3 youths feted for achieving excellence

IN CONJUNCTION with the National Youth Day 2008 celebrations, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday bestowed three prestigious awards upon three youths who have displayed excellence in their respective fields of work. The Brunei Times spoke to these exemplary young individuals on how they have contributed to the nation's development and in doing so, promoted the name of Brunei Darussalam.

Recognised for his outstanding achievements in economic activities, Khairulazman Hj Tamin was presented with the Entrepreneurial Youth Award by the monarch. He expressed his happiness and added that he felt proud to have been selected for the award.

The 37-year-old was the managing director of Syarikat Marimin Sdn Bhd. He had been working at the company since 2000 and felt that he may have been recognised for the strategies he had implemented over the years to develop the company.

"We upgraded the facilities, the machines, products and packaging in order to compete in the market (both) local and global markets," he said.

He advised other youths who wished to be involved in entrepreneurship to be "fully committed" and have a deep interest in their field of work.

"In business, the most important things are (being) sincere, honest and trustworthy," Khairulazman said.

Muhammad Fahmie Hj Awg Metussin was recognised as the best overall youth as he was accorded the Excellent Youth Award. The 24-year-old is a student of the Seri Begawan Religious Teaching College University (KUPU SB). He believed that he was granted the award for his accomplishments in various religious competitions, both nationally and internationally.

He was the champion of the Southeast Asia Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran 2003 and the national Quran reading competition in 2006. He also represented the sultanate at the International Al-Quran competition in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur.

The ICT Youth Award was presented to Noralizulrainee Ali Yusop. Despite being visually impaired, the 27-year-old has worked arduously in contributing to further develop the use of ICT in the country, especially among other youths with visual impairments.

"What I want to do is improve the level of computer literacy among our visually-challenged. I've managed to train some of them and they (have) become more computer literate," he said. "Now they are able to participate and contribute to our information society."

Noralizulrainee is currently employed under the Special Education Unit at the Ministry of Education for his skills and knowledge in ICT assistive technology.

"I'm (teaching) the relevant IT skills for our visually-impaired students who are currently in school so that they can read, write (and access information) independently... so that we can empower them to be contributing and participating members of society."

He also took the opportunity to advise other youths, especially those with special needs.

"The road ahead is a very important journey. To be successful in all spheres of your academic, social and professional life, you need determination, a positive attitude and most importantly, a vision of what you want to do and how you want to do it."

"I lost my sight but I never lost my vision. Having that vision is a very important thing to hold on to. Having the right vision and determination are the key success factors to bring you far (in life)," he added.

In August 2002, he represented the country in Korea at the Apec IT Camp for Youths With Disability. He was also the vice-president of the Brunei Darussalam National Association of the Blind (BDNAB), where he organises computer classes for members of the association. Noralizulrainee felt honoured to be a recipient of the prestigious award and said that it will remain a "memorable day" for him. The Brunei Times