Bandar Seri Begawan - Cooperation in Islamic education currently enjoyed between Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) reached another milestone as both institutions embarked on a project called "Gaharu in Islamic Science.

In his welcoming address during the farewell ceremony with the guest speaker of the "Gaharu Wood and Islamic Medicine" public lecture at the Tarindak D'Polo in Jerudong last night, Dr Abdul Nasir bin Haji Abdul Rani, Director of Post-Graduate and Research Centre said that as an initial step, UNISSA has chosen "gaharu" as a subject of research which is seen as a potential to be used as an alternative medicine based on bio "Halalan Tayyiban".

"This project will be done through the establishment of cooperation with Universiti Teknologi IVIARA. After holding brief discussions in the past couple of days, both parties have agreed to name the project "Gaharu in Islamic Science".

Realising the underdevelopment of the phenomenon, UNISSA as an Islamic university will continue with its efforts to avoid neglecting knowledge-led disciplines, which can provide benefits to all people including those in the field of medicine to be studied from an Islamic perspective.

After referring to several passages of Hadith with regards to gaharu nutrients, both parties have agreed to focus on a study based on two aspects of research which will be concurrently run namely lipase enzyme inhibition for the control of obesity and preservation of anti-fever in Aquilaria spp.

In addition, a segregation of research tasks have also been agreed upon, whereby UNISSA will conduct a study based on theoretical aspect in the approach of Islamic medicine while UiTM will be responsible for the technical and development aspect of the product.

Towards this, Dr Abdul Nasir said that a comprehensive research proposal is currently in the pipeline. Researchers who acquire the expertise in the respective fields will be identified to provide input required to realise the success of the research. Several discussions between researchers from both UNISSA and UiTM will be held to monitor the progress of the research.

He also said that planning is a big challenge for both institutions. "Our great hope is that the noble efforts of both UNISSA and UiTM will get solid support from all parties concerned from a variety of aspects," the director added.

The guest of honour at the ceremony was Dr Haji Serbini bin Haji Matahir/ Md Tahir, the Rector of UNISSA, who later presented a certificate of appreciation to the invited expert from Malaysia, Prof Dr Ku Halim bin Ku Hamid as well as other guests under the expert's tutelage.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin