BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) has broadened its global academic footprint through a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and Agreements (MoA) with prominent foreign higher education institutions, marking another milestone in the university’s pursuit of academic excellence and international collaboration.
The signings on Thursday (Aug 21), held in conjunction with UNISSA’s 15th Hafl al-Takharruj at the Dewan Muzakarah, International Convention Centre, Berakas, were witnessed by UNISSA Rector Datuk Seri Setia Dr Norarfan Zainal.
MoUs were formalised with Innovative University College (IUC), Malaysia, and Universitas Madani Yogyakarta, Indonesia, while MoAs saw UNISSA’s faculties forging strategic collaborations with top regional universities.
Among the highlights, the Faculty of Islamic Development Management entered into an MoA with the Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), represented by Rector Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar. UNISSA’s Faculty of Islamic Economics and Finance also partnered with the Faculty of International Finance, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mohd Saffree Jeffree.
Another notable signing involved the Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre with Sunway University, represented by its President, Professor Sibrandes Poppema.
A key outcome of these collaborations will be the introduction of a Dual Bachelor’s Degree Programme with UMS and IIUM, allowing students to graduate with two academic qualifications from two universities across borders. The programme is set to commence in the 2025/2026 academic session.
The agreements underscore UNISSA’s strategy to strengthen curriculum development, research, publications, student exchanges and community engagement, while also equipping students with leadership skills and global exposure.
With these partnerships, UNISSA students will gain new opportunities to expand career prospects and contribute to Brunei’s vision of producing future-ready graduates capable of driving change on both regional and international stages. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
