BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

SCHOLARSHIP recipients under the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) left for Egypt yesterday in pursuit of further studies.

Family and friends joined by a number of MoRA personnel gathered at the Brunei International Airport, Berakas, to bid farewell to the 39 scholarship recipients prior to their flight in the evening.

Among the scholarship recipients was Muhammad Adi Adham Ramlan, a sixth form graduate from Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic Secondary School for Boys (SMALHB), who was also awarded for being the best student in the 2012/2013 academic session.

He is pursuing a four-year bachelor's degree in Syariah Islamiah at the Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt.

In an interview with The Brunei Times, the 18-year-old shared that strong determination to succeed was what secured the scholarship for him.

“I hope to make my country proud as well as to contribute back to society in a show of appreciation for the efforts of my parents in raising me,” said Muhammad Adi.

“InsyaAllah, I aim to work under the Ministry of Religious Affairs after completing my four years studies,” he added.

Meanwhile, Aqilah Hj Ayop, 20, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pursue a three-year degree in Takhassus Al-Quran Wal Qiraat from Maahad Qiraat Shoubra in Egypt.

Aqilah who graduated from Darul Quran JAKIM in Malaysia shared that part of her success was due to her self-discipline since she was a child.

“Throughout my studies in Malaysia from 2011 until 2014, I disciplined myself to wake up early to memorise the 30 Juzuk (chapters) of Al-Quran,” said Aqilah.

Islamic Studies Department Head of Human Resources Development and Scholarships Unit, Hajijah Hj Moktal said that the recipients of the scholarships all obtained the rank of mumtaz (first-class) in Brunei Religious Studies Higher Certificate (STPUB).

The department in a statement said that 14 male students and 25 female students will further their studies at the Al-Azhar University and Maahad Qiraat Shoubra in four-year degree courses such as Syariah Islamiah (Syariah Law) and Usuluddin (Islamic Studies).

The Brunei Times