Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) Acting Director Hajah Haireni binti Haji Damit expressing the importance of public participation, particularly from language, literature and culture enthusiasts, in creative writing contests, emphasised their role in fostering love and awareness for the Malay language, while strengthening cultural identity and supporting socio-cultural Malay studies.
She said this during a ceremony held by DBP to honour the winner of the 2021-2022 Novel Writing Contest Liyana binti Haji Julay and Semarak Hari Kebangsaan Poetry Writing Contest winners Dayangku Nur Fatihah binti Pengiran Haji Muhammad Lofti from Al-Falaah School Ban 5, Kampong Mulaut who secured first place in category ‘A’ and Muhd Hariz Al-Haq bin Nasrul Hakim from Hassanal Bolkiah Boys Arabic Secondary School who won first place in category ‘B’.
Guest of honour Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman presented cash prizes, plaques, certificates, as well as books and magazines published by DBP to the winners. The event also saw the launch of eight new books across various genres, showcasing the diversity of Brunei’s literary offerings.
Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the MCYS Dr Siti Nolkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah were present. – Fadley Faisal
