Sports Day 2025: A Day To Remember
Photos by: Miss Airul
WRITTEN BY: AMELIA ANDDY, 11 SCIENCE
Edited by: Miss Hafiza
On 26th June 2025, Sekolah Menengah Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah came together for one of the most exciting events of the school year, Sports Day! Sports Day was held at Padang Kebajikan near Times Square. What began as a cool, cloudy morning quickly turned into a hot and energetic one, filled with cheers, colour, and incredible school spirit.
From the moment the first event was announced, the field came alive with excitement.
All four houses—Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong showed immense pride and unity throughout the day. Whether it was sprinting, long-distance running, or relays, participants performed with great effort, focus, and sportsmanship.
All four houses—Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong, performed exceptionally well during the march past. Their precise formations, strong chants, and teamwork showed how much effort they had put in. I was in awe to see every house display such passion and team spirit, making the competition exciting and neck-to-neck.
I was also inspired to see students pushing their limits, showing proper running etiquette, and cheering each other on from the sidelines. I realised how crucial it is to be the back-bone of your friends as cheering them on makes them try harder. Every race was met with loud encouragement, and every finish, no matter the position, was celebrated. The strong sense of teamwork and support across all houses was something truly special.
As a member of Brunei-Muara, I had the opportunity to be part of our march past team. For two weeks, we trained in the Black Box Theatre, working hard on our movements and chants. Although I was nervous when it was finally our turn to perform; especially since we went last, the moment we stepped onto the field, everything came together. I was very proud of my teammates for their dedication and enthusiasm during our performance on the field which resulted in Brunei-Muara winning the march past, and the pride and relief I felt in that moment was a memorable one.
A big part of the day’s success was thanks to our panel of judges, who observed each performance and event with focus and fairness. Their presence brought a sense of formality and excitement to the day, especially during the march past performances and competitive events.
While Tutong house proudly took home the overall Sports Day win, every house had their shining moments to celebrate. The dedication from all the participants, the roaring encouragement from the crowd, and the unwavering support from teachers made the day one to remember.
Beyond the trophies and medals, Sports Day 2025 was about unity, effort, and school spirit. I personally loved bonding with students from different classes and years, supporting my friends from the sidelines, and being part of something bigger than myself. Sports Day 2025 will always be a day for me to cherish and look back to forever especially after I graduate.
Students Explore the World of Caricature Art at Sengkurong Library
WRITTEN BY: DAMIA, 9 SCIENCE 2
SENGKURONG – On Monday, 21st July 2025, thirty selected students from Year 7, Year 9 Science 1 and 2, and Year 10 had the opportunity to attend a caricature art workshop at the Sengkurong Public Library.
The students departed from school at 8:00 AM and arrived at the venue an hour later. The day-long workshop aimed to expose students to the art of caricature drawing and provide hands-on experience in expressing creativity through art.
Upon arrival, the participants were warmly welcomed by the library staff and the guest artist, Sir Rezuan, who conducted the workshop. The session began with a short recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a brief introduction by the artist.
The workshop started with a fun energizer activity, where students were asked to draw random organic and geometric shapes on A4 paper using markers. From there, they added two dots to each shape to turn them into imaginative characters. This served as a stepping stone into the fundamentals of caricature art.
Sir Rezuan then guided the students through the basics of drawing human facial features in caricature style. Using memory and creativity, the students attempted to draw portraits of people they knew.
After a short morning break, participants were treated to refreshments including nasi lemak and teh tarik provided by the organizer. In the next session, students learned how to draw the human body using basic shapes to form proportions and poses. Many students expressed pride and surprise at their final drawings.
By noon, a longer lunch and prayer break gave students time to rest before the final activity began. In the afternoon session, Sir Rezuan taught the students how to express emotion and personality through caricature. To end the day, students were challenged to draw caricatures of their classmates within 15 minutes. The room was filled with laughter as many of the drawings sparked joy and humour among the group.
At the end of the activity, Sir Rezuan selected three winning artworks. Third place was awarded to Damia from 9 Science 2, second place to Hafiz from 10 Science 2, and first place to Bazillah, an intern at the library. All participants received thank-you gifts and gathered for a group photo before returning to school by bus.
For many, it was a truly memorable experience – especially for me, as I celebrated my birthday on the same day. It was one of the best birthday memories I’ve ever had. My takeaway: the workshop not only strengthened students’ artistic skills but also brought us closer through a shared day of learning, laughter, and creativity.
