SHAH ALAM - The Dikir Barat team from SK Subang Bestari 2 made history on their own when they emerged as champions in the primary school category of the Dikir Barat Competition at the Sinar Bestari Education Carnival today.
After the men's team won the top prize, the school's women's team also managed to secure third place in the same category.
The competition, held on the second day of the carnival organised by the Karangkraf Group, allowed the school teams to take home trophies, hampers, and certificates of victory.
Sweet experiences were also forged when the school won the Best Tok Jogho Award and the Best Performers Award, defeating five other schools in the process.
Meanwhile, SK Sungai Binjai from Meru was satisfied as the first runner-up after successfully dominating the music throne and winning the title of the best jester in the competition.
SK Subang Bestari 2 Dikir Barat coach, Dasuki Mohamed said that the success was due to the efforts and cooperation of the students, teachers, parents, and the school's Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG).
"We trained for three weeks with the participation of 39 students from both fifth and sixth grades, and this is the first time we've won a double since the school's Dikir Barat team was established five years ago," he said.
Meanwhile, SK Sungai Binjai Dikir Barat coach, Norhasnida Yaakub said that despite being the first runner-up, it was a worthwhile victory because the school's team trained for only four days.
"Thank you to the students who showed high commitment, as well as the parents, teachers, and PIBG who greatly assisted in facilitating the training up to the day of the competition," she said.
She added that the team of 20 members under the cultural club consisted of students from grades four, five, and six.
"Thanks to Sinar Karangkraf for successfully organising talent discovery programmes like this," she said.
The competition also saw SK Sungai Pelong and SK Sungai Tua Baharu competing in the same category but had to settle for fourth and fifth places, respectively.
Meanwhile, Sinar Bestari Education Carnival Project Director, Meen Tahrin said that each team must incorporate educational elements, unity, and advisory aspects in line with the carnival's theme, which is 'Promoting Digital Generation Education".
According to him, the judging criteria include aspects of uniformity in style, attire, coordination, and musical instrument-playing skills.
"A total of five high school teams and three primary school teams participated in the competition, accompanied by their respective teachers and supporters," he said.
He explained that what's important is that the competing teams can experience something new because there are teams that have just been established.
"Despite time constraints due to classes and other commitments, the spirit and commitment shown by the teachers and students are truly commendable," he said.