The sweet BRATs life

This year is looking pretty amazing for BRATs participants – and we have two more camps coming up!

BRATs this year are in for a real treat: not only do they get to go on exciting adventures and learn the finer points of multimedia journalism from award-winning R.AGE journalists, they get to do it in fivestar surroundings.

That’s right, we’ll be living it up this year in style thanks to Genting Malaysia Berhad.

In March, BRATs Langkawi participants came home to the luxury of Resorts World Langkawi (RWL) after field assignments that included getting up close and personal with Arabian horses at the Island Horses equestrian centre and heading out to sea with tour company Tropical Charters on its yacht.

Armed with the tools of the journalistic trade – cameras, notebooks and pens – they got busy journalist-style. It warmed our journalist hearts to see 16- to 19-year-olds scurrying around after profiles, pausing to pat horses, and trying to film on a moving boat.

But it was all worth it. Not only did they get to learn the inner workings of catamarans, and get the insider scoop on the first solar-powered catamaran in Malaysia, they also got to speak to Hamzah Abdullah, the man entrusted with the breeding and care of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s prized Arab stallion, Al-Bariq.

On top of all that, they were treated to a trick-riding show, featuring a fearless rider performing awe-inspiring stunts atop a galloping horse. Don’t worry, the BRATs caught it all on camera.

But the field assignments were only part of the experience. Once they got back to the hotel, the BRATs had to produce stories, pictures and videos under the eagle eye of R.AGE journalists and producers. You can check their work out at rage.my/brats!

It was a testament to their commitment and work ethics, however, that they weren’t (too) distracted by the luxurious surroundings of RWL, which includes a brandnew infinity pool overlooking the Andaman Sea.

They did, however, get to enjoy the pool when they were treated to a poolside buffet dinner. Never say we don’t let the BRATs have fun!

We haven’t announced the August camp’s location yet, but here’s a small hint: it’s in Terengganu. Keep your eyes peeled for camp updates on fb. com/starbrats!

Our August camp is also now open for submissions! If you’re a Malaysian aged 16-19 and have a passion for journalism, log on to rage.my/bratsrecruitment to find out how you can apply.

Submissions close July 31, so what are you waiting for?

The 2018 BRATs young journalist camps are sponsored by Genting Malaysia Berhad.

— Photo: LIM MAY LEE/R.AGE BRATs Langkawi 2018 participants lived it up in the newly-refurbished Resorts World Langkawi, which boasts an unbeatable view of the Andaman Sea.

— KIMBERLY CHING/BRATs They didn’t get to go into the pool (camp rules, sorry BRATs!), but they did get to enjoy RWL’s new infinity pool when they were treated to a poolside buffet dinner.

The BRATs had the opportunity to interview Hamzah, who runs Island Horses and the Seven Wells Stud Farm. He started with just one horse – Al-Bariq – but now the equestrian centre boasts almost 50 Malaysian-Arabian horses.

It wasn’t all sea breezes and lounging on a yacht, the BRATs also learnt about the work that goes into ensuring a successful cruise, as well as the inner workings of a catamaran, thanks to Tropical Charters.