(Bandar Seri Begawan, 7th) Organized by the Department of Disability Affairs under the Community Development Department, and co-partnered with the Department of Culture and Arts, Radio Television Brunei, and Revolution Records as strategic partners, the "OKU Got Talent" grand finals and summit event were held in conjunction with the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration at the ground floor lobby of Times Square Shopping Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan.
The competition aims to provide an inclusive platform for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents in singing, dancing, music, and creative arts, while also boosting their self-confidence, communication skills, and social interaction, as well as discovering and nurturing those with potential to join cultural and arts groups.
The grand finals held in the morning were officiated by Acting Director of the Community Development Department, Yang Rah Faziah, with 11 contestants from across the nation participating, divided into two categories: the "Gem Category" (25 years old and below) and the "Blossom Category" (26 years old and above).
The panel of judges consisted of representatives from the Department of Culture and Arts, Youth Development Centre, and Revolution Records. Prior to the finals, three rounds of auditions were held on August 25 and 27, 2025 at the International Convention Centre in conjunction with the Brunei Book Fair, and another on October 18 at Kuala Belait KB Sentral Shopping Centre, aiming to discover creative talents from different regions and to ensure high quality and diverse backgrounds among contestants. The summit event in the afternoon was officiated by Hajah Nor Ashikin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports for Social Affairs. The event started with the official theme song "Serlahkan Bakatmu", followed by a stunning performance of "Kampong Ayer" by visually impaired singer Jamari.
Next, the winners of the "Gem Category" were announced: Champion Eddy Iswandi, who received a trophy, certificate, $2,000 cash prize, and lifelong mentoring; runner-up Mohamad Rozman, who was awarded a trophy, certificate, $1,000 cash prize, and lifelong mentoring; and third place Muhamad Rafik, who received a trophy, certificate, and $500 cash prize. The event continued with a solo performance of "Salam Kasihku" by physically disabled singer Alimi. Subsequently, the winners of the "Blossom Category" were announced: Champion Muhamad Ihsan Syafri, runner-up Sufisa, and third place Safarina, each receiving a trophy, certificate, cash prizes ($2,000, $1,000, and $500), and lifelong mentoring. The atmosphere grew emotional and heartwarming with a duet performance of "Pandang-Pandang Jeling-Jeling" by visually impaired Jamari and Haslina.
Commemorative gifts and certificates of appreciation were then presented to the judges, sponsors, and special guest performers, and all contestants were awarded prizes. The event also featured exhibition booths for Happiness Centre and Welfare Council for the Disabled (MKOKU) members, adding variety to the activities. Attendees included senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, MKOKU representatives, non-governmental organizations, sponsors, and strategic partners. The entire event was well received by the public and judges alike—the contestants displayed a diverse range of talents and outstanding performances, while the full support of their families filled the event with positive energy and motivation.
The competition aims to provide an inclusive platform for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents in singing, dancing, music, and creative arts, while also boosting their self-confidence, communication skills, and social interaction, as well as discovering and nurturing those with potential to join cultural and arts groups.
The grand finals held in the morning were officiated by Acting Director of the Community Development Department, Yang Rah Faziah, with 11 contestants from across the nation participating, divided into two categories: the "Gem Category" (25 years old and below) and the "Blossom Category" (26 years old and above).
The panel of judges consisted of representatives from the Department of Culture and Arts, Youth Development Centre, and Revolution Records. Prior to the finals, three rounds of auditions were held on August 25 and 27, 2025 at the International Convention Centre in conjunction with the Brunei Book Fair, and another on October 18 at Kuala Belait KB Sentral Shopping Centre, aiming to discover creative talents from different regions and to ensure high quality and diverse backgrounds among contestants. The summit event in the afternoon was officiated by Hajah Nor Ashikin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports for Social Affairs. The event started with the official theme song "Serlahkan Bakatmu", followed by a stunning performance of "Kampong Ayer" by visually impaired singer Jamari.
Next, the winners of the "Gem Category" were announced: Champion Eddy Iswandi, who received a trophy, certificate, $2,000 cash prize, and lifelong mentoring; runner-up Mohamad Rozman, who was awarded a trophy, certificate, $1,000 cash prize, and lifelong mentoring; and third place Muhamad Rafik, who received a trophy, certificate, and $500 cash prize. The event continued with a solo performance of "Salam Kasihku" by physically disabled singer Alimi. Subsequently, the winners of the "Blossom Category" were announced: Champion Muhamad Ihsan Syafri, runner-up Sufisa, and third place Safarina, each receiving a trophy, certificate, cash prizes ($2,000, $1,000, and $500), and lifelong mentoring. The atmosphere grew emotional and heartwarming with a duet performance of "Pandang-Pandang Jeling-Jeling" by visually impaired Jamari and Haslina.
Commemorative gifts and certificates of appreciation were then presented to the judges, sponsors, and special guest performers, and all contestants were awarded prizes. The event also featured exhibition booths for Happiness Centre and Welfare Council for the Disabled (MKOKU) members, adding variety to the activities. Attendees included senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, MKOKU representatives, non-governmental organizations, sponsors, and strategic partners. The entire event was well received by the public and judges alike—the contestants displayed a diverse range of talents and outstanding performances, while the full support of their families filled the event with positive energy and motivation.