Where Art Gets Playful: Caricature Workshop Trip
WRITTEN BY: MUHAMMAD HAFIZ BIN HARDY, 10 SCIENCE 2
What happens when art meets laughter? That was the surprise waiting for us at the library on Monday, 21st July. For our art school trip, we visited Perpustakaan Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Sengkurong, where our mission was to learn the basics of caricature drawing and understand how to exaggerate facial features creatively.
Before we began the first task, we were greeted and introduced to an artist named Sir Rezuan, who would be teaching us about caricature. In the first session, our task was to draw as many shapes as we could and make use of the empty spaces left on the paper. This was meant to loosen up our drawing hands and spark creativity.
Next, we were asked to follow and draw basic shapes to form the head. We also had to mark and label where the eyes, mouth, ears, and nose should be. Although it was challenging at first, we managed to overcome it by correcting our mistakes and never giving up.
To refill our energy, we were served morning refreshments – nasi lemak with some side dishes to enhance the flavour. Fruit was also served, including grapes and watermelon slices. After that, we continued finishing our drawings and learned a few more useful tips to help us improve.
Afterwards, we had our lunch break from 12 PM to 2 PM to recharge for the next session. This session was about learning how to draw the anatomy of the human body. Not only did this improve our realism skills, but it also helped us gain a deeper understanding of structure and proportions. It even boosted my confidence—now I feel like I can draw without needing a reference!
Later, we were given an exciting activity where we had to draw a person’s face using a level 3 caricature. This meant the face had to be drawn in an exaggerated way. We had limited time, so we had to draw as fast as we could. At first, I struggled to find the best face shape for my friend, but I remembered what Sir Rezuan had taught us and followed his steps to achieve my goal. In the end, I managed to get 2nd place for best drawing and received a prize!
It was a very enjoyable and memorable trip. Despite the ups and downs, I still had fun—especially laughing nonstop and seeing my friends’ drawings. I haven’t had this much fun since the last field trip I went on. I’ve come to realise that it helped me with my social skills, especially in conversations. I hope the others who joined also experienced the same thing and found it relatable. If there’s another trip like this, I definitely recommend joining it for those who haven’t yet. This trip will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Sports day: Tutong’s journey to glory
WRITTEN BY: TUTONG CAPTAIN MUHAMMAD AHLAMIHAZIQ BIN MOHAMMAD WARIDI ALDRIN
Every great journey starts with a step, and for Tutong, it began with choosing the right leaders to guide us forward. Our captains were selected based on their commitment and dedication to the team. They carried the reminder that with great power comes great responsibility.
June was by far the busiest month of all. We held our second Tutong meeting and organized tryout after tryout, working hard to carefully select the right students to represent Tutong in the track and field events. Despite the packed schedule, alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly thanks to our teamwork and determination. It was tiring, but we pushed through, driven by pride and the shared goal of doing our best for Tutong.
Aside from the track and field events, we also had march past and cheer practice, both of which were no easy tasks. After countless planning meetings and the dedication of our Cheer Captains, everything came together smoothly, just as we had hoped.
On the 24th of June, it marked the start of the track events, and while we proudly earned two gold medals, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed in my own performance. I kept wondering how my teachers would see me, knowing they had high hopes for me to win, and feeling like I had let them down.
However, the following day kicked off our field events, where our lions and lionesses dominated the competition, securing an impressive seven gold medals and taking the lead in the overall medal rankings.
On Sports Day itself, I was overwhelmed with nervousness and fear. Tutong had proudly won Sports Day for three consecutive years, and the thought of losing—and being known as the captain for that year—weighed heavily on me. But fortunately, I wasn’t alone; the seniors and teachers were there every step of the way, offering their support. As captain, I knew I had to stay strong and not show any weakness in front of the team, and in the end, I managed to overcome my fear and give it my all to lead Tutong as their captain. We dominated the running events, fueled by our runners’ relentless dedication to making Tutong proud. We were united as a team, we cheered each other on through every loss and every victory, standing strong together no matter what. In the end, we triumphed once again, winning Sports Day for the fourth consecutive year with a dominating 17 gold medals. Though we came short with 2nd place on march past, it was still without a doubt a great feat that we should be proud of.
On that day, our logo shone brighter than any other team’s, and our slogan, “One Team, One Dream!” echoed proudly.
Looking back, none of this would have been possible without each and every Tutong member. We learned to trust one another, rising together after every setback. Sports Day became more than just an event—it became a reflection of who we are. One Team, One Dream—anything is possible as a team.
Sports Day is more than an event. Thank you CCA Department for organizing this event, and thank you, Tutong!
JUARA PAS KAWAD - KEGEMILANGAN BRUNEI MUARA
Ditulis oleh: Captain: Nur Syasya Izzati binti Awang Abdul Mutalif (10 Arts 2)
Co-Captain: Rayyan Qisra bin Muhammad Bahrin Shah (10 Fast)
Daripada Syasya
Di sinilah aku, Syasya. Sejak diumumkan sebagai ketua sorak, aku tidak berhenti memikirkan tanggungjawab besar yang menanti. Aku berasa takut untuk mengecewakan pasukan Brunei Muara, apatah lagi kami tidak pernah menjuarai acara perbarisan sebelum ini. Tekanan itu sudah mula terasa sejak dari awal.
Semuanya bermula apabila aku bertanya kepada Qisra jika dia mempunyai sebarang idea. Setelah kami bersetuju dengan satu konsep, aku membentangkannya kepada Cikgu Amal dan Cikgu Amanda. Selepas mendapat kelulusan, aku mula merancang pergerakan dan susunan. Ini agak mudah bagiku kerana aku sudah biasa dengan persembahan tarian.
Aku tumpukan dahulu kepada kumpulan penari utama, iaitu pelajar menengah atas Brunei Muara seramai 17 orang. Aku mengajar mereka satu per satu dengan penuh kesabaran. Setelah keenam-enam lagu selesai diajar, kami teruskan pula dengan perjumpaan rumah dan latihan perbarisan. Penari lain turut membantu melatih pelajar menengah rendah dan menengah atas yang lain. Guru-guru juga turut serta membantu menyempurnakan beberapa gerakan. Kami berlatih berkali-kali dalam sehari.
Tibalah hari sukan, aku sangat gementar. Dalam hati terdetik, “Bagaimana jika kami tidak menang?” Namun, aku tahu aku perlu kekal positif dan terus memberi semangat kepada semua.
Akhirnya, nama pemenang diumumkan — pasukan Brunei Muara muncul juara! Sorakan penuh semangat bergema, melambangkan kebangkitan semangat biru kami. Kini, aku amat bersyukur kerana pasukan Brunei Muara akhirnya berjaya. Tidak kira apa jua cabaran, kami akan terus berjuang dengan semangat, kekuatan dan kesatuan.
Semangat Biru, Kami Berjuang Selamanya!
Daripada Qisra
Saya, Qisra. Apabila saya dipilih menjadi ketua pasukan sorak lelaki, saya tidak tahu apa yang perlu dijangkakan. Apabila musim sukan akhirnya tiba, barulah saya benar-benar merasai bagaimana rasanya memikul tanggungjawab tersebut.
Secara jujur, saya bukanlah seorang yang mahir dalam mengatur koreografi. Sebaliknya, pasangan saya yang banyak menguruskan aspek itu. Jadi, apa yang boleh saya lakukan untuk menyokong usaha kerasnya?
Saya memutuskan untuk menjadi pencetus semangat kepada pasukan pembimbing sorak serta menjadi pendorong tenaga dan penyeri suasana. Melalui pelbagai sesi latihan dan percubaan yang tidak terkira banyaknya, kami akhirnya berjaya menyempurnakan setiap langkah sehingga mampu menjulang trofi pada hari sebenar.
Pengalaman ini benar-benar membuka mata saya tentang erti memikul peranan besar ini. Saya tidak pernah berharap ia berlalu dengan cara yang berbeza. Saya akan selamanya berhutang budi kepada mereka semua — Terima kasih, pasukan Brunei Muara.
Not the End—Just Our Beginning
WRITTEN BY: MUHAMMAD ALI HAFIZ (BELAIT CAPTAIN) AND NURBAZILAH SYAHIRAH
Edited by: Liyana Yussof
This year’s journey with Belait House was nothing short of meaningful and memorable. Finishing in third place doesn’t mark the end for us Eagles—it marks a new beginning. Every challenge we faced, every loss we took, only made us stronger. This isn’t a defeat, it’s a lesson. A stepping stone. We’ve learned, we’ve grown, and we’re ready to rise even higher.
What made this journey special wasn’t just the medals or rankings—it was the spirit, the bond, the unforgettable memories made along the way. The cheers, the sweat, the shared laughs and struggles brought us closer as one united house.
