BY Adib Noor

A Doa Selamat ceremony to bless the start of construction for Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali’s (UNISSA) new campus was held at the building site in Kampong Piasau-Piasau, Temburong District on Wednesday.

The ceremony marked the beginning of the clearing of 50 hectares of primary rainforests in the district, including the safe relocation of flora and fauna on the site.

Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh attended as the guest of honour.

The initial construction will include the preparation of the main road network including street lightings, substations and electrical main stations, telecommunication network and landscaping works.

Managing Partner of Perunding Primareka Ching Chee Ming, who is a consultant for the new campus’ construction, said, “We will closely work together with the government to ensure the success of the project.”

It was shared that the project officially began on May 7 by Thong and Thong Sdn Bhd as the appointed contractor, involving earth and infrastructural works.

The project, expected to complete on May 6, 2024, covers a total area of 310 hectares with an estimated cost of BND33,976,353.19.

The university’s permanent campus construction project is included in the 11th National Development Plan (RKN11). The BND100 million project will feature a complete campus including a mosque, administration and academic buildings, auditorium, residential college, student centre, cafeteria, multipurpose hall and sports complex.

UNISSA, established in 2007, currently features seven faculties and five centres of academic excellence. Starting with 77 students in 2007, UNISSA now accepts 1,850 students who follow various study programmes from diplomas to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree.

With the construction of the new campus, it is hoped that the university will become a genuine Islamic university providing a landmark for Islamic teachings development, and become a hub for Islamic higher learning centre in the region.

Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the MoE Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin, UNISSA Rector Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, university chancellor, deputy permanent secretaries and senior officials at the MoE, acting Temburong District Officer, as well as UNISSA’s executive and principal officers also attended the event.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin