Reading needs to be cultivated amongst youths and children - the future leaders of Brunei, says the Acting Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports who spoke in the morning at the 2012 National Level Story-Telling Competition.
Datin Paduka Hajah Adina Binti Othman said the competition's new format, instilled the culture of reading among the community specifically children through new facilities and ICT. According to Datin Hajah Adina,
today's youths are fond of electronic gadgets, which, far from being prohibited, was in fact, widely encouraged, as the internet provides access to more information. However, we need to grab all the opportunities provided through ICT to disseminate information as it acts as outreach programme to clients worldwide. The usage of ICT, however, needs to be applied wisely, so youths will not become involved in social ills.
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Dayang Norhidayatul Fitri Binti Mohami of Selangan Primary, Temburong emerged champion in this year's competition, taking home 500 dollars, a certificate and book from the Brunei Language and Literature Bureau. The Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Haji Ismail Bin Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Setia Dato Paduka Haji Hashim, presented prizes. The competition was organised by the Language and Literature Bureau, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.