We may not have taken the top spot this time, but we’ve built a foundation stronger than ever. And with the fire still burning in us, we’re coming back smarter, tougher, and prouder. This is only the beginning. Watch us soar next year, Eagles! 🦅🔥
Strength Through Perseverance: My Journey of Preparation and Triumph on Sports Day
Pictures by: Rizky
Written by: Temburong Captain, Muhammad Rizky Haikal bin Shahril (11 Arts 1)
Edited by: Liyana Yussof
When the date for the annual sports event at Yayasan Secondary School was officially announced to be the 25th of June, I realized that I was not just being called to compete—but to leave behind a legacy. As a proud representative of House Temburong, I knew that this shot put event would not only test my strength and technique, but also mark one of the final memories I would forge as a student-athlete in my secondary school years.
From that day forward, I committed myself to a level of discipline and perseverance I had never experienced before. With several months ahead of me, I designed a plan that would shape not only my body, but also my mindset. I knew shot put was not just about brute force; it was about control, precision, timing, and above all, mental strength. And so, my journey began.
I frequented the gym consistently, focusing on developing power in my legs and arms—the foundation of any great shot put throw. Each lift, squat, and press was driven by purpose. Even on days when motivation ran low, the image of myself standing in the throwing circle kept me going. I visualized my throws, imagined the cheers, and replayed the moment of victory in my mind over and over again.
Outside the gym, I immersed myself in the technical aspects of the sport. YouTube became my coach and classroom. I studied the two dominant shot put techniques: the spinning method and the gliding method. After countless hours of analysis and small trial sessions, I chose the glide technique. It felt more instinctive—more “me.” With that choice made, I doubled down on perfecting the movement: the posture, the stance, the momentum, and finally, the explosive release.
To support all the physical training, I paid careful attention to my nutrition. I made sure my meals were filled with protein, good carbs, and the essential nutrients I needed to recover and grow stronger. Every aspect of my life began revolving around this one goal—to give my best performance yet.
Yet, amid all this preparation, there was another battle—an internal one. The mental strain of high expectations, self-doubt, and pressure often weighed heavier than the shot put itself. There were nights I questioned whether all this effort was worth it. Whether I would choke on the day. But each time I reminded myself: this was more than a competition. It was a personal milestone.
Then, the day arrived.
The 25th of June greeted us not with sunshine, but with rain. A heavy downpour delayed the start of the events, and uncertainty lingered in the air. But once the skies cleared, the field came alive with energy, excitement, and school spirit. I cheered for my friends, celebrating their efforts and silently admiring their courage. Yet within me, a storm still brewed. I was in constant battle with my nerves—pushing away the anxiety, trying to hold my composure.
Finally, it was my turn.
I stepped into the throwing circle with trembling hands and a pounding heart. I took a deep breath, tuning out the noise, the crowd, the pressure—everything but my own rhythm. My first throw soared into the air, reaching a respectable distance, but it didn’t feel like my best. The second throw mirrored the first—consistency, but still short of what I had envisioned. It was disheartening, but also awakening. I felt a fire ignite inside me—a reminder of the months of sweat, pain, and effort I had invested.
On the third and final attempt, I let it all out.
With every ounce of strength, I focused my mind, aligned my body, and channeled every emotion—frustration, determination, hope—into that one throw. As the shot left my hand, I could feel it. This was the one. And as it landed, surpassing the distance of my competitors, a wave of relief and joy surged through me. I had done it. I had thrown my best when it mattered most.
The cheers rang out, but more than anything, it was the internal voice that celebrated the loudest. I showed sportsmanship to my fellow competitors, respecting their efforts and acknowledging the shared passion we all brought to the field.
That night, I slept more peacefully than I had in months. Not because I won, but because I had fulfilled a promise to myself. The months of preparation, the sacrifices, and the emotional highs and lows—all of it had led to a moment that I would remember for the rest of my life.
This event wasn’t just about winning a medal or scoring points for House Temburong. It was about growth, commitment, and learning to believe in myself. It was about realizing that success isn’t defined solely by the result, but by the journey, the discipline, and the courage it takes to keep going—even when no one is watching.
As I look back on that day, I carry with me a sense of pride, not just as an athlete, but as a person who dared to dream, prepared with passion, and performed with heart.
Pasang Competition — Brunei Muara’s Journey
By Captain, Muhammad Ryyan Wazien Bin Haji Abdul Aziz from (11 Science )
When the Pasang competition was first announced, I knew this was more than just a game. It was a chance to bring our house together and prove what Brunei Muara is made of.
Finding players wasn’t easy. Many had never even played Pasang before. I walked around, asked, convinced, and gathered a small but eager group of students willing to learn. We started from scratch with the basics: how to move, how to strategize, and how to stay focused under pressure. I wasn’t just their captain. I became their coach, their motivator, and their biggest believer.
