KUCHING – Graduates of the Institut Kemahiran Islam Malaysia Sarawak (IKMAS) were encouraged to pursue careers beyond traditional religious roles and engage directly with the state’s burgeoning industrial sectors.
The call was made by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar during the institute’s 21st convocation ceremony on Tuesday.
He emphasized that the state government, under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, is actively advancing new economic areas such as renewable energy, hydrogen production, methanol, and the digital economy.
The Governor stated that graduates should seek opportunities in these fields to contribute to Sarawak’s development, rather than limiting their prospects to positions within religious institutions.
Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi also urged IKMAS to expand its academic offerings to ensure its graduates are competitive with those from other institutions.
He reflected on the historical contributions of Islamic scholars to science, medicine, and technology, arguing that religious education should integrate worldly knowledge to benefit modern society.
The importance of cultivating strong moral character and serving as community role models was also highlighted for the graduating cohort.
The ceremony was attended by the Governor’s wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, along with federal and state officials, including the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr. Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
