KUALA LUMPUR: A 33-year-old school clerk has been crowned champion in an acting poetry competition organised by Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).
Ratna Atikah Zainul Amin took home RM4,000 for first place, RM1,500 for winning the best group award and RM1,000 for best actor.
Born in Ipoh, Ratna expressed her joy at winning, saying that this was her first experience competing in a poetry contest.
"This is my first time participating. I didn't expect to win because it was very competitive.
"I had participated in theatre during my studies, and there were some poetry competitions back then.
"Winning has a real impact on me, especially since I genuinely enjoy acting. So I challenged myself to try poems while acting at the same time," she told reporters at Balai Budaya Tun Syed Nasir on Thursday.
Ratna said the competition highlighted the beauty of poetry and how it could be integrated into everyday life.
The early rounds of the competition took place online from Aug 22 to Sept 15, via social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
A total of 41 entries were received and Ratna was one of the six best participants selected for the final round.
Participants competed in teams, performing based on scripts prepared by the organising committee.
Also present were DBP director-general Dr Hazami Jahari, DBP Language and Literature Development Department director Mohd Salahuddin Mohamed, BSN chief operating officer Zarir Mohd Rawi and BSN strategic communication head Aizurra Mellissa Muzammil.
In his address, Zarir said this programme not only elevated the Malay language and literature, but also strengthened the synergistic network between the public and private sectors in efforts to enrich the nation's cultural heritage.
"In line with the objectives of this competition, we can see how poetry, a treasured cultural art form, remains relevant and continues to engage the younger generation through modern theatrical performances.
"Programmes like this are essential for sustaining the Malay language and literature amid the increasingly challenging tides of globalisation."
Meanwhile, Hazami said this competition has uncovered numerous talents among poetry performers, particularly among young professionals.
This programme, he said, aims to promote poetry through technology by producing high-quality and interactive videos that use poetry as a narrative foundation.
"The Pantun Lakon competition showcases a refreshing variety. In the past, participants had the freedom to choose the stories they wanted to present, but this time, the organisers provided a script for them to act out.
"Participants credibility this year, is now tested not only on their ability to master the acting script but also on their skill in creatively integrating pantun into scenes that accurately reflect the provided script."