We practiced during recess, lunch, after school, whenever we could find time. What started as a team with zero experience became a team full of passion, discipline, and heart. Every practice brought growth. Every loss taught us something. Every win gave us fire.
In the end, it wasn’t just about placing in the competition. It was about building confidence, leadership, and teamwork. Players who had never touched a Pasang board were now holding their heads high, competing with pride. For many, this was the first time they stood up to represent their house, and they did so brilliantly.
In terms of results, Brunei Muara placed bronze in the Lower Secondary category, silver in the Upper Secondary category, and proudly secured gold in the Teachers category. It was a well-earned outcome that reflected the effort and growth of every player involved.
I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved. This journey showed that with patience, effort, and heart, anything is possible. To my team, thank you for trusting the process. To Brunei Muara, thank you for your unwavering support.
We didn’t just play Pasang. We built something meaningful. Thank you Bahasa Melayu Department for organising this competition.
Blue Pride, We Fight! — Captain, Ryyan Wazien
Catch the Rain: Students Explore Eco-Friendly Water Solutions
ZAHRAA’ QIRANA BALQIS BINTI SAIFUL-AKHMAR (10 ARTS 1)
On the 11th of June 2025, classes 10 Arts 1 and 10 Arts 2 had the opportunity to visit the innovative Air Rainwater Company, the first provider of sustainably produced bottled rainwater in Brunei. As someone with a big interest in environmental conservation, I was excited to learn more about their technology and harvesting systems.
Upon arrival, we waited in a meeting room on the upper floor, which amazed me with an overview of the entire warehouse. The first thing that struck us all was the weird structure and design of the building. The team informed us that it was intentionally designed to let air flow in, naturally cooling the building down and eliminating the need for excessive air conditioning.
One of the first facilities shown to us was the reservoir, where pure rainwater is stored. We each took turns climbing the ladder and taking a look into the vast surface of water.
Rainwater reservoir
While being toured around the warehouse, we were introduced to one of the company’s most impressive aspects, their array of rainwater collection systems. It captured and transported the pure rainwater from the rooftops into their storage tanks, which are capable of storing up to 400 metric tonnes of rainwater.
Their treatment systems then ensure that the harvested rainwater is safe and clean for usage, removing any harmful pathogens or debris that could deteriorate the waters quality. All of this is powered by the factory’s solar power infrastructure.
Rainwater bottle assemble
We were then taken to a room with different types of machineries, where we witnessed small pieces of plastic being inflated into your average sized water bottle. These require less plastic than normal bottles to produce. After that, the purified rainwater is finally bottled and ready for consumption.
These thorough processes are a testament to the company’s dedication in providing reliable and sustainable solutions, contributing to the progress of Wawasan Brunei 2035.
However, the company’s passion for promoting water conservation and sustainability was the most inspiring element. Their team is driven by a shared goal of reducing our environmental footprint and creating a more efficient future. It was motivating to see a company share the same values as me!
Our visit to Air Rainwater Company was an enlightening experience that left all of us with a deeper appreciation for the importance of rainwater harvesting and sustainability. I highly recommend having a look at their website and supporting their mission. And lastly, I hope to see this company thrive and fully achieve their objective in the near future.
Bring Your Own Utensils – Be a Green Hero!
AMALIA BINTI SHAHRIMAN (8 ALPHA)
Pictures by: Cg Aziemah
As part of SMYSHHB Environmental and Sustainability week, our school has launched a BYOU – Bring Your Own Utensils initiative. Students, teachers and staff alike are encouraged to make the switch from single-use plastic containers and utensils to environmental friendly, reusable utensils.
It is heartening to see everyone participating in this initiative, changing the views of everyone involved, one fork at a time.
The Bahasa Melayu, Humanities, and Art Departments have worked hard in order to bring this campaign to life, but let’s remember that it’s everyone’s collaboration and cooperation that counts.
With each person bringing a small change to our school, together, we can turn each meal into an effort towards a cleaner, greener future – each small change making a big difference. This initiative shouldn’t just be for the week, but rather a habit that sticks with us throughout our life. Only then will our effort not go to waste, unlike the plastic we discard every day. Let’s keep the momentum going!
So, BYOU! Take a step towards a sustainable lifestyle
SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION
MYSHA ZAFREEN (10 FAST)
In conjunction with our school’s Environmental and Sustainability Week, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Secondary School hosted a vibrant ‘Sustainability Exhibition’ on Tuesday, 10th June 2025 that brought together teachers, students, staff and local businesses. Organised by the Humanities Department, Bahasa Melayu Department, and Art Department, the event aimed to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote suitable sustainable habits among students and the school community.
