SINGAPORE - Ms Nurul 'Izzah Kahmsani, 31, won a national Quran recitation competition on Sunday (April 24) and will go on to represent Singapore international competitions.

Ms Nurul, a religious teacher, won in the adult female category in the annual National Quranic Recitation Competition organised by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis).

Student Ahmad Daniyal Mohd Rizal, 23, was the winner of the male adult category.

At the competition held at the Islamic Hub of Singapore in Braddell Road, Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob encouraged the Muslim community to understand the true meaning of the Quran and uphold Islamic values.

Madam Halimah, MP for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, was guest of honour at the event.

Values such as compassion, fairness and equality are key to daily lives as Muslims, she said, adding that it was important to uphold these values as the community faces challenges in the form of extremist ideologies that uses Quranic text to justify their violent actions.

Muis said this year's competiton saw more young participants under 25. There are about 60 such young participants, double the 30 in 2000.

"This increase shows the support of the community to encourage the young to learn and appreciate the reading of Quran," said Muis.