Rokiah Mahmud
I-Ready officer from the State Judiciary Department Muhammad Iqbaal Syakib bin Haji Suhib emerged as champion at the National Speech Competition held yesterday at the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP).
With an overall mark of 93.5 per cent, Muhammad Iqbal Syakib defeated four other contestants and received a BND800 cash prize.
Second place went to Seri Nur Wafiqah binti Seri Asnola from Universiti Brunei Darussalam with a mark of 88 per cent and she received BND600 in cash prize.
In third place was Muslimah binti Mahadi from Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) with 87.5 per cent and received BND400. The fourth and fifth places received BND200. All participants received plaques, certificates and books published by the DBP.
Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh presented the prizes to the winners.
The National Speech Competition was organised in conjunction with the 39th National Day.
DBP Acting Director Suip bin Haji Abdul Wahab, as chairman of the competition, said efforts by the department in empowering the Malay language continue to be made through various activities that enhance the participation of all levels of society, especially among youth.
He added that one of the strategic initiatives is through the National Speech Competition. He believes proficiency in the Malay language through the art of speech plays a significant role as the language of knowledge expression. The competition aimed to cultivate a sense of patriotism; expand and strengthen knowledge, usage, proficiency of the Malay language; build self-confidence and communication skills; and encourage youth to stimulate ideas and express their views.
