BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

CO-CURRICULAR activities carried out in schools are amongst the ways to cultivate the interests towards arts to youths and develop skills in creative writings such as poetry, said performers of the ‘Artistic Echoes: 30 years of Independence’ yesterday.

In an interview with The Brunei Times, an enthusiast of creative poetry and literary criticism, Hj Mohammad Rajap shared that his interest towards such arts has been fostered during his school years.

Aside from the Malay language and literature education, Hj Mohammad said co-curricular activities carried out by various clubs and school bodies were also as important in nurturing the enthusiasm towards creative writings.

“Through these co-curricular clubs, the talents for creative writings were uncovered and nurtured through such performances among schools, villages and mukims,” said Hj Mohammad.

“The interest towards such arts comes naturally, for those who already has that interest, they will go towards it and for those who are less interested, that can be nurtured,” he added.

Additionally, he also said that the Ministry of Education has already taken these measures by implementing art education in curriculums including those in the higher education level.

“This way, I believe that the interest towards such art can be nurtured and developed especially among youths,” said Hj Mohammad.

Meanwhile, Suip Hj Abd Wahab from Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DPB) who recited a poem together with his daughter during the event said that activities organised by active arts associations such as the Putera Seni also helps in drawing the interest of youths to creative arts.

Sharing his personal experience, the interest towards such art for Suip was also nurtured during his school years.

“What attracted me was the satisfaction you get in being able to comprehend the dictions in the poetry,” he said.

“And to understand the minds of the authors through their writings and then to deliver their thoughts through speeches are among satisfactions for most poets,” he added.

The performances last night were organised by Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB) with cooperation from Asterawani, Putera Seni, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka and Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

Attending the event was Dato Paduka Hj Abd Wahab Juned, the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as the guest of honour.

Joining him were Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Roselan Hj Daud, Permanent Secretary at PMO, Hj Md Rozan Dato Paduka Hj Md Yunos, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Eddie Dato Paduka Hj Sunny, Deputy Permanent Secretary, PMO.

Amongst performances showcased was a poetry titled ‘Gemilang Cahaya’ recited by a renowned writer, Yang Berhormat Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Hj Awang Mohd Zain Hj Serudin. Performances were broadcasted live through RTB 2 and Harmoni FM.

The Brunei Times