One of the main highlights of the day was an interactive teamwork game that invited students to work together to solve trivia quizzes related to sustainability. This was not ‘just fun and games’, this game encouraged collaboration, problem-solving and quick-thinking. It was heartening to see students from different classes working as a team, engaging enthusiastically and learning from each other. By the end of the game, many students showcased inventive solutions that demonstrated both creativity and an increasing concern for environmental sustainability.
Another highlight of the exhibition was the stunning collection of art pieces, all centered on themes of
sustainability. Some artworks illustrated the beauty of nature, while others focused on the damage caused by pollution. A number of pieces were constructed from reused materials, demonstrating how waste can be transformed into something meaningful. This section of the exhibition sparked thoughtful conversations and gave students a powerful platform to voice out their concerns and hopes for the future.
In an effort to show how sustainability goes beyond the classroom, the exhibition also featured stalls from local eco-friendly businesses. Exhibitors included Green Brunei, Enevo SDN BHD, Kawan Bumi, Green Space Brunei, Purfectly Green Brunei, and Step Center Brunei. These vendors are deeply committed to environmentally responsible practices, shared their products and services with students and teachers. Each stall provided valuable insights into how businesses can operate in harmony with the environment. Students were given the opportunity to ask questions, and learn about the role of entrepreneurship in creating a more sustainable economy. For many, it was an eye-opening experience that demonstrated how small actions-like supporting a local, eco-conscious brand-can make a big difference.
This exhibition was more than just a school event-it was a learning experience, a call to action, and a
celebration responsibility to the planet. Through games, art, and community engagement, students were able to explore sustainability in a hands-on and meaningful way. The success of this exhibition is a reflection of the passion and commitment of our school community. By bringing awareness to environmental issues and encouraging creative solutions, we are helping to shape responsible, informed citizens who will lead the way to a greener future.
ANDRA AAZIMA (9 SCIENCE 1)
On the 10th of June 2025, students from year 7 and year 9 of Sekolah Menengah Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah were given talks in conjunction with Sustainability and Enviornmental week, with the aim to engage students in topics such as climate change and conservation.
The year 7 students were given a talk by STEP Centre which aims to provide students at education institutions with the skills, knowledge, values and attitude needed to ensure a sustainable future. They have managed to achieve this with the year 7 students here at Sekolah Menengah Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.
The Year 9 students were instructed to head to the lecture hall after our breaktime. I (Andra), sat in the first row along with my friends, eager to listen to the talks. The talks were given by local environmental experts. The first one was given by a representative from ‘Kaimana’, Brunei’s first dedicated refill store, found in Mabohai Shopping Complex. The talk opened an introduction for the idea of the store and purpose of it, I was intrigued. The concept of refilling your bottles to reduce plastic waste was such a revolutionary and innovative idea. ‘Kaimana’ is essentially a versatile store where you can find household items, personal care and food products while focusing on the sustainable, plastic free lifestyle. What I have learnt from this is ‘Kaimana’ is more than just a store it is a lifestyle concept store.
After the talk from ‘Kaimana’, we moved on to our second talk given by a representative from ‘Tebalik Plastik’, a plastic recycling start-up founded in 2022. The talk touched on the different types of plastic and which types they recycle. I found it very informative as they passed around coasters recycled from plastic that they now sell at ‘Kaimana’. Now we know that not all types of plastic can be recycled.
Before ending the talks, there was a brief Q&A session where students were invited to ask questions. To close the session, the speakers were given a token of appreciation from the school.
Limitless: The Youth Alive Program
SPEECH FROM KHADEEJA 11 SCIENCE AS SMY STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Edited by Hafiza Noorazmi
Assalamualaikum and a very Good afternoon to the esteemed Guest of Honours, our respected Acting Principal. The Youth Alive Programme organisers, knowledgeable Speakers, Facilitators, dedicated Teachers and to my fellow Peers.
I am Khadeeja binti Hj Shahfarudin. As we are gathered here today to mark the end of an unforgettable journey, I feel honored to stand before you and share my gratitude for the incredible opportunities this programme has brought, on behalf of all my fellow Campers.
First and foremost, I would like to thank all the members of the Youth Alive Organisation who made this camp possible. Your hard work behind the scenes gave us experiences, resilience, and knowledge on the importance of Mental Health, the dangers of addiction and on how to make the right choices. From the activities with our FG groups (Friendship Groups), the unity games and the workshops done by all the outstanding Speakers, and even the little moments in between. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, and we truly appreciate it.
To our Facilitators and Teachers, thank you for your guidance, your patience, your understanding, open mindedness and your encouragement. You helped us grow and learn more about ourselves as individuals in a safe space. You pushed us out of our comfort zones and helped us discover new things about ourselves. I would also like to express our appreciation to the Teachers who took time out of their holiday to be with us for these past three days.
And to my fellow Campers – thank you for being part of this journey, and having amazing energy throughout it all. Even though not all of us have bonded, I know that everyone here has at least created a bond with someone, whether it be from your FG group or not. I’m grateful to have shared these past few days with you all.
This camp has been more than just fun and games – it’s been a place of growth, friendship, and self-discovery. As we resume our holiday, let’s take with us the lessons we’ve learnt, the friendships forged, and the memories we’ve made together.
Thank you everyone once again for making this such a meaningful experience. Here’s to the end of our Youth Alive Camp.
Thank you.
Wabilahitaufik walhidayah assalamualaikum warah matullahi wabarakatuh
Fashion Fiesta: Recycling One Step Further
MOHAMED NOAH IRFAN BIN MOHAMED SHAHROL (9 FAST)
& ARISYA KHAYREEN BINTI HAJI MUHAMMAD AZIZIL HAKIM (9 FAST)
Edited by: Ms Hafiza Noorazmi
Yayasan Secondary School’s Environmental and Sustainability Week was held on the 9th to 15th of June 2025, organized by the Malay, Arts, and Humanities department of SMY. It was announced on the Yayasan PRAISE app that activities such as an interclass competition, creative hat competition, and BYOU (Bring Your Own Utensils) initiative would be held. The competitions were to be held on the 12th June, and all students were given 3 weeks in advance to prepare for it.
The first competition was an interclass competition, where classes from each level competed by making costumes using only reused, and not store bought or new materials, to construct an outfit according to the given themes. Each class had to have a model to present and walk in the outfit at the multipurpose hall, along with a 30 second video made by two students, where they briefed about the concept, design, and making process of the outfit. Each level had a different theme. The Year 7s theme was ‘Cartoon’, the Year 8s theme was ‘Futuristic’, the Year 9s theme was ‘Under the Sea’, the Year 10s theme was ‘Nature’ and the Year 11s theme was ‘Pollution to Positivity’. The second competition was an individual competition, where each student and teacher would have to construct and wear a hat made with recycled materials.
Since we were Year 9, our level’s theme was ‘Under the Sea’. On the day we found out about the competition, our class started planning the design and had chosen me (Noah), as the model. We came up with an angler fish design, where it would have an angler fish head wearing a crown and armor, while holding a sword. We started by gathering materials, and slowly started constructing the costume.
As the days went by, we progressed with putting all the pieces together, filming and editing the video, designing, and rehearsing my model walk. We could slowly see it all coming together, and we were all excited to present it to the school.
Then, on Thursday, 12th of June 2025, commenced the Sustainability Fashion and Fun Hat Day competition . This was the final day of the Environmental and Sustainability Week.
After registration, all students were instructed to head to the multipurpose hall, carrying their hats and outfits along with them. Inside, there was a red carpet in the middle of the hall, where the models would do their catwalk, and be judged by Sir Hidayat, Teacher Airul and Teacher Hafizah. Before the event began, all the models had to get ready backstage with two people assisting them get ready. On the other side, all the students and teachers were seated wearing their hats. While they were waiting for the fashion show to start, the judges walked around to choose the winners of the ‘Creative Hat’ competition from each class. They also judged the teachers as there would be 3 winners out of all the teachers. Before modeling, I felt nervous and overwhelmed as I could not handle being in front of big audiences like this, but nonetheless, I calmed myself down and encouraged myself to do our best and give it our all. All the other models looked confident and ready to present their masterpieces!
With Jazmi and Wazien as the emcees, the event started with the singing of the national anthem and the school song, Ustaz Samsul reciting the doa, and a speech from the principal. After that was settled, the moment we had all been waiting for finally begun, the Sustainability Fashion Showcase! From what I could observe, everyone did an excellent job at designing and incorporating the themes into their outfits. Other classes got very unique with their designs with some being based on Aquaman and others being based on childhood cartoons.
