BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN. 13 December 2019 – A Filipino from Sultan Kudarat bested ten (10) young male Quran readers to emerge as Grand Champion in the 9th Southeast Asian Youth Al-Quran Reading Competition held from 03 to 05 December 2019 at the International Convention Center in Brunei Darussalam.

Mr. Kamaruddin G. Zaidon, 27, topped Qari category (male reader) of the competition and personally received His Majesty The Sultan of Brunei a cash prize, a trophy and a certificate during the closing ceremonies of the biennial competition organized by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of Brunei Darussalam.

The other Philippine participant, Ms. Sabaha P. Salik, 27 from Maguindanao, garnered fourth place in the Qariah Category (female reader) and also received a cash prize and a certificate.

Mr. Zaidon and Ms. Salik dedicated their success to the Filipino people, particularly to their fellow Filipino Muslims. Both expressed hope that their accomplishment will serve as an inspiration for young Filipino Muslims to rise above present-day challenges and proudly show the world what Filipino Muslims can achieve by standing together in faith through the reading of Al-Quran.

During a high tea hosted at the Philippine Chancery in Bandar Seri Begawan, Philippine Ambassador Christopher B. Montero personally congratulated Mr. Zaidon and Ms. Salik for bringing pride to the Philippines, and for highlighting the rich Quran reading tradition of the Philippines.

Mr. Zaidon’s win marks the second time that the Champion’s prize was bagged by a Filipino contestant since it was first held in 2000. In 2015, Ms. Raihana G. Ambangala, from Guindulungan, Maguindanao, won as Champion for the Qariah Category.

The Philippine participants were accompanied by Ms. Sawia N. Punut, Chief of the Cultural Division Bureau of the National Commission for Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).