FILE PHOTO: Muhammad Ilham Suhaimi in yellow won four golds in the boys' 200m, 400m, 4x100m and 4x400m in the 2018 Asean Schools Games.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei will host the 14th Asean Schools Games (ASG14) from November 20 to 28, featuring eight sporting events – badminton, basketball, athletics, swimming, netball, pencak silat, sepak takraw and wushu. A total of 1,055 student-athletes from 10 Asean member countries are expected to take part.
The announcement was made during a press conference organised by the Ministry of Education (MoE) through the Department of Co-Curriculum Education at the ministry’s Main Hall yesterday.
Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati Tajuddin, who also serves as Co-Chairperson of the ASG14 Working Committee, was the guest of honour at the event.
Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati revealed that 340 medals will be contested, comprising 106 gold, 106 silver and 128 bronze.
She highlighted that the Asean Schools Games serve as a platform for young athletes to develop their skills, gain international exposure and foster friendship among Asean youth.
The event, she said, supports the Asean Schools Sports Council’s (ASSC) goals – to promote unity through school sports, provide opportunities to benchmark athletic talent, and encourage cross-cultural exchange.
In line with the championship’s spirit, she announced that the official motto for ASG14 is ‘Dream, Strive, Achieve’, adapted from the Bruneian proverb Bekarih, Bejarih, Belurih, which reflects the values of diligence, perseverance and hard work.
She added that the championship is not only a competitive platform but also an avenue to strengthen friendship, mutual understanding and unity among Asean youth. The MoE, as organiser, welcomes the support of all parties to ensure the smooth execution of the event and to uphold Brunei’s reputation as a capable and gracious host.
Director of Co-Curriculum Education as the Co-Secretary of the ASG14 Working Committee Julaihi Mohamad/ Mohamat shared that Brunei’s contingent will comprise 153 athletes and 67 officials, competing in all eight sports.
The opening ceremony will take place on November 20 at the Indoor Stadium, while the closing ceremony will be held on November 30 at Setia Point.
Event venues include the Sports School (badminton), Indoor Stadium (basketball), Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex (netball), Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium (athletics), Pusat Belia (pencak silat), National Swimming Pool (swimming), Rimba II Secondary School (sepak takraw) and Universiti Brunei Darussalam Sports Complex (wushu).
Julaihi noted that Brunei’s best performance was in 2015, when the nation last hosted the Games, securing one gold, one silver and three bronze medals. He expressed hope that the contingent will surpass that achievement this year.
Meanwhile, Assistant Director of Co-Curriculum Education and Chef de Mission of Brunei’s contingent Mohamad Norilham bin Haji Jais said the participation of student-athletes is expected to serve as a catalyst for sports development in the country.
He added that through the competition, students will gain experience, improve their skills and strengthen their sense of sportsmanship and national pride. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
