BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Darussalam writer Dayang Nur Hamizah Samihon, popularly known as Nur Hamizah Samihon, was honoured with the prestigious Southeast Asian Writers Award (SEA Write Award) 2024 at a ceremony held at Sukhothai Palace, Bangkok, on Tuesday (Dec 16).
The award, presented by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, recognises Nur Hamizah for her novel 20 (2024), published by the Language and Literature Bureau.
Established in 1979 by Thailand, the SEA Write Award is the region’s highest literary honour, celebrating distinguished writers and poets from Asean countries.
Nur Hamizah has been involved in creative writing since primary school and is known for her versatility across genres, including novels, poetry and short stories.
Her works have appeared in local literary magazines such as Bahana and Abadi.
Among her published novels are Ira, Ubati Lukamu… (2008), Cincin Bertaris Condong (2011), Kembara Mencari Cahaya (2015), Manis (2017), Kasut Tumit Tinggi Ayla (2018), Empat Pasang Anting-anting (2019), Selam Skuba ke Lautan Hatiku (2021) and 20 (2024).
She has also contributed to poetry and short story anthologies published locally and abroad.
The ceremony was part of a series of programmes organised by the SEA Write Award Committee, including an appreciation dinner and poetry recitals, with all recipients receiving a commemorative plaque and honorarium.
Brunei Darussalam was represented at the event by Acting Deputy Director of the Language and Literature Bureau Dayang Haireni Awang Damit.
The recognition highlights the growing regional standing of Brunei’s literary talent and affirms the ability of local writers to produce works of high quality that are competitive on the Southeast Asian and international literary stage. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
