Lyna Mohamad
Religious teacher Nurzaidah binti Harun from Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School, Kampong Sungai Akar earned the top spot in the National Oratory Competition finals (PPKBD 2022), receiving a BND1,000 cash prize, trophy and certificate of participation at the Sarmayuda Hall of the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) in Jalan Pembangunan, Jalan Airport Lama Berakas on Saturday.
Meanwhile, in second place was Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali student Muslimah binti Mahadi, who won a BND800 cash prize, followed by Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) student Mohamad Hajib Sarhan bin Mohamad Harkani winning BND500 in third and Politeknik Brunei student Mohammad Ridzwan bin Ismail winning BND400 in fourth. The four finalists were selected from 12 participants in the preliminary round. All received plaques and certificates of participation.
Permanent Secretary (Community and Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari was the guest of honour.
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the MCYS Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah was also present.
The PPKBD 2022, held in conjunction with the 38th National Day celebration, was streamed live via the DBP’s social media and Zoom for the public.
The panel of judges for the finals included language researcher of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at UBD Dr Najib bin Moorashid, who evaluated on the language aspect; Youth and Sports Department Assistant Head Officer of Youth Dr Muhammad Nuriskandar bin Mohd Hasnan as the head judge, who evaluated on the ideas or contents; and former assistant director of Department of Schools Mohammad bin Rajab, who evaluated the technical aspect and presentation.
The competition was aimed at enlivening the 38th National Day celebration, while evoking a sense of love and patriotism for the country, widening and strengthening the knowledge, usage and mastery of the proper standard Malay, and building self-confidence and communication skills in public speaking.
