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Eilyr Thomas set to be honoured at Wrexham Eisteddfod
Eilyr Thomas set to be honoured at Wrexham Eisteddfod

Leader Live

timea day ago

  • Entertainment
  • Leader Live

Eilyr Thomas set to be honoured at Wrexham Eisteddfod

Eilyr Thomas, of Llandissilio in Pembrokeshire, will be awarded the Sir TH Parry-Williams Memorial Medal at the 2025 National Eisteddfod, taking place in Wrexham. The award recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community, especially in work with young people. Ms Thomas said: "When I found out, I was completely speechless – I couldn't find any words at all. "I'm not someone who wins competitions or anything like that, but this – I just couldn't believe it. "Of course, it's an honour, and I'm very proud to accept it, although I'm also very nervous." She spent most of her career as a teacher and headteacher in Pembrokeshire's Maenclochog and Mynachlog-ddu areas. Ms Thomas has also been a prominent figure in music, singing, and recitation from an early age. A successful competitor at local and national eisteddfodau, she won the Blue Riband at the National Eisteddfod in the 1970s. Her influence has shaped the lives of many young performers, including Canwr y Byd competitor Jessica Robinson, as well as Trystan Llŷr Griffiths, Sioned Llewelyn, Esyllt Thomas, and Ffion Thomas. In addition to individual coaching, Ms Thomas has conducted choirs and vocal ensembles, helping to create amazing experiences and a lifelong love of music in countless young people. READ MORE: Gronant residents claim council has not collected bins for 10 weeks She said: "The family was musical, and I suppose I showed some desire to sing, even though I was incredibly shy. "Every time someone came to the house and asked me to sing, I'd hide behind the curtains – I could never face them." Ms Thomas will receive the Sir TH Parry-Williams Memorial Medal on the Pavilion stage at 12.30pm on Tuesday, August 5. The National Eisteddfod will take place in Is-y-Coed, Wrexham, from August 2 to 9. More information is available at

TH To Roll Out Digital Passport Submission For Haj
TH To Roll Out Digital Passport Submission For Haj

Barnama

time6 days ago

  • Barnama

TH To Roll Out Digital Passport Submission For Haj

GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) is working to introduce a digital passport submission system for Malaysian haj pilgrims to minimise the need for them to visit TH branch offices in person, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the initiative is among TH's ongoing efforts to enhance and improve efficiency in haj management for the comfort of the pilgrims. "May the administration and management of Malaysia's haj pilgrimage continue to be among the best in the world, God willing," he said when replying to a question from Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan (BN-Kuala Pilah). Zulkifli said various measures have been implemented by TH to ensure optimal management of the pilgrimage, including the introduction of a digital haj medical record book, which helps medical personnel check pilgrims' health records online. "This also aims to prevent the loss of physical medical books. In addition, the haj mobility application was introduced to assist staff in coordinating pilgrims' movements throughout the haj season," he said. Meanwhile, Zulkifli said all eligible Malaysian pilgrims successfully obtained their haj visas, including those who encountered technical issues during biometric registration via the Saudi Visa Bio mobile application. He said the achievement was the result of close cooperation between TH, the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, and relevant technical agencies. However, TH is aware that a small number of pilgrims experienced difficulties registering biometric data through the app. "The issue stemmed from technical factors such as mobile device incompatibility, inaccurate facial or fingerprint scanning, and the need for ongoing technical system upgrades in line with current developments," he said when replying to a question from Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib (PN-Maran). Zulkifli said TH has taken several proactive measures to help ease pilgrims' use of the application, including providing complete guidelines and support through its official portal at for downloading and using the Saudi Visa Bio app.

