Bandar Seri Begawan - One of Brunei Darussalam‘s prominent literary figures, Hj Ahmad Mohd Arshad, will be awarded with Berita Harian‘s Journalist Award this. January 12 in a ceremony held in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
The awards ceremony, to be held at the Armada Hotel, is organised by former journalists association of Berita Harian to show appreciation for journalists who have contributed to the development of literature in the Malay archipelago in their respective countries.
President of the Former Journalists Association of Berita Harian, Dr Alias Mohamed, was quoted from a report in Berita Harian saying that four leading journalists - Malaysian Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail, H Rosihan Anwar from Indonesia, Othman Wok of Singapore and Hi Ahmad Mohd Arshad of Brunei - will be presented with the awards for their contributions over the years.
Hj Ahmad Mohd Arshad, a former journalist with Pelita Brunei, has been contributing to the development of literature in Brunei since 1959 and so far has published a book of poetry and short stories and another book on the social development and achievements of Brunei.
His involvement in the media scene began with a post in the Information Department as a clerk, where he gradually rose to the ranks of editor and information officer.
In 1986, he moved to the Ministry of Education where he headed the public relations office. He retired in 1995. From there, he went on to hold a post as consultant for MIB concept at UBD under the Academy of Bruneian Studies. Hj Ahmad, 68, spends his days touching up on two more books with several other prominent writers, which focuses on the development of Brunei from 1959 to 1984.
Hj Ahmad said that he was both surprised and proud to be chosen for the award as the recognition of contributions in literature within the Malay Archipelago encompasses a wide range of countries and more experienced writers. Being one of the chosen one is a great honour and a huge recognition and reward for the development of literature here in Brunei, he added.
Source: www.brudirect.com (9 Januari 2008)
