OMC 2.0

UNITED KINGDOM, SUNDAY, 20/03/2022 - The Brunei Religious Officers Student Association (BruROSA) has organised the virtual Open Mic Competition (OMC) once again for the second time this year on the 20th of March 2022 in conjunction with the celebration of Nisfu Sya'ban 1443H/2022M. The event commences from 10.00 am until 11.45 am GMT, online through Zoom, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Open Mic Competition is a competition that provides a platform for students to attain more knowledge and boost their confidence in sharing their knowledge, thoughts and opinions with the audience. The theme for this year's competition: "The Obligatory Search of Knowledge", encourages the participants to present a topic related to the students' lives in educating themselves and the Islamic way of life as this is obligatory for every Muslim. This competition serves as a good chance for students to brush up on their public speaking skills and showcase their talents and potential.

There was a total of 5 participants competing this year: Ak Izz Khan Fayyadh bin Pg Hj Mohd Nasreen from the University of Manchester, Md Aqiel Hidayat bin Haji Zulfa Hidayat from Coventry University, Nur Arina Binti Haji Hamidun from Cardiff Metropolitan University, Mohd Azizan bin Haji Mohammad Anas from the University of Lancaster and lastly, Mohd Hamizan bin Hj Abd Rahman from the University of Nottingham. Furthermore, the guest of honour was Cikgu Mohammad Danny bin Aimi, the Director of Studies of Brunei Students Unit (UPP), and the panel of judges also comprises of the UPP officers: Ustaz Haji Muhammad Fahmi bin Haji Abas, the Religious Officer who is responsible for judging the content, Cikgu Erna Sumarne Binti Haji Sumardi, the Academic Coordinator, responsible for evaluating the delivery style and Ustazah Dr Widad Binti Abdul Aziz, judging for the writing style. Apart from that, 15  spectators were present to watch and support the online event. 

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The first speaker was Ak Izz Khan Fayyadh bin Pg Hj Mohd Hasreen, from the University of Manchester, enthusiastically presenting his talk about "The Continuous Need to Learn and Grow". He explained the critical role of knowledge and experience related to the world and hereafter in attaining two qualities of life. He also mentions the importance of having the curiosity to learn as it gives meaning to life, which makes us closer to Allah. Lastly, he also emphasised that Allah SWT would never burden a soul if He knew that they couldn't bear it. 

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The second speaker was Md Aqiel Hidayat bin Haji Zulfa Hidayat, from Coventry University, passionately presented his talk with the topic of ‘Kepentingan Menuntut Ilmu Duniawi dan Ukhrawi”. In his speech, he demanded knowledge is obligatory for a Muslim. Seeking knowledge is required because it is one of the ways to enter paradise. Allah Ta'ala will grant Jannah, for people who are willing to go through challenges, to seek knowledge as it will benefit others. He also emphasised balancing the knowledge about the world (duniawi) and the hereafter (ukhrawi). 

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The third speaker was Nur Arina Binti Haji Hamidun, from Cardiff Metropolitan University, calmly presented her talk with confidence, "Knowledge from the Eyes of a Muslim". She reminded us that we should seek knowledge from the eyes of a Muslim, which is to strive for knowledge to attain pleasure and get closer to Allah. Moreover, she also mentions that the road to Jannah would be easier if we seek knowledge. The best individual is to give help and benefits to others. It is part of the Muslim's obligation in spreading knowledge, especially about Islam. 

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The fourth speaker was Mohd Azizan bin Haji Mohammad Anas from the University of Lancaster; with his good sense of humour, he presented his talk with the topic of "Bermusyawarah dalam Kehidupan". In his speech, he emphasised that discussing and sharing opinions with others could be beneficial. This could lead to an efficient solution and discard the thought of us thinking that we are better than others.

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The final speaker was Mohd Hamizan Hj Abd Rahman, from the University of Nottingham, "Overcoming Mental Health Issues". He assuredly discussed mental health issues being a norm, especially being stressed and anxious. It is normal to be anxious, as was mentioned in the Al-Quran. He states that to find peace within our hearts, we should have a good relationship with Allah by communicating and seeking forgiveness from Him.  

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At the end of the event, Fikri Ali, President of BruROSA delivered the closing remarks and announced the results. Nur Arina emerged victorious in the first place with her winning speech. Mohd Aqiel Hidayat won second place, and Ak Izz Khan was awarded third place. The prizes they would receive would be a cash price of 150 pounds, 125 pounds and 100 pounds respectively. 
On the other hand, Mohd Hamizan won fourth place, and lastly, Mohd Azizan attained fifth place. All participants will be given certificates of participation and merchandise from BruROSA as a token of appreciation for putting their time and energy to participate in this event.  
Finally, the event concluded with a group photo-taking session and recitation of Surah Al-'Asr by the Financial Secretary of BruROSA, Arif Ibrahim.  

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BruROSA would like to thank the judges who were able to come to judge the speakers and the spectators for attending the event to show their support. 

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