JOHOR BARU: The upgrading of Kolej Pengajian Islam Johor (Marsah) to Kolej Universiti Islam Johor is expected to boost skills in Islamic-related industries, says Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad.

       He added that the upgrade is expected to begin by the middle of this year and will emphasise five core industries on which graduates of the Islamic university may focus.

       "We are hoping to see more innovations in the local halal industries, a development based on the Quran and Sunnah, religious preaching and teachings of Islam, Islamic family and household institution matters, and wakaf (endowment).

       "That is why we are looking forward to upgrading Marsah into Kolej Universiti Islam Johor this year," he said in his speech at the 20th Marsah convocation ceremony at Pusat Islam Iskandar here on Thursday (Jan 13).

       He added that this is in line with the state government’s plan to produce more skilled graduates.

       "This will strengthen our Islamic teachings, aside from making them internationally recognised.

       "It will also open doors to academic cooperation, the sharing of information with other institutions inside and outside the country," he said, adding that the university will also be a centre for Arabic language studies with the cooperation of Universiti Al-Azhar in Cairo, Egypt.

       Hasni said that aside from Middle Eastern countries, the international relations programme will also involve countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia.