Bandar Seri Begawan - The National Dastar and Sinjang Folding competition was yesterday witnessed at the Airport Mall in Berakas, the first of its kind ever to be held in Brunei.

Organised by the Culture and Arts Division of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the objective of the competition was to provide an understanding and, at the same time, instil a sense of love and awareness among citizens and residents of the Sultanate (particularly youths) towards preserving, protecting and appreciating our cultural heritage.

This ministry is the key agency responsible in cultural maintenance and development in the Sultanate, and the competition is a continuation of earlier workshops and cultural promotions held across the country over the past few years.

The competition, open to all citizens and residents of Brunei, was split into two categories - for those aged 17 to 30 years, and for those aged 30 years and above. Participants were able to demonstrate their skills in the `Compulsory (traditional) category', 'Preference category' and 'Creative category'.

First place winners of each category received a trophy, cash prize of $500 and a certificate, while second place winners were awarded with a trophy, $300 cash prize and a certificate. Third place winners received a trophy, $200 cash prize and a certificate.

The best overall folder received a 'Jong Sarat.'

In the Under 30s dastar-folding category, Hj Md Ubaidah bin Hj Awg Damit emberged in first place, followed by Hj Md Nor Syahmi bin Hj Suhaili and Kamri bin Hj Ramli. The Adults category saw Redzky bin Hj Mahmud taking the top spot, followed by Hj Md Najib bin Hj Bagul and Md Najid bin Hj Mohammed in second and third places respectively.

Meanwhile, the Under 30s sinjang-folding category saw first place going to Md Al-Nuzull bin Samsudin, followed by Zulfadli bin Hj Junaidi and Hj Md Nor Syahmi bin Hj Suhaili. In the Adult category, Hamdan bin Taha emerged as victor, followed by Noriffendy bin Hj Abu Hassan Redzky bin Hj Mahmud.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports cum guest of honour Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah officiated the event, in the presence of, among others, YAM Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Qudduus bin YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz; Datin Paduka Hjh Adina binti Othman, Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports; Hjh Norsham binti Hj Yahya, Director of Culture and Arts Division; permanent secretaries and government officials.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin