KOTA MARUDU: The Kolej Kemahiran Islam Sabah (KKIS) at the USIA – AlBukhary Dakwah Training Centre in Kampung Marasinsim here has become a new education landscape in skills training in the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the establishment of the college was a commendable initiative that was timely and relevant to current needs.
“This college will certainly provide opportunities for many students from pondok institutions, tahfiz schools and Islamic educational institutions in Sabah to further their studies in skills-based fields. These tahfiz students already have a strong foundation in religion, Quranic memorisation and good moral values.
“However, in an increasingly challenging job market, they must also be equipped with technical skills so that they have broader education and career opportunities. We want to combine Islamic knowledge with technical and vocational skills so that graduates of pondok and tahfiz institutions not only possess religious knowledge, but also the skills required by industries and the job market.
“We want Sabah’s children, including graduates of pondok and tahfiz institutions, to have clear education and skills pathways and be able to adapt to technological developments, particularly in facing future challenges such as Artificial Intelligence or AI,” he said at the official opening of KKIS, at the USIA – AlBukhary Dakwah Training Centre in Kampung Marasinsim here on Tuesday.
His speech was delivered by Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Haji Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister wants the strategic collaboration between the United Sabah Islamic Association (USIA) and Institut Kemahiran Islam Darul Ridzuan (IKDAR) to be further strengthened.
“This is to ensure that KKIS can grow as a quality and competitive Islamic skills institution. We greatly appreciate the sharing of expertise, technology, experience and educational networks brought by IKDAR in the development of KKIS.
“This will certainly add value to the skills of Muslim youths so that they are not only well-grounded in religious knowledge but are also competitive in the job market. The State Government will support USIA and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in implementing good initiatives for the benefit of the people.
“I hope KKIS will continue to expand its skills programmes, strengthen industry collaboration and enhance mastery of AI and digital technology so that it can produce graduates who are strong in religious values, highly skilled and ready to face the future,” he said.
“Today, we can see for ourselves the results of that commitment, with this building now being put to good use and given a new lease of life through the establishment of KKIS. I hope this college will continue to serve as a centre for education, human capital development and the empowerment of the Muslim community in Sabah,” he said.-pr/BNN