[UPDATED] Tabung Haji goes digital: 80pct of transactions now online
[UPDATED] Tabung Haji goes digital: 80pct of transactions now online

New Straits Times

time6 days ago

  • Business
  • New Straits Times

[UPDATED] Tabung Haji goes digital: 80pct of transactions now online

KUALA LUMPUR: More than 80 per cent of Tabung Haji (TH) transactions are now conducted through online and electronic platforms, reflecting a growing preference among depositors for digital services that offer greater convenience and save time. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said TH would continue to explore ways to enhance its services for the 9.68 million depositors nationwide. "TH is also working on implementing digital submission of haj pilgrims' passports to reduce the need for pilgrims to physically visit its offices," he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. He also dismissed rumours suggesting the closure of some TH branches. "Currently, TH operates 107 branches across the country, with none being closed. However, underutilised branches with very low transaction volumes will be replaced by a new initiative called Tabung Haji Gerak. "Tabung Haji Gerak is a mobile service counter that moves from place to place. Its schedule will be published on social media and TH's website to ensure the public can access it easily," he said. He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib (PN–Maran) regarding rumours of branch closures. Commenting on the use of the Saudi Visa Bio system for haj pilgrims, Zulkifli acknowledged that a small number of Malaysians had encountered difficulties registering their biometric data via the application. "This was due to technical factors such as incompatible mobile devices, inaccurate facial or fingerprint scans, and the need for periodic system upgrades to stay current with the latest developments." He said that Malaysia was one of the first eight countries globally — alongside Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, Tunisia and Morocco — selected by the Saudi government to pilot the Saudi Visa Bio application. "This is a recognition for Malaysia as a pioneer in this digital initiative introduced by the Saudi authorities to facilitate visa issuance." For the 1446H/2025M haj season, TH has taken several proactive steps to assist pilgrims in using the application effectively. "TH provided comprehensive guidance through its official portal, including instructions on downloading and using the Saudi Visa Bio app, complete with step-by-step registration procedures and tips to ensure a smooth process." Zulkifli added that briefing sessions were held during basic haj courses nationwide, and clear instructions were also provided in the haj offer letters issued to pilgrims. "According to TH records, all eligible Malaysian haj pilgrims have successfully obtained their visas, including those who initially faced technical issues, thanks to direct assistance from the Saudi Embassy and TH," he said.

Tabung Haji goes digital: 80pct of transactions now online
Tabung Haji goes digital: 80pct of transactions now online

New Straits Times

time6 days ago

  • Business
  • New Straits Times

Tabung Haji goes digital: 80pct of transactions now online

KUALA LUMPUR: More than 80 per cent of Tabung Haji (TH) transactions are now conducted through online and electronic platforms, reflecting a growing preference among depositors for digital services that offer greater convenience and save time. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said TH would continue to explore ways to enhance its services for the 9.68 million depositors nationwide. He also dismissed rumours suggesting the closure of some TH branches. "Currently, TH operates 107 branches across the country, with none being closed. However, underutilised branches with very low transaction volumes will be replaced by a new initiative called Tabung Haji Gerak. "Tabung Haji Gerak is a mobile service counter that moves from place to place. Its schedule will be published on social media and TH's website to ensure the public can access it easily," he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib (PN–Maran) regarding rumours of branch closures. Commenting on the use of the Saudi Visa Bio system for haj pilgrims, Zulkifli acknowledged that a small number of Malaysians had encountered difficulties registering their biometric data via the application. "This was due to technical factors such as incompatible mobile devices, inaccurate facial or fingerprint scans, and the need for periodic system upgrades to stay current with the latest developments." He said that Malaysia was one of the first eight countries globally — alongside Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, Tunisia and Morocco — selected by the Saudi government to pilot the Saudi Visa Bio application. "This is a recognition for Malaysia as a pioneer in this digital initiative introduced by the Saudi authorities to facilitate visa issuance." For the 1446H/2025M haj season, TH has taken several proactive steps to assist pilgrims in using the application effectively. "TH provided comprehensive guidance through its official portal, including instructions on downloading and using the Saudi Visa Bio app, complete with step-by-step registration procedures and tips to ensure a smooth process." Zulkifli added that briefing sessions were held during basic haj courses nationwide, and clear instructions were also provided in the haj offer letters issued to pilgrims. "According to TH records, all eligible Malaysian haj pilgrims have successfully obtained their visas, including those who initially faced technical issues, thanks to direct assistance from the Saudi Embassy and TH," he said.

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