Bandar Seri Begawan - Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College emerged as the overall champion in both male and female categories at the 23rd Al-Quran Reading Competition finals for secondary schools and colleges throughout the country at Sultan Sharif Ali Secondary School yesterday.
Champions Muhammad Irfan bin Hj Abd Rahman and Siti Nurnabillah Hj Abd Rahman defeated four other contestants by collecting 91.75 and 90.5 points in their respective category.
Second place in the male category went to Rajali bin Hj Aji of SMPIHM, Serasa (82.75 points) and third place went to Mohammad Nasrul Amirun bin Hj Hasim of SM Sayyidina Othman, Tutong (82.75 points).
Meanwhile, in the female category, second and third places went to Maizurah bte Pehin Khatib Hj Matassan of SM Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Mentiri (86.5 points) and Yumni Haziqah bte Mohammad of SM Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab, (85.5 points). The event also saw trophies being presented to the champions by the guest of honour Dyg Hjh Norjum bte Hj Yusop, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Corporate Services) Ministry of Education. Winners also received prizes and certificates.
Also present at the event were students of the school and teachers.
In the guest of honour‘s speech, she hoped that the competition would produce a positive impact on the quality of al-Quran reading among school and college students nationwide.
The competition, organised annually by the Ministry of Education, was aimed at encouraging students to read the Quran as part of the Islamic way of life, while at the same time enhance and upgrade the quality of al-Quran reading. In addition, it is also to give students confidence to participate in high-level al-Quran reading competitions, as well as to strengthen and foster closer relationship among the participating students.
Dyg Hjh Norjum also congratulated and expressed her gratitude to Sultan SharifAli Secondary School for hosting the event.
According to Hjh Zaliha bte Hj Dollah, Principal of Sultan Sharif Ali Secondary School who is also the chairperson of the event: A total of 21 boys and 16 girls from throughout the country took part in the preliminary round of the competition. Only five boys and five girls competed in the finals yesterday."
She also extended her appreciation to the guest of honour and members of the organising committee for the success and smooth running of the event.
A Zikir presentation was also held by Sultan Sharif Ali Secondary School students.
Source: www.brudirect.com (6 September 2007)