BINTULU: The Putri Nahwan Group from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Serdang was crowned the winner of the open category of the Contemporary Nasyid Competition in conjunction with the Islamic Arts Festival (iFest) 2023 here last night.

The runner-up was the Al-Haq group from UPMKB, and the third place was the Al-Mubasyir group from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bintulu. 

The best performance and the best costume belonged to UPMKB's Al-Haq group in the final stage of the competition.

The secondary school/institution of higher learning category was held by Al-Dzurfa from SMK Kidurong, runner-up of Putra Nahwan (UPM Serdang) and third place An-Nahwand (SMK Baru Bintulu).. 

The best performance and the best costume were awarded to the group of An Nahwand and Putra Nahwan respectively.

The primary school category champions were Soutul Mahabbah from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Agama Majlis Islam Sarawak (MIS) Bintulu, the runner-up of the Jilurrasyad group (SK Kidurong) and third place belonging to the As-Saqeef group (SK Kidurong II). 

The best performance went to the Soutul Mahabbah group, and the best costume belonged to the As-Saqeef group.

The Islamic Arts Festival 2023 (iFest 2023) was jointly organised by UPMKB and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak.

A total of 18 nasyid groups from all over this division and outside participated in the competition divided into three categories themed 'Islamic Arts Catalyst of National Wellbeing'.

This program is an initiative to shape the personality of the youth better through involvement in healthy and beneficial activities.

The prizes to the winners were delivered by UPMKB Campus Director Professor Dr. Shahrul Razid Sarbini.

Also present were the Principal of UPMKB College/Student Affairs (HEPA) Dr Kamil Latif, General Manager of Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) Datu Muhamad Yakup Kari, senior management of UPMKB and guests.

Date of Input: 15/08/2023 | Updated: 15/08/2023 | lanz