Dayangku Najibah Eradah
Bruneian explorer (born 1983)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dayangku Najibah Eradah binti Pengiran Ahmad Mahdi Al-Sufri (born 20 May 1983),[1] also known as Brunei’s Polar Girl,[2] is a teacher and environmentalist, who is the first Bruneian to have reached the South Pole.
10 May 1983
- Teacher
- environmentalist
- explorer
Dayangku Najibah Eradah | |
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| دايڠكو نجيبه ايراده | |
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| Born | Dayangku Najibah Eradah binti Pengiran Ahmad Mahdi Al-Sufri 10 May 1983 |
| Occupations |
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| Known for | First Bruneian to reach the South Pole |
| Spouse | Faierony Hazelin Mat Jair |
| Parents |
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| Relatives |
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South Pole expedition
Era and seven other woman, each from a different Commonwealth country, were selected from among over 800 candidates to take part in the Kaspersky Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition, which reached the South Pole on 29 December 2009.[3][4] Explaining her participation in the expedition, she said: "I am passionate about environmental issues and hope to use my involvement in the expedition to raise awareness in Brunei of global warming and climate change".[5]
Bruneian media described her achievement as "a historic day for Brunei and a momentous day for the Sultanate's women". Saiful Ibrahim, Vice president of the Brunei Adventure Recreation Association, described her as "an icon for all Bruneians, especially for women and our youths".[6] She has become known in Brunei as "the Polar Girl".[7][8] Bruneian businesswoman Halina Taib stepped in to fund the trip, after there were financial difficulties.[9]
Personal life
Era's father, Pengiran Ahmad Mahdi Al-Sufri, is a distant member of the royal family,[2] while her mother, Pengiran Hajah Basmillah binti Pengiran Haji Abbas, is a diplomat.[10] Additionally, she has an uncle and granduncle who maintain a close relationship with the royal family; respectively they are Pengiran Anak Idris and Pengiran Anak Kemaluddin. Formerly a mathematics teacher in secondary school, Era became a government officer at the Bruneian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.[11]
Recognitions and awards
- Youth Outstanding Merit (2010)[12]