Maktab Duli emerges champions in 'war of words'

DULI Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College (Maktab Duli) emerged as champions of the 37th Malay Language Debate Competition 2009 yesterday as they argued that the field of sports is just as important as the field of academics.

Held at Dewan Raya RTB (Radio Television Brunei), the runner-up for the competition went to Mahad Islam Brunei, who were Maktab Duli's opposing team in the finals.

Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Hj Mohammad Hj Abd Rahman said that holding debate competitions serves as a platform for students to increase their potential and talent.

"The ideas thrown during the competition will give relevant agencies knowledge and information that might be useful for them," he said, adding that doing well in debates shows excellent leadership skills.

Hj Mohammad added that winning the competition was not important, but it is the lesson learned that should be taken into account.

He also said that the students in the competition are excellent examples of students with high morals and that they should be "looked up" by other students.

Chairwoman of the event and principal of Sayyidina Hassan Secondary School, Hjh Suriani Hj Noor Hasan also said that debate competitions give students an opportunity to improve their skills in public speaking as well as in learning to be industrious in finding the resources for their arguments through endless research and facts to support their case.

The debate competition was adjudged by renowned lecturers from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) as well as officers from the Ministry of Education (MoE). There was also a sketch and poetry presentation by students from Sayyidina Hassan Secondary School entitled "Anak", which translates to "Child".

The event was also attended by Arsad Abd Adis, director of Co-curriculum Education Department; Pg Hj Mahari Pg Hj Abd Rajak, acting director of RTB; assistant directors, senior officers from MoE, principals, teachers and students.

This year, 39 schools from all districts took part in the debate competition, which is an increase to the 32 schools that participated last year. Certificate and prize presentations were given by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports' acting permanent secretary. (SHR1) The Brunei Times