Ak Muhammad Adibul Amin bin Pengiran Hj Marjuki, a 20-year-old UBD undergraduate, and Dyg Nurfaezah bte Hj Emran, a 25-year-old system analyst from BAG Networks, emerged as the champions of the National al-Quran Reading Competition for Adults 1429H/2008.

Dyg Nurfaezah, the Qariah (female reader) who successfully defended her 2007 title, attributed her success to her parents who have always been her best supporters.

The 2008 Qari (male reader) champion, Ak Muhammad Adibul Amin, an undergraduate in Accounting & Finance, said that he would always make time to practise reading the Quran.

The champions each received $5,000, a trophy, a certificate of participation and an air ticket to perform the Haj pilgrimage.

The names of the winners were announced last night during the closing ceremony of the nation's most prestigious religious competition, which was held at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam attended the event. Also present were HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen and other members of the royal family.

Upon arrival, His Majesty and other members of the royal family were greeted by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Hj Awang Mohd Zain bin Hj Serudin.

Eight participants took part in the final round of the 2008 National Al-Quran Reading Competition for Adults, which was held on Wednesday evening.

Six of them - three males and three females - advanced to the final round after they scored the highest points during the semi-finals, which was held on April 17.

They squared off with the two defending champions of the 2007 National al-Quran Reading Competition for Adults.

Meanwhile, Awg Muhd Fahmie bin Hj Awang Metussin and Awg Hj Ismail bin Hj Sulaiman came in second and third place respectively in the Qari category.

In the Qariah category, the runner-up and second runner-up were Siti Huzzaimah Yadey bte Hj Rosli and Dyg Hajah Nurul Akmalina bte Hj Yahya respectively. - Borneo Bulletin (30th May 2008)