Latest news with #GoldenDiplomaAward


The Sun
02-08-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Felda youth pivotal for Malaysia's future success, says Ahmad Shabery
KUALA LUMPUR: The younger generation of the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) should not be seen merely as 'settlers' children' but as future leaders capable of contributing meaningfully to the nation, said Felda Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek. He said many Felda youths have already gained international recognition. 'One day, Felda will produce outstanding individuals, not just for Felda, but for our beloved country,' he said during the Felda Settlers' Appreciation Ceremony held in conjunction with the Mega 3D Carnival 2025 here today. It was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Also present were Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang and FGV Holdings Bhd (FGV) Chairman Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa. Expanding on this, Ahmad Shabery cited the example of Felda students from the Ulul Albab Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) in Felda Trolak who recently won the Golden Diploma Award at the 2025 International Wind Orchestra Festival held in Prague, Czech Republic, last June. He said the MARESMAF Wind Orchestra (MAWO) team triumphed over seven orchestras from six different countries, proving that Felda now stands at an important and meaningful juncture for the nation. 'There are many MRSMs in Malaysia, so why is special attention given to MRSM Trolak? Because it is the Felda MRSM — the children and grandchildren of Felda settlers... their mastery of the Ulul Albab discipline, memorising the Qur'an, and now emerging champions in an international competition in Prague,' he said. At the same time, he expressed appreciation to the Government for its ongoing support, and to Ahmad Zahid — who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development — for consistently inquiring into Felda's needs. 'Having Government leadership that understands and empathises with Felda is crucial, and Datuk Seri (Ahmad Zahid) is always asking what Felda's challenges are and how they can be helped... many forms of assistance have been extended under his ministry from time to time,' he added. - Bernama


The Sun
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Felda transformation to boost rural prosperity and pride
KUALA LUMPUR: Felda is undergoing a major transformation to adapt to modern challenges while maintaining its role as a key driver of rural prosperity and national pride, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Speaking in conjunction with Felda Settlers' Day, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, emphasised that Felda is expanding beyond traditional sectors like rubber and oil palm. The agency is now venturing into education, entrepreneurship, food technology, arts, and culture to ensure long-term sustainability. 'Since its establishment 69 years ago, Felda has not only been the backbone of rural development but has also uplifted over 112,638 settlers and nearly three million Felda generations nationwide,' he said in a post on X. Ahmad Zahid outlined key agendas for 2025, including enhancing settlers' economic well-being through higher income opportunities and community empowerment. He stressed the need to strengthen Felda's role in the global food and commodity industry, particularly as Malaysia emerges as a major player in palm oil production through FGV, the world's third-largest crude palm oil producer. The development of Felda's younger generation remains a priority, with a focus on quality education, skills training, and entrepreneurial support. Among recent achievements, the MaresmaF Wind Orchestra from MRSM Ulul Albab Felda Trolak won the Golden Diploma Award at the 26th Prague International Wind Orchestra Festival, showcasing Felda's global potential. This year's Settlers' Day celebrations will feature the 3-Dimensional Mega Carnival (MK3D), combining the Village Entrepreneurs' Carnival and One District One Industry showcase. Titled 'My Village is Global,' the event from July 30 to August 3 aims to promote Felda products and community innovation on an international scale. – Bernama

Barnama
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Gov't Plans More Platforms For MAWO Performances
GENERAL PUTRAJAYA, June 26 (Bernama) – The government is exploring ways to create more platforms for the MARESMAF Wind Orchestra (MAWO) to showcase their musical talents, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi, who is also the spokesman for the MADANI Government, said this follows the proud achievement of the orchestra, from MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) Ulul Albab, Felda Trolak, in winning the Golden Diploma Award at the 2025 International Wind Orchestra Festival in Prague, Czech Republic, recently. 'Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi brought this matter to the attention of the Cabinet. The government is extremely proud of the achievement by the MRSM Ulul Albab orchestra. 'Insya-Allah, we will look into what assistance can be provided to ensure that the MRSM Ulul Albab orchestra continues to receive promising opportunities in the future,' he told a press conference here today. Fahmi expressed admiration for the spirit shown by the younger generation from Felda, noting that the group had received the highest marks from a panel of professional judges based on the quality of performance, technical proficiency, and mastery of internationally recognised musical compositions. 'What is truly unique about this orchestra is that previously they had limited musical background, but with the support of the RTM Orchestra, they not only managed to perform competently during their performance at the Seri Angkasa Auditorium, Angkasapuri Complex, but also went on to win a prestigious award in Prague,' he said. Media reports stated that MAWO's success brought honour to Malaysia by outperforming seven other orchestras from six countries in the middle class category, making them the only Asian ensemble to captivate the international stage. The competition was divided into three categories — lower class, middle class, and higher class — based on the difficulty level of the musical works and the participants' technical ability. The 2025 International Wind Orchestra Festival, held on June 20 and 21, saw the participation of 13 orchestras from 11 countries, with Malaysia as the sole representative from the Asian continent.

