Muhammad Iqbaal Syakib bin Haji Suhib’s Menanai Kedaulatan Negara Melalui Penghayatan Sejarah captivated judges at the 4th Historical Oratory Competition, earning him the overall championship and first place in category ‘A’.
In the finals, Muhammad Iqbaal Syakib secured first place in category ‘A’ with a score of 84.60 per cent.
Nurkhairah Afiqah binti Metamit took second place with 81.35 per cent followed by Muhd Syahir Aqil bin Haji Muhd Saiful Nurrizam with 71.50 per cent.
Dayangku Nurul Farah binti Pengiran Noor Rumaizi won category ‘B’ with 75 per cent while Mohd Khairul A’fifi bin Abu Hanafiah (74.85 per cent) and Muhammad Adam Ramadhani bin Alif Akhari (71.50 per cent) placed second and third.
The competition finals for the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports trophy took place at the Brunei History Centre (PSB) in Bandar Seri Begawan with Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan as the guest of honour.
Acting Principal of the PSB Mohammad Faisal bin Haji Mat Salleh delivered welcoming remarks emphasising that the centre has been actively working to introduce and expand the PSB as a centre of excellence for history and Brunei monarchy.
They have implemented various initiatives to increase enthusiasm and awareness among the public about the importance of national history.
To ensure that the country’s history continues to be preserved, maintained, strengthened, and expanded in the face of globalisation, the centre has been developing strategic plans and new approaches.
One such initiative is the historical oratory competition, which aims to promote national history to all levels of society, especially among the youth. Through this competition, participants can enhance their knowledge of the country’s history and develop skills in evaluating and interpreting historical sources.
The competition also makes history more engaging and interesting, fostering a generation of young people who appreciate the value of history as a symbol of their country’s identity.
Winners in both categories received cash, trophies, participating certificates and sponsored prizes. The 10 finalists qualified after competing in preliminary rounds in July. Participants presented insightful views and comments based on historical research and study, connecting the general public with the nation’s history.
By fostering knowledge, learning, and appreciation of Brunei’s history, this competition aims to instil a sense of loyalty and love for the monarch, religion, nation and country among the youth. The panel of judges were Dr Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos, Dr Siti Badriyah binti Haji Mohd Yusof, Haji Rosli @ Ismail bin Haji Ampal and Mohammed Zefri Ariff bin Mohammed Zain Ariff. – Lyna Mohamad
