3 days ago
Over 16,000 Sabah Islamic Studies and Da'wah Institute grads in 46 years
Published on: Thursday, August 14, 2025
Published on: Thu, Aug 14, 2025 Text Size: Naim (right) witnessing Musa presenting the award to ALHassan. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Islamic Studies and Da'wah Institute (IPDAS) has produced 16,327 graduates since its establishment 46 years ago, reflecting its effectiveness as an institution that develops knowledgeable, ethical citizens devoted to religion and country. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Senator Datuk Setia Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, noted this achievement during IPDAS' 19th Convocation Ceremony on Monday, where 305 new graduates were celebrated. This year's graduates included 97 Diploma in Islamic Da'wah recipients, 28 Islamic Studies Certificate holders, 167 Malaysian Basic Islamic Studies Certificate graduates from the Kudat Campus and 13 from the Masjid Bandaraya campus here. Mohd Na'im said the graduation marks not an end but a beginning of greater responsibility. 'This convocation is not the end of the educational journey, but the start of advancing to higher levels, even up to PhD level,' he said. The ceremony was officiated by Head of State Tun Musa Aman, who presented the Anugerah Pingat Emas Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah to AlHassan Abdul, along with various other awards, diplomas and certificates to graduates. The institute traces its roots to 1979 as the Keningau Da'wah Training Centre for new converts, before being transferred from State to Federal Government control in 1984. Its development accelerated with the opening of new facilities in Kudat in 2004. Starting in 2024, IPDAS introduced a Contemporary Da'wah Diploma emphasising digital technology and multimedia skills, aligning with national aspirations to bridge traditional Islamic knowledge with modern learning. IPDAS graduates have been reminded to safeguard the State's good name and serve as role models for society. Musa said as religious ambassadors and inheritors of the dakwah mission, graduates carry the community's hopes and must practice noble character while sharing the knowledge gained during their studies. 'Let the character and knowledge acquired from IPDAS become a guiding light for society,' he said during his address at the convocation. 'Since its establishment 46 years ago, IPDAS has played an important role in promoting Islamic teachings throughout Sabah, producing quality preachers who are knowledgeable and of good character, now serving across the State. He said Sabah's ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity requires a gentle, wise and thoughtful approach to religious outreach, which aligns with IPDAS's founding principles. 'The institute has provided this foundation and understanding, producing preachers capable of serving the community with wisdom and discernment,' he added. He was satisfied with IPDAS' rapid development in both physical infrastructure and academic aspects, confident it would create a more comfortable and conducive campus environment. Musa reminded parents to continue supporting and guiding their children, emphasising that education is the most valuable investment benefiting both this world and the hereafter. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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