KENINGAU: Graduates of the Sabah Institute of Islamic Studies and Da’wah (IPDAS) have been urged to utilise the knowledge and skills they have acquired to contribute to the development of society, religion, the nation and country.
Sabah’s Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun (Dr) Musa Aman said completing their studies was not merely an academic achievement, but also a responsibility that should be translated into service and contributions to society.
He also urged the graduates to continue serving their parents and families, while becoming catalysts for future generations to strive with greater discipline, perseverance and confidence in pursuing excellence.
He said developing human capital rooted in Islamic studies is important to producing a knowledgeable generation with commendable morals and a strong sense of identity.
“With a strong foundation of knowledge, commendable morals and a strong sense of identity, In Shaa ALLAH (God Willing), we will be able to produce a new generation that is not only excellent but also capable of making meaningful contributions to religion, the nation and country,” he said.
Tun Musa said this when officiating the 20th IPDAS Convocation Ceremony 2026 at Dewan Tun Sakaran, IPDAS, here, on Tuesday.
A total of 338 graduates received their respective diplomas and certificates at the convocation, comprising 114 graduates of the Diploma in Islamic Da’wah (DDI), 28 graduates of the Certificate in Islamic Studies (SPI), 170 graduates of the Basic Islamic Certification Programme (PPAI) at the Kudat Campus, seven graduates of the Malaysian Basic Certificate in Islamic Studies (SAPIM) at Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, and 19 graduates of the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM).
Tun Musa also expressed hope that IPDAS would continue to strengthen its role as a reputable Islamic educational institution in Sabah, particularly in empowering knowledge-based, wise and tolerant da’wah practices in line with the needs of the state’s diverse society.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Federal Government for its continued commitment to improving educational facilities in Sabah, as well as the State Government for providing various forms of financial assistance to Sabah’s children, particularly IPDAS students.
Since its establishment in 1979, IPDAS has produced 16,665 graduates, who are now contributing in various fields, including Islamic affairs management, education, da’wah, agriculture and entrepreneurship throughout Sabah.
Some IPDAS graduates are currently serving as Islamic Affairs Officers with the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), lecturers, supervisors and teachers under the Al-Quran and Fardu Ain Classes (KAFA), da’wah activists, as well as with Islamic non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Sabah.
The ceremony also saw the presentation of several excellence awards, including the Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s Gold Medal Award, Sabah Chief Minister’s Award, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Award, JAKIM Director-General’s Award, MUIS President’s Award and IPDAS Alumni Award.
Also present were Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif and Jakim Director-General Dato’ Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, who represented Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan, as well as senior government officials and distinguished guests from various agencies.