During the ceremony, the audience screamed in awe as the models came down on the red carpet and showcased the outfits with delight and confidence. Everyone would gather at the front and give support to their classmates as one by one came down and impressed the judges. They got creative with their catwalks with many doing fantastic poses, waving at the crowd and raising their props for them to see, which amazed the audience even further. When it was my turn to showcase, I felt nervous. This was my first time doing something like this so I was afraid I would do horrible. After pushing through, I shrugged off the negative feelings and entered the stage with pride in my heart. Everyone was cheering and screaming with joy. My classmates shouted my name out loud and gave support as I walked down the red carpet. After doing some poses with my sword in front of the judges, I headed to the side to make way for the other models. After the last model walked down the stage, all of the models then got up on stage for a picture. We even danced to some Justin Bieber and Stecu Stecu.
Afterwards, the awards giving ceremony began with the first awards being given to the winners of the Fun Hat competition. Many got creative with their designs, with some wearing helmets, top hats, flowers and baskets. Then the next awards were given to the winners of the pasang competition. Finally, the awards were given to the best outfit in each level. When they announced our class as the winner, I felt joy and excitement, as all the teamwork our class did had finally been rewarded. After a speech from Sir Hidayat and more picture taking, the event had come to an end, and the Environmental and Sustainability Week had concluded.
I enjoyed participating in this week, especially with all the fun activities the school had to offer. I hope for the next few years that the school can hold more weekly activities such as this and I want to encourage more people to participate in the activities with the time you have left in school.
Even after this Sustainability week had ended, we should all still continue performing these good habits in our daily lives, such as reusing materials, bringing your own utensils to school, and preventing wastage!
BICARA BERIRAMA: TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
MOHAMED NOAH IRFAN BIN MOHAMED SHAHROL (9 FAST)
& ARISYA KHAYREEN BINTI HAJI MUHAMMAD AZIZIL HAKIM (9 FAST)
Edited by: Hafiza Noorazmi
Loud, proud and unified, our voices have carried us to the finals!
After weeks of preparation dating back to May of this year, we assembled a dedicated team of Year 9 and Year 10 students to represent our Secondary School in a competition called “Pertandingan Bicara Berirama bagi Sekolah-Sekolah Menengah Senegara Tahun 2025 Anjuran Jabatan Pendidikan Kokurikulum dengan Kerjasama Majlis Kebangsaan Keselamatan Jalan Raya Negara Brunei Darussalam”.
A total of 15 students were chosen to compete in this competition. We had to be informed three weeks in advance to get prepared for the rehearsals.
On the 26th of May, all of us were gathered in the Black Box Theatre for the first round of rehearsals. Our Supervising Teachers revealed the topic to us, which was about ‘Road Safety.’ Afterwards, we were given our positions and assigned our dearest friend Nurin to be the conductor. Following that, we were given the first draft of the script. Although not finalized, it showed what lines and gestures we would act out. With the help of the Bahasa Melayu and Art Department teachers, our roles were allocated. Syamil as the doa reciter, Yazid as the bus driver, Nurin as the conductor, and the others were also given key roles that tied the entire performance together.
Over the next couple of days, we had to memorize the script given to us. We included several actions and movements, facial expressions and used our vocals to make sound effects, and included the richness of the Bahasa Melayu language and our Bruneian culture, by incorporating poetic lines, dikir barat, and actions that reflected our identity as Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Secondary School students. Rehearsals went smoothly, and we enjoyed every moment of our time working together as a cooperative team.
As we came closer to the Recording Day, we started feeling a bit nervous, and worried about the finals. However, with hope and determination fueling our hearts, we all pushed through and did our best for the last moments before the big day.
Finally on the 4th of June 2025, it was Recording Day. Staying late for school, we entered the Black Box Theatre for the last time with much courage and bravery in our hands. The conductor had to wear a blazer, and we had to wear white gloves. For one of our first tries, it was satisfactory, but not perfect. We made some mistakes and it felt like we did not fully tap into our potentials yet. Then for one last time, we gave it our all and worked together to speak and act out every gesture with perfection and excellence. We wrapped up and it was done and dusted. The teachers happily congratulated us, and so much joy took over the room as we all celebrated that hard work. All that was left was the much awaited results.
Two weeks later, the results were announced. Fortunately, we managed to qualify for the finals! Achieving 2nd place out of 11 schools.
As we reached the Finals, we understood that Choral Speaking is not just about the performance, but about being unified as a team, understanding the meaning of words, and how we can use our actions to inspire and motivate people. This of which to highlight the theme about meaningful change and sharing a message.
We wish all the best to our fellow teammates and our team, and to do our very best in the finals.