BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

MOST participants of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports’ (MCYS) annual Youth Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran Reading Competition have significantly improved on their Al-Quran reading skills that “are at par with the adult category”, the chairman of the Panel of Judges said.

During the announcement of the eight finalists for the final round of the competition yesterday, Pg Hj Amiruddin Pg Hj Damit, explained that most participants have improved on reading the Al-Quran and that some need more practice on several areas.

These include melody variation, lack of focus in their voice, low concern for technicalities and shortness of breath, amongst others, he said.

He urged the participants to take a systematic practice and not to rely solely on competitions to refine their performances.

The participants are aged between 17 to 22.

The semi-finals took place last month over a course of three days at the Youth Centre in the capital.

From the 29 semi-finalists comprising of 20 qari and 9 qariah, a total of eight participants were chosen for the finals of the annual competition.

The qari finalists are Muhd Sa’dun Suhaili, Abdul Wafiy Hj Ibrahim, Ak Adi Nazri Pg Hj Jofri and Afiq Haririe Hj Md Daud.

Meanwhile, Dk Siti Ummi Syazana Pg Hj Marjuki, Dk Amal Zahirah Pg Hj Jofri, Dk Nur Aqilah Pg Hj Ayub and Fatin Nurhanani Hj Mohdar were chosen as the qariah finalists.

The eight finalists will compete on May 28.

Present as the guest of honour was the Permanent Secretary at the MCYS, Dato Paduka Dr Hj Affendy Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin.

The Brunei Times