Unduk Ngadau contestants encouraged to promote Sabah tourism

Borneo Post

27-05-2025

Joniston with the top seven winners of the short film competition at the Majlis Anugerah Filem Pendek Culture, Adventure and Nature (C.A.N) held at Imago Shopping Mall, on Tuesday.
KOTA KINABALU (May 27): Unduk Ngadau contestants should go beyond beauty and tradition by becoming active ambassadors of Sabah tourism, said Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said the contestants have the potential to become influential content creators who can reach both local and international audiences.
Joniston was speaking when officiating the Majlis Anugerah Filem Pendek Culture, Adventure and Nature (C.A.N) on Tuesday, held in conjunction with the state-level Unduk Ngadau competition.
He said the C.A.N short film initiative gives added value to the Unduk Ngadau pageant by encouraging participants to engage in storytelling that reflects real issues and community experiences.
'It is befitting for Unduk Ngadau contestants to promote the concept of Culture, Adventure and Nature because they represent the diversity of Sabah's people and places.
'Through their stories, they can highlight agro-tourism, local heritage and rural life in a way that connects with local and foreign audiences,' he said.
Joniston added that contestants today are not just public figures during Kaamatan but also digital natives who can create impactful content on social media.
Each contestant was required to produce a short film under the C.A.N category, themed 'Kaamatan Untuk Semua,' with a special focus on redefining water and energy, particularly in relation to community and agriculture.
Joniston praised the creativity and commitment shown by the Unduk Ngadau contestants, noting that their films offered a meaningful glimpse into the unique character and tourism appeal of their respective districts.
'Efforts like the C.A.N. competition are important in encouraging young people to take part in promoting Sabah's identity and tourism through their own lens,' he said.
The top three winners of the C.A.N. short film competition were Unduk Ngadau Jenylin Janis representing Ranau in first place, followed by Putrajaya's Emelka Ryner in second, and Ivy Davina David representing Inanam in third.