Bandar Seri Begawan - Bruneian students studying abroad nowadays have continued to create waves of surprises by coming out top in their examinations - the latest one being 21-year-old Mohd Fikri Hj Sharbini who graduated with flying colours topping the graduate list of Darul Quran in academics at the 18th Darul Quran Convocation Ceremony last month.

It was held at the Dewan Muktamar Darul Quran, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor in Malaysia. The other four Bruneian students who studied under the Brunei Government (Ministry of Religious Affairs) scholarship all came second, third, fourth and fifth respectively in academics out of over 400 students who graduated this year.

The five graduates who made their nation proud were the first batch of Bruneian students studying at the Darul Quran in Selangor.

Mohd Fikri and the other four students will pursue their studies at Mahad Qiraat Shoubra, University Al-Azhar in Egypt.

Another 26 students are currently studying at Darul Quran, an institution meant to produce graduates in academic excellence with added religious values.

In an interview after his graduation, Mohd Fikri said he won two prizes - excellence in the diploma course and excellence in overall academics.

He said he was very happy in coming out top and he would never forget Darul Quran where he has lots of sweet memories.

Mohd Fikri, who has four other siblings, hails from Kuala Belait, commenced his primary education at St John's School in KB before he continued his studies at Mahad Islam Brunei in Tutong for two years.

After finishing his primary education, he continued his studies for six years at Instifut Tahfiz AlQuran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Bandar Seri Begawan.

After completion of his '0' level equivalent, he obtained a Ministry of Religious Affairs scholarship to pursue his studies in Diploma Tahfiz Al-Quran Wal-Qiraat.

The 18th convocation ceremony of Darul Quran was officiated by a minister in the Malaysian Prime Minister's Office, Senator Major General (Rtd) Dato' Jamil Khir bin Baharom.

It was attended by Director General of Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) Dato' Hj Wan Mohamad bin Dato' Syeikh Abd Aziz, Board of Directors of Darul Quran, directors of sections at JAKIM and government officers in Kuala Kubu Bharu.

During the convocation, 288 graduates received Diplomas in Tahfiz al-Quran while another 104 received their certificates in Tahfiz al-Quran.

Another 28 received their Advanced Certificates in Tarannum Al-Quran while 18 graduates with eyesight problem received their Certificates in Tahfiz Al-Quran, the first time in the history of the institution.

In his speech, the chief guest congratulated all the graduates and hoped they will continue to memorise the al-Quran even though they have completed their studies at the institution.

He also called on the graduates to face the challenges of the world and pursue other areas of knowledge and skills so they could become near perfect human beings.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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