An educator is a noble, loved and respected individual who is placed highly in Islam.

Those who have been accepted to pursue higher education at the Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (KUPU SB) should therefore seize every opportunity to equip themselves with all sorts of knowledge and skills.

This was stated by Hj Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Hj Mohd Yusof, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs who was guest of honour at the launch of the 5th Orientation Week for the 2011/2012 Intake of KUPU SB yesterday, held on campus at the university college.

“You are the hope of the society and the nation, as you will be responsible for shaping the leadership and development of the country upon completion of your studies at this university,” he told an audience of newly enrolled students.

In reference to the progressive and constantly evolving national education system, Hj Abdul Aziz advised the students to constantly strive towards increasing their competencies and abilities from time to time, and to seize opportunities as they build their teaching and learning experience at the university college with maximum effort, high dedication and punctuality in order to overcome the challenges that may arise.

“You should also have a strong mentality and a creative and dynamic way of thinking, and always be on the hunt for new ideas and changes in order to contribute to the development of the nation,” he added.

Yesterday’s event was attended by 220 students, of whom 19 will be undergoing a first degree programme in Usuluddin and 70 will pursue a first degree in Syariah.

Of the remaining 131 students, 48 registered for postgraduate diploma programmes and 83 for higher diploma in Usuluddin and Syariah.

According to Ustazah Hjh Norwati binti Hj Abu Bakar, Dean of Student Affairs at KUPU SB and chairwoman of the event’s organising committee, the weeklong orientation will feature several academic, spiritual, recreational and sporting programmes aimed at maximising the students’ potentials, while at the same time preparing them for the transition towards student life.