Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah reading his decree at Unissa on Wednesday, Aug 30. - BB
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network): Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has hailed the establishment of the Faculty of Agriculture at Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (Unissa) as a significant step towards enhancing agricultural practices, improving yields, and ensuring national nutrition.
He said there is potential that the initiative can financially uplift disadvantaged groups while aligning with the global ambition of achieving zero hunger as part of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The monarch who is the Chancellor of Unissa said this in a decree at the 13th Unissa Hafl Al-Takharruj (Convocation Ceremony) at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas on Wednesday (Aug 30).
The monarch also commended Unissa for its achievement of being the sole local university listed in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ranking 2023.
The accolade underscores Unissa’s commitment to the United Nations (UN) Agenda for SDGs and its adaptability to contemporary demands.
Furthermore, the sultan linked poverty to food security, recognising the vital role of nutritious sustenance in physical and mental health. The monarch envisioned a healthy populace as a valuable workforce contributing to the nation’s progress.
Unissa also plays a pivotal role in the collaborative effort to eradicate poverty within the nation. Through extensive research endeavours, the university has been identifying effective strategies to alleviate poverty, elevate living standards, and facilitate the transition of the affected population out of the shackles of poverty.
