(Standing, from right) Mohd Arifin and USIA president Datuk Sapawi Ahmad observe a tahfiz student handling a drone simulator at the KKIS.

KOTA MARUDU (Sept 22): The Kolej Kemahiran Islam Sabah (KKIS) at the USIA-AlBukhary Dakwah Training Centre in Kampung Marasinsim here is hailed as a timely and relevant addition to educational skills-training landscape in the state.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor regarded the establishment of the college as a commendable initiative that was relevant to the current needs.

He added that the KKIS would certainly provide opportunities for many students from ‘pondok’ and ‘tahfiz’ schools – 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 the graduates from pondok and tahfiz institutions would not only possess religious knowledge, but also the skills required by industries and the job market.

“We want Sabah’s children, including those from 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 AI (artificial intelligence),” he said during the official opening of KKIS here in a speech read by State Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.

Adding on, Hajiji called for the strategic collaboration between United Sabah Islamic Association (USIA) and Institut Kemahiran Islam Darul Ridzuan (IKDAR) to be strengthened further.

“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 the USIA and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in implementing good initiatives for the benefit of the people.

“I also hope that KKIS would 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,” added Hajiji.

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