SMJA victorious at 12th Prynsa

SULTAN Muhammad Jamalul Alam (SMJA) Secondary School was adjudged the winner of the 12th Princess Rashidah Young Nature Scientist Award (Prynsa) for their half-year project, "The Study of Communal Roosting of White Egrets".

On hand to present the prizes to the winners was Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, the competition's Royal patron, who also viewed the projects of the five finalists at the end of the ceremony.

Sultan Hassan Bangar Secondary School and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Arabic Religious Secondary School for Girls were named first and second runners-u, respectively.

Forestry Department Deputy Director Hj Mahmud Hj Yussof told The Brunei Times that he was pleased to see the school (SMJA) introduce a new subject of study for the competition.

"This is a strong signal that Brunei is very good in natural ecosystem protection. These students also indicate a good sign of innovative and creative thinking," he said.

SMJA School Biology teacher Siti Rashidah Mohd Said, who led the winning team of 10 students, said she chose the topic for her students because it was a "totally new topic" to the competition.

She explained egrets were usually migratory birds, but was surprised to see there were large groups of egrets at places such as the Jubilee Park. "This triggered me to want to know why the birds were there."

Through her students' research, Siti Rashidah said she was more concerned in conserving Brunei's mangrove forests, as this was where the white egrets resided.

"These mangrove forests are being cut down for development. When they are being cut down, it will also cut the bird's food chain, which will lead to their endangerment," she explained.

The teacher said she was proud her students won the competition, as the workload was "tough" on the students, and they did not have any experience in field work.

After receiving their prizes and challenge trophy, 16-year-old Syahirunnisa Naziilah Munap said she was proud and "very happy" to win the competition, and Prynsa was a "great opportunity" for students to pursue further studies based on their research.

Dk Nurul Munjiah Pg Hj Mu'izzuddin, 15, said it was important not only to conserve nature, but get more involved in the long run.

"Our topic is important because many tourists who come to Brunei like to observe these birds, and because of that, it will also help promote ecotourism," she said.

Muhd Yasir Yussof, 16, also spoke of the importance of conserving mangrove forests to prevent the extinction of white egrets in the Sultanate.

He encouraged students to take part in future Prynsa competitions, as it will help promote teamwork and offer experiences outside the classroom.

Five finalists of the 18 participating schools delivered oral presentations on their projects yesterday.

The Brunei Times