WINNERS of The Brunei Times Essay Writing Competition 2009 received their prizes yesterday during the newspaper's third anniversary celebration at Rizqun International Hotel.
Dr Hjh Mariam Aluk Espinoza of Bakti Dewa School won the open category, while Dhyan Thejas from St John's School and Abdul Afiq Hj Jamain from Perdana Wazir Secondary School in Kuala Belait were adjudged to be winners for the primary and secondary categories respectively.
Abdul Afiq said that his parents are proud of him for winning the competition.
"I found the competition topic a little bit difficult, so through winning, I actually realised I have writing talent," said Abdul Afiq, who is turning 17 this year.
He added that he worked hard on the essay and even though some friends helped him edit the essay, he took three days to perfect it.
Thejas said that his parents helped to correct his essay, but he came up with the ideas and wrote the essay on his own.
"The motivation for me to enter this competition was not to win the prize, but because of my love for writing," said the 10-year-old student.
The aspiring English lecturer said that he "worked very hard" to write the essay, stating that his attempt was proven worthwhile as participating in the competition has generally improved his English.
The open category winner, English and Science teacher Hjh Mariam, said: "I feel so overwhelmed for winning this competition as this is the first time I have participated in such a competition in Brunei."
She said she is honoured to be chosen as the winner for the open category as her work was selected from a large pool of other participants.
The main reason for her participation was due to her deep passion towards Brunei and her desire for her voice to be heard with regard to the vision she holds for the country in 2035. "I did not expect to win, but I tried my best and my 16-year-old daughter from Berakas Secondary School played the role as my critic."
The secret to writing, according to her, lies in trying to connect with the common mass by captivating their hearts with one's writing.
She intends to provide a one-year subscription of The Brunei Times to her school for winning the competition as she claims that the newspaper is filled with useful information that would benefit her students. (GEN1 & GDN1)
The Brunei Times
Winner: Pehin Dato Hj Awg Abdul Hapidz (R), chairman of Brunei Times Sdn Bhd, presenting the prize to Dhyan Thejas for winning the primary category, while Sales Director of Sheraton Utama Hotel Paula Munoz (2nd R) and Vincent Goh (L), managing director of Netcom Computer House looks on during The Brunei Times' third anniversary celebration. Picture: BT/ Saifulizam
Thursday, July 2, 2009
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