KKTSS USM HOSTS PENANG STATE-LEVEL QURAN RECITATION, MEMORISATION AND NASYID COMPETITION 1448H/2026M

NIBONG TEBAL, 11 November 2026 - The practice of tadabbur (reflection and deeper understanding) of the Quran should be emphasised in shaping a knowledgeable and morally grounded society, particularly amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, which increasingly influence human lives.

This was highlighted by Penang Deputy Chief Minister I, Dato' Dr. Mohamad Abdul Hamid, during the opening ceremony of the Penang State-Level Quran Recitation, Memorisation and Nasyid Competition 1448H/2026M, held at Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus (KKTSS).

He said that appreciation of the Quran should go beyond the beauty of recitation and memorisation, and must also involve efforts to understand its messages and guidance and apply them in daily life, within families and throughout society.

He added that technological advancement and academic excellence must go hand in hand with the development of good manners, honesty, integrity and strong moral values to ensure that knowledge and progress remain grounded in humanity.

“What is the value of technological advancement if people increasingly lose their sense of proper conduct, and what does academic excellence mean if knowledge fails to instil honesty and integrity? This is why we must return to Quranic education, which nurtures understanding, character and a sense of responsibility,” he said.

Organised by the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIPP), the event was also attended by KKTSS Campus Director, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, together with state government officials and representatives of relevant agencies.

Hosting the event provided KKTSS with an opportunity to bring together participants, university members and the local community through a state-level religious programme, reflecting the campus's role as a venue that supports knowledge-sharing, spiritual enrichment and community engagement beyond academic activities.

Themed “Madani Dihayati, Ummah Diberkati” (Embracing Madani Values, Blessing the Ummah), the programme featured 26 participants in the Quran recitation and memorisation categories, as well as six groups competing in the nasyid category.

The nasyid competition was also included in the programme for the second consecutive year.

The programme further supports the Penang State Islamic Development Agenda 2030 (API 2030), which encompasses five key pillars: socioeconomic development, education, family, youth, and dakwah (outreach) and tarbiah (spiritual and moral development).

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Photo: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman