Daniel Lim
Nur Amanina @ Siti Hawa binti Haji Ariffin from Ma’had Islam Brunei, Tutong was crowned the champion of the second season of Women in Science (WIS) competition organised by Seria Energy Lab (SEL).
Over 80 female participants from schools nationwide participated in the competition, theme related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education or sustainable development goals (SDG).
The competition aimed to encourage more female students to pursue STEM education while fostering 21st Century skills beneficial in the future.
Participants engaged in development workshops such as science communication, entrepreneurship, leadership and proposal writing; and took part in Race to Solution challenges. Nur Amanina impressed the judges with her innovative project titled ‘Skill Enhancement and Entrepreneurship Development (SEED) Programme’ – aimed to create public awareness on addressing youth unemployment within the school community.
Nur Amanina and her group were supervised by teacher Hajah Muizzah binti Haji Mohd Nor.
Despite restrictions and health measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, her project was executed successfully through virtual awareness talks, upskilling workshops and entrepreneurship week; as well as collaborations with Big BWN Project, Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team (BruCERT), Foodelico and Dainty Hands & Co.
“I want to help youth in Brunei to achieve their entrepreneurship goals and prepare for their future ahead, and Big Bwn Project is my inspiration as it has similar concepts,” Nur Amanina said.
“I feel a boost in self-esteem, and it motivates me to inspire girls out there that even if we’re not truly sure with ourselves, we can prove that we can go beyond expectations”.
Nur Amanina was also appointed the new ambassador for SEL, which the centre hopes will inspire and encourage other aspiring scientists and innovators.
Project Manager of Women in Science 2021, Nurul Fathien binti Mohd Amirul Hamdie said, “From day one, it was clear that the team from Ma’had Islam Brunei were strong contenders.
“They asked clever questions and took extra measures to ensure their project proposal was written excellently. Out of the dynamic, Amanina stood out and proved to us that she has what it takes to be in the top three.
“Unfortunately, during the execution months, our nation was faced with the second wave of the COVID-19 and we were advised strongly to stay home and follow the health measures set by the MoH.
“It did not stop Nur Amanina and her group to progress through the adversity. They managed to execute the SEED programme outstandingly using the means of technology creatively.”
The season 3 of the competition is now open for registration.
