HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to grace the National Israk Mikraj 1434 Hijrah celebration at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas. The monarch also presented the Award of Excellence in School Leadership, Award for Excellence in Islamic Education, Award for Contribution in Islamic Education and Award of Distinction to 10 selected recipients.

The recipient of Excellence in School Leadership Award was Haji Abdul Rahim bin Haji Gantang and he received a cash prize of $12,000, a certificate, plaque, souvenir and free medical facilities including all expenses in first class ward in public hospitals in the country.

Haji Abdul Rahim had also been awarded Darjah Seri Ugama Yang Amat Bersinar Darjah Ketiga (SSUB), Pingat Indah Kerja Baik (PIKB) and Pingat Kerja Lama (PKL) by His Majesty for his excellence performance.

In an interview, Haji Abdul Rahim told the Bulletin that he was excited and could not believe that he was nominated for the Excellence in School Leadership Award. He was grateful of being chosen for the award.

“By receiving this award, it motivates me to pursue and serve the community in the field of religion and to remind my colleagues and teachers in Brunei to work sincerely for Allah the Almighty.”

The Award for Excellence in Islamic Education was presented to five recipients who teach Al-Quran, Arabic Language, Syariah, Usuluddin and Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK). The recipients were Hajah Aminah binti Haji Abdul Manap; Hajah Noramalina binti Haji Mohd Ali; Dayang Sarimah binti Ahmad; Awang Ismaidi bin Ismail and Awang Narudin bin Lamit. All of the recipients received a cash prize of $7,000, a certificate, plaque and souvenir, and free medical facilities.

Hajah Aminah binti Haji Abd Manap, Religious Trainee Teacher from Pengiran Anak Puteri Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah Religious School, said she was grateful to Allah the Almighty and the Government of His Majesty for the award.

“In order to be a good teacher, it needs integrity as it can assist you to deliver what you are teaching to the students. As a teacher, it is our responsibility to teach and guide our students.”

The Award for Contribution in Islamic Education went to Haji Bungsu bin Pudin and Haji Abdul Rani bin Ahmad. Both recipients received a cash prize of $5,000, a certificate, plaque and souvenir, and free medical facilities.

Haji Bungsu and Haji Abdul Rani are actively contributing in propagating and spreading Islam by teaching religious knowledge as well as escorting Brunei’s pilgrims. In addition, they are also active in various organisations.

His Majesty later presented the Award of Distinction to Ustaz Drs Haji Mustakim bin Haji Sariyun and Kho Lay Yong. Both recipients received a cash prize of $4,000, a certificate, plaque and souvenir.

Kho Lay Yong, a contract teacher working in Brunei since 1990, who teaches Physics for ‘O’ Level students, expressed his appreciation to the Government of Brunei for the unexpected award.

“I am very grateful to the Government of His Majesty for giving me the opportunity to work in Brunei and able to teach in such a great institution as my students are very obedient and hardworking and most of them have achieved high positions in academic fields.”

His Majesty presents an Award for Excellence in Islamic Education to Dyg Sarimah binti Ahmad - Borneo Bulletin (7 June 2013)