ISDEV MONTHLY MEET - ANOTHER PLATFORM TO INTERACT

A picture fit to frame - ISDEV lecturers with UNISSA lecturers and students.

It is part of ISDEV tradition to hold a monthly meet between ISDEV lecturers and all ISDEV students on one Friday every month. Such meet allows ISDEV lecturers to keep abreast of students' progress as well as providing the platform for interactions between lecturers and students as well as among the students themselves, both RISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Research) and MISDEV (ISDEV Postgraduate by Mixed-Mode) students. Usually in such a meet, there will be two important programme - Tarbiyyah Pengarah ISDEV and the Monthly Graduate Supervision.

The gatherings of ISDEV members at DK A.

Tarbiyyah Pengarah ISDEV is a special slot for ISDEV Director, Professor Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh to address ISDEV fraternity, including ISDEV staff. In this slot he shares his thoughts and concerns of the heart with ISDEV members. In the meantime, Monthly Graduate Supervision creates the platform for ISDEV students to learn more about the intricacies of postgraduate studies as a researcher at the postgraduate level. One ISDEV lecturer will be assigned to deliver a lecture on one aspect of conducting research and thesis writing.

Just us men - ISDEV lecturers and students with the six postgraduate students from UNISSA.

This month's meet took place on a blessed Friday 15 July 2016 at Dewan Kuliah A, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). However this month's meet was special because there were the lecturers and postgraduate students from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam who attended this month's meet.

Dr Fadzila Azni touching on Thesis Jargon.

Similar to the setting in June, the programme of the day started with Monthly Graduate Supervision which saw ISDEV Deputy Director, Dr Fadzila Azni Ahmad, delivering on "Thesis Jargon" to ISDEV students.Her lecture was focus on specific words that are used and referred to in thesis writing. She encouraged ISDEV students to be critical in using certain terms when writing their theses reminding them of the need for the accuracy and precision of the terms being used.

A RISDEV student sharing her information on an article regarding a term used in thesis writing.

As usual ISDEV students took the opportunity during the question and answer session to ask question for further clarification as well as share with the others their views and understanding on some of the usual terms they had referred to in their theses. Even UNISSA postgraduate students took the opportunity to ask some questions on this topic.

Prof Syukri - his voice faltered once in a while detecting his strong emotional attachment to UNISSA in its strive for excellence for the sake of Islam.

The end of the Monthly Graduate Supervision signified Prof Syukri's slot to begin with the Tarbiyyah Pengarah ISDEV. Prof Syukri deliberately chose on "Why Brunei?" in this month's address to acknowledge the presence of delegates from UNISSA as well as to reinforce the strong ukhuwwah that has been built between these two institutions. In the Tarbiyyah, he provided a historical journey of how ISDEV was introduced to Brunei Darussalam which later led to the forging of ties with UNISSA. The common denominator that is shared by both ISDEV and UNISSA, that is, the love of and for Islam and to see to its glory at all times. This coupled with the willingness of both institutions to work hard to bring to reality the aspirations of bringing Islam to its rightful place has provided the catalyst in cementing the ties between these two institutions.

Dr Hajah Rasinah answering the question posed by Prof Syukri - Why ISDEV?

Prof Syukri then took the opportunity to invite Dr Siti Sara and Dr Hajah Rasinah, both are lecturers from UNISSA, to share with all those present that day the reasons for UNISSA to commit with ISDEV. Dr Siti Sara used the opportunity to express her surprise as to the willingness of ISDEV lecturers to share their knowledge and expertise. The seriousness of Prof Syukri mixed with the amiability of Assoc Prof Dr Zakaria whenever they meet to bring forward the agenda of the day to reality has provided the impetus for this mutual bonding. Dr Hajah Rasinah on the other hand, shared a personal emotional aspect of this strong linkage stating that is was in all probability owed to her beloved late father who was an Alumni of USM.

An appetizing lunch is usually provided at the end of the monthly meet. Puan Marzizah (2nd from left) enjoying her food while chatting and being friendly with UNISSA lecturers Dr Hajah Rasinah (left).

As the month of Syawal lingers on during this month's meet, ISDEV seized the moment to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with all those present. Lemang, nasi impit, kuah kacang, serunding and Hari Raya cookies and cakes were offered that day for lunch. After a rigorous morning feeding the intellect, ISDEV members and guests from UNISSA had a great time filling in their gastronomical needs with the delectable spread offered.

Patiently queuing up for the Hari Raya meal  from the banquet table.

ISDEV wishes all 'Kullu 'Aam Wa Antum Bi-Khair' .