A single memorised word may take only a few seconds to say. For Thursina IIBS students, however, learning 150 Arabic vocabulary words (mufradat) in ten days became an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Arabic language. Their dedication led Thursina IIBS to become the Overall Champion of the 2026 ASEAN Arabic Vocabulary Olympiad.
The achievement was earned at a competition organised by ILAAF Arabiyah Surabaya on August 30, 2026, at the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya. Thursina sent 53 delegates, with 33 students receiving the Mumtaz distinction.
This achievement made Thursina IIBS the institution with the highest number of Mumtaz distinctions in the competition.
The Olympiad focused on mastery of mufradat as an important foundation for developing Arabic language skills. For Thursina students, the competition provided an opportunity to apply what they had learned in the Islamic boarding school environment in a competitive setting, allowing them to test their knowledge and skills alongside participants from across the ASEAN region.
The students prepared intensively for approximately ten days. They memorised 150 vocabulary words selected by the organisers and regularly reviewed them with their mentors. The preparation was intended to ensure that the vocabulary was not merely recognised, but properly remembered and understood.
Ustazah Septa Rellani, Lc., one of the mentors, viewed the preparation process as an experience that extended beyond the pursuit of competition results. According to her, developing a broader vocabulary provides students with an important foundation for using Arabic in their daily lives.
“I am very proud to see the enthusiasm and incredible effort shown by our students. The large number of Mumtaz distinctions strengthens our belief that Arabic is not a difficult language. It can be learned in an enjoyable and exciting way,” said Ustazah Septa.
For some Grade 7 and Grade 10 students, the competition became one of their first achievements since beginning their journey at Thursina IIBS. Others had already gained experience through previous competitions, making the Olympiad another opportunity to test and further develop the skills they had acquired.
The achievement also builds on Thursina’s previous experience in international Arabic language competitions. At the 4th International School Arabic Debating Championship in Doha, Qatar, held from April 7–11, 2018, Thursina won First Place in the Non-Native Speaker Category.
These achievements demonstrate that foreign language learning at Thursina extends beyond classroom materials. Through the development of World Class Teachers and the implementation of Holistic & Balanced Education, Thursina provides students with opportunities to apply and develop their abilities through authentic competitive experiences.
This learning culture is further supported by regular programmes, including overseas exposure in seven countries. These international experiences form part of Thursina’s educational ecosystem, preparing graduates to pursue further education through the Top 100 Overseas University Enrollment Pathway.
For Ustazah Septa, however, the ultimate goal is not simply to help students memorise more vocabulary. She hopes that learning Arabic will also nurture their appreciation of Islam.
“Arabic is not only a language of communication, but also the language of the Qur’an, which holds a special place in the life of a Muslim. We hope our students will continue to love and enjoy the learning process, understand its meaning, and make Arabic part of their love for Islam,” she explained.
This spirit reflects Thursina’s RECODING Value of Inspiring by creating learning experiences that encourage curiosity, the courage to grow, and the motivation to go beyond personal limits.
Becoming the Overall Champion of the 2026 ASEAN Arabic Vocabulary Olympiad ultimately represents more than winning a trophy. It demonstrates how language learning can become a pathway to knowledge, identity, and broader global experiences.
