Syair Competition to Save National Heritage

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam - Brunei Darussalam's inherited poetry, which encompasses the MIB (Malay Islamic Monarchy) philosophy, is one of the main gateways for one to be closer to the country's beloved ruler.

However, with the advancement of globalisation, this heritage is slowly being forgotten as Bruneians lack the understanding of what is known as "Syair" as well as what it means to be living in a country that was built on "Melayu, Islam, Beraja" (MIB).

This was stated by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pg Anak Hj Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pg Hj Abu Bakar, the Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara, in his sabda as guest of honour during the final of the State Constitution 1959 Poetry Competition for Secondary Schools and Sixth Form Students.

The event took place at the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club in Jerudong.

Yang Amat Mulia expressed his hope that those who have the knowledge in this field "will maintain this heritage and national identity".

He advised that upholding this culture and tradition should not just be in the forms of documentation "but also through reading, recognising and researching" the works of Brunei's legacy.

The competition is one of the important strategies towards exposing students to the knowledge and skills for poetry as it also presents them with the opportunity to focus their thoughts on what has been written in the country's constitution.

The event, which has previously been organised on numerous occasions, is open to all government and private secondary schools and sixth form centres throughout the country, and is divided into two categories - Sixth Form Centres and Secondary Schools.

In yesterday's event, each category allowed only one competitor front each school, who was given the opportunity to choose one of Four categories of Syair, namely "Irama Tambang, Begawan", "'Irama Tambang Si Mercu Gaining", "Irama Tambang Siti Zubaidah", or "Irama Tambang Beranyut".

The qualifying round, which was held on November 22-23, saw the participation of five Sixth Form students and 21 secondary school students.

Three students from each category - six in all - advanced to the finals. All six were awarded prizes at the end of the competition.

In the sixth form centre category, first place was won by Awg Hazwan bin Hj Salim from the Hassanal Bolkiah Boys' Arabic Secondary School, who presented the "Irama Tambang Beranut" Dyg Siti Norhaslina binti Hoseni from Maktab Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah with her "Irama Tambang Begawan", and Dyg Noor Hafizah binti Hj Ajak from Meragang Sixth Form Centre with "Irama Tambang Si Mercu Gunung", won second and third places, respectively.

Sultan I lassan Temburong Secondary School student Dyg Syahm

Source: http://www.brudirect.com
Photo: http://melayuonline.com

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