Bandaraya KK Unduk Ngadau wins four subsidiary titles

Borneo Post

29-05-2025

The winners of the sub titles pose with Faridah Tussin (front row, centre in red), Juliah Salag (front row, ninth from left), co-chairs Datuk Joanna Kitingan (front row, eighth from left) and Dr Mary Gambidau (front row, seventh from left).
PENAMPANG (May 29): A total of 11 subsidiary titles were presented to winners during the Sodop Unduk Ngadau at the Hongkod Koisaan yesterday evening.
The winners were Tuaran Unduk Ngadau April Adelaide (Tati Topiodo/Miss Natural Beauty), Kunak Unduk Ngadau Einnawenda Wenceslaus (Tati Tosuau/Miss Friendly), Penampang Unduk Ngadau Slecther Myranda Floyd (Basaan Tinandai Togingo/Best Traditional Costume), Papar Unduk Ngadau Ann Rachel Oilon (Miss Beautiful Smile V Dental), Kemabong Unduk Ngadau Bibiana Wong Pau Yun (The Tati Tagaras Pepsi/Miss Strong Pepsi), Labuan Unduk Ngadau Lorain Ephrin Chan (Miss Flawless Skintific), Sarawak Unduk Ngadau Izavel Alesandra Beko (Tati Tabaal KOVAC/ Miss Creative & Talented KOVAC), Ranau Unduk Ngadau Jenylin Janis (Miss C.A.N), Lahad Datu Unduk Ngadau Paige Naville Chong (Tati Otonong Jetama) and Tamparuli Unduk Ngadau Atitih Yatih Robert (Tati Kinabalu).
Bandaraya KK Unduk Ngadau Evanatie Sannie won four prizes comprising of the Basaan Tinunturu Om Linangkit Notinagas for her attire, Miss Loving & Caring Ai-cha, Tati Kaanangan Maxis (Miss Popular Maxis) and Miss Friendly Imago.
Winners of the titles won RM2,000 cash, a crown, a sash and a trophy.
Meanwhile, the designers for the attires that won the Basaan Tinunturu om Linangkit and Basaan Tinandai Togingo won a cash prize of RM3,500.
Present to grace the event were the wife of Sabah's Head of State, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin and the wife of the Chief Minister, Datin Seri Panglima Datuk Juliana Salag.
Meanwhile, chairman of the 2025 Sabah Level Kaamatan Festival main organising committee, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan who is also Deputy Chief Minister 1 said that the Sodop Unduk Ngadau is a celebration that holds a special place in our hearts as part of the grand Kaamatan festivities.
'I was reminded that this year marks 65 years of the Kaamatan celebration, as well as the first crowning of the Unduk Ngadau. This is a momentous milestone — 65 years of the Kaamatan Festival, a testament to the resilience, unity and vibrant cultural heritage of our community. As we rejoice in this historic celebration, we also pay homage to the Unduk Ngadau, a symbol of our traditions, beauty and the spirit of our people,' he said.
He added that the theme for this year's celebration, 'Kaamatan for All,' resonates deeply with our collective desire to foster inclusivity, understanding, and unity among all members of our society.
'It reminds us that our cultural heritage is a precious legacy to be cherished and shared by everyone, regardless of background or age,' said Jeffrey.
'It is a call to ensure that the beauty of our traditions continues to thrive and inspire future generations,' he added.
As the chairman of the Main Organising Committee, he said he is proud of the dedication and effort that have gone into making this year's Kaamatan a memorable event.
'Today, as we watch the performance of the Unduk Ngadau wearing the ethnic-inspired evening dress, let us not only celebrate her beauty and grace, but also recognise her as a custodian of our cultural identity and a beacon of hope for our community's bright future.
'Let us use this occasion to reaffirm our commitment to preserving our customs, embracing diversity, and uniting as one community under the banner of our shared heritage. The Unduk Ngadau has indeed come a long way to where it is today.'
The Unduk Ngadau CAN produce short videos on culture, agro-tourism and nature that help promote our cultural identity, agro-tourism, and natural beauty, he said.
'The Unduks are influencers in their own fields, not only promoting their own products but also generating income from them.'