Barnama
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
Discipline Key To MRSM Ulul Albab Felda Trolak's Victory In Prague
IPOH, June 24 (Bernama) -- Despite a tight study schedule, 53 students from the MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) Ulul Albab Felda Trolak proved that excellence is possible both in the classroom and on stage, earning the Golden Diploma Award at the 2025 International Wind Orchestra Festival in Prague, Czech Republic. MRSM Ulul Albab Felda Trolak principal Zeidi Zakaria said the students' commitment and discipline were key to their success, as all practice sessions had to be held after school hours. 'They practised only after school and in the evenings, and whenever there was a competition, they gave it their full attention, even with limited time. 'When they arrived in the Czech Republic, they only had two days to practise, but I was truly impressed with their performance, especially considering that 17 of them achieved a CGPA (cumulative grade point average) of 3.75 and above,' he said when contacted by Bernama today. He said all members of the MARESMAF Wind Orchestra (MAWO), aged between 14 and 17, were first introduced to orchestral music upon entering MRSM, with some coming from B40 families who had rarely been exposed to elite musical instruments. 'In European countries, children are introduced to musical instruments from a young age, whereas most MRSM students only start learning them in Form One, at the age of 13. 'We performed at an art school before the competition, and on that same day, they were awarding diplomas to their students. I noticed the youngest recipient was just nine years old, unlike in Malaysia, where students usually receive their diplomas at 20 or 21,' he said. In addition, Zeidi said Malaysia was the sole representative from Asia, while the other 10 participating teams were from Europe, including Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Iceland, the Czech Republic, Italy, Latvia, Germany, Poland and Croatia. 'We were quite humbled just looking at the physical build of their students on the opening day. They (MRSM students) may be physically small, but they displayed a strong will and determination,' he said.

Barnama
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
MRSM FELDA Trolak's MAWO Victory In Prague Highlights Power Of Cross-sector Collaboration
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- The MARESMAF Wind Orchestra (MAWO) from MRSM Ulul Albab FELDA Trolak has made the nation proud by winning the prestigious Golden Diploma Award at the 2025 International Wind Orchestra Festival in Prague, Czech Republic. Their success, achieved through strong cross-sector collaboration, is a testament to what can be accomplished when various parties unite for a shared goal. FELDA chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said FELDA is deeply grateful to everyone who supported MAWO's journey to international recognition. 'This victory is more than a musical achievement – it symbolises the spirit, determination, and identity of FELDA's children and grandchildren, proving that big dreams can become reality,' he said in a statement today. He extended special thanks to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, and Director-General of the Department of Broadcasting Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman for their close cooperation and unwavering support. Ahmad Shabery also recognised the contributions of MRSM Ulul Albab FELDA Trolak's teachers and parents, particularly MAWO's mentor Raja Muzafar Shah Raja Abdullah, as well as RTM's Music Services director, Datuk Mokhzani Ismail, a respected national music figure who served as an inspiration and advisor. FELDA also appreciated the involvement of strategic partners such as U Mobile, FGV Holdings Berhad, Sustainable Future Sdn Bhd, Seri Pacific Corporation Sdn Bhd, and others whose support helped ensure smooth coordination of the group's mission. Held on June 20 and 21, the festival featured 13 orchestras from 11 countries, divided into three categories – lower, middle, and higher class – based on musical complexity and technical capability. Competing in the middle class category, MAWO earned the highest marks from a panel of professional judges, emerging as the best in its group and outperforming seven other orchestras from six countries.