| Lyna Mohamad |
SERI Mulia Saujana student Awangku Muhammad Isa Daniel Muqri bin Pengiran Khamarul Zaman has done his school and country proud after becoming the Grand Prix Award winner of the Mitsubishi Asian Children’s Enikki Festa 2015-2016.
Themed ‘This is My Life, the event saw participation from 24 countries, namely Brunei Darussalam, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, China Taipei, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and Japan.
The awards to be handed out include the Grand Prix Award, Mitsubishi Public Affairs Commjittee (Mitsubishi PAC) Award, Asian Pacific Federation of UNESCO Clubs and Associations (AFUCA) Award and National Federation of UNESCO Association in Japan (NFUAJ) Award.
Accompanied by his parents, Awangku Muhammad Isa Daniel Muqri left the country yesterday to receive the award at a prize presentation ceremony set to take place in Yokohama, Japan.
Speaking to the Bulletin prior to departure, young winner noted he was excited to have been selected as one of the award recipients. He also thanked his parents and Art teacher for the strong support and motivation.
Awangku Muhammad Isa Daniel Muqri bin Pengiran Khamarul Zaman with his parents and siblings. – LYNA MOHAMAD
The 10-year-old, who was initially selected as the Top 8 from over 700 participants from Brunei, said he had not expected to win the competition and that this had been his second try. He also hopes this marks the beginning of his future achievements.
His artwork comprises five drawings of Gasing-playing, Kampong Ayer with a backdrop of the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Ambuyat-eating, kite-flying and a lion dance.
His father, former Graphics Illustrator for Brunei Press, Pengiran Kamarul Zaman bin Pengiran Haji Tajuddin, is no stranger to the local art industry, having bagged a number of awards and prizes in competitions and representing the country at international exhibitions.
Explaining that his youngest son is actually more into music and sports, he said, “When he decided to venture into arts, I was more than happy to support him and give him start up ideas … then I let him explore on his own to bring about creativity.”
Acting Director at the Department of Co-Curriculum Education Haji Azis bin Haji Nayan and senior officials at the department were on hand to bid the trio farewell.
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