51 contestants to vie for Unduk Ngadau title at Kaamatan Festival
Toh Puan Faridah (center) posing with the Unduk Ngadau 2025 committee. – Information Department photo
KOTA KINABALU (May 22): A total of 51 participants from across the country will compete for the title of Unduk Ngadau 2025 in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival on May 30 and 31.
This prestigious pageant, now in its 65th edition, remains a relevant platform to showcase the beauty, intelligence and identity of Sabahan women.
Chairperson of the Women's Council of the Kadazandusun Murut Malaysia Association (KDCA), Tindarama Datuk Joanna Datuk Kitingan, stated that thorough preparations have been made ahead of the grand event.
'The entire Unduk Ngadau 2025 committee is fully prepared to ensure the smooth running of this year's event,' she said after a courtesy visit to the wife of the Sabah Head of State, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, on Wednesday.
The visit aimed to introduce the Unduk Ngadau 2025 committee members and extend a formal invitation to Toh Puan Faridah to attend the Sodop Pintutunan ceremony on May 28 and the grand finals on May 31.
She added that various exciting programs have been lined up throughout Unduk Ngadau Week, starting on May 26, including the traditional Sodop Pintutunan, which will be officiated by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
'On May 27, participants will visit the Sabah Museum to explore the state's history and cultural heritage, as well as take part in traditional activities such as gong-beating and preparing ethnic dishes like hinava and tuhau.
'The afternoon session will feature a screening of the Culture, Agro-tourism and Nature competition, to be inaugurated by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai,' she added.
The Sodop Unduk Ngadau event and ethnic costume competition will be held on May 28, followed by the grand finals on May 31