must play a direct role in developing this State. IKMAS should broaden its academic scope so that its graduates can stand on equal footing with graduates from other institutions,” he said when officiating at the 21st IKMAS Convocation Ceremony here on Tuesday.

He also reminded that the study of Islamic knowledge should not be confined to ritual aspects alone, but must be integrated with worldly disciplines that benefit modern society.

Citing the legacy of early Muslim scholars, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi highlighted how they made significant contributions in science, medicine and technology, laying the foundations of global civilisation.

“Islamic scholars did not simply pray and wait for inspiration from the heavens. They worked tirelessly and produced great works and discoveries. IKMAS graduates must also strive to be on par with those from modern educational institutions,” he added.

He further underscored the importance of instilling noble values and good character in every graduate, so they may serve as role models for society and future generations.

Expressing hope for the future, he said the success of this year’s IKMAS graduates should mark the beginning of a more challenging journey, one that contributes to Sarawak’s spiritual, physical and intellectual growth.

Also present were the wife of the Sarawak Governor, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, 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 Hall and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Director-General of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Dato’ Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee, Sarawak Islamic Council President, Datuk Misnu Taha, Sarawak Mufti, Datu Kipli Yassin and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews