In conjunction with the Isra' Mi'raj celebration, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam presented the National Level Exemplary Religious School Awards yesterday to deserving recipients at the Jame 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah.

The award's three categories are 'Administration', 'Academic' and 'Activities'.

The selection of exemplary religious schools is an annual project by the Ministry of Religious Affairs held twice every year and this marked the 10th presentation since it was first introduced in 1991.

This year's winner for the 'Administration' category is Sekolah Ugama Pengiran Anak Puteri Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam, Mulaut Brunei III, receiving a $3,000 cash prize contributed by Brunei Shell Marketing Sdn Bhd, a trophy and a certificate.

For the 'Academic' category, the winner is Sekolah Ugama Tumpuan Telisai, Tutong, followed by Sekolah Ugama Penanjong, Tutong, as the 'Activities' category winner. Each school also received a $3,000 cash prize, trophy and certificate.

According to the Principal of Sekolah Ugama Pengiran Anak Puteri Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam (winner of the 'Administration' category), Hjh Jamaliah Hj Md Said: "We put in a lot of commitment and practised the 'PODC' which is Planning, Organising, Directing and Control."

In another interview with the winner for the 'Academic' category, Sekolah Ugama Tumpuan Telisai's Principal Pg Armah Pg Hj Apong said, "There are a lot of facts that resulted in us winning this category.

"One of them is the examination result. For three years, we have achieved 100 per cent in both the mid-year exams and final examinations for Primary Six, as well as overall excellence."

Meanwhile, Maseni Hj Libut, the Principal of Sekolah Ugama Penanjong, Tutong, and the winner for the 'Activities' category, said, "We would like to thank Allah the Almighty for awarding us, as we put in a lot of hard work and efforts, not only to win, also for the success of school activities, such as reciting the Surah Yassin."

The Exemplary Religious School Award's objective is to increase the quality of education at the relevant institutions.

It also provides incentives for religious schools to boost their image, performances and progress in the fields of administration, academia and activities, appropriate for responsible institutions in providing religious knowledge formally and practically.

Furthermore, the award is to show appreciation towards school members who have shown excellence in all fields. - Borneo Bulletin (20th July 2009)