PETALING JAYA: A Form Five student from Sabah has brought home a gold medal in Brazil's International Competition and Festival of Arts "Ritmos Brasileiros" 2022.

       Keningau Vocational College Sabah student Alexius Ignatius won gold for his outstanding achievement in the animated storytelling category in the virtual competition which took place from May 11 to 15.

       Alexius, who is autistic, narrated his animated tale called Timbalun – a story about a supernatural entity that spreads disease to humans and other living things.

       Keningau Vocational College director Johari@Jaibet Bin Sabin praised the student, stating that Alexius is proof that special needs learners are as capable as able-bodied learners.

       "He was mentored by his teachers Avyasvina Istiniza Anak Unong and Sirhajwan Idek.

       "Alexius made sure he understood the story and learnt to act out his lines.

       "His hobby of watching English language movies and television shows has helped him deliver the story better," Johari said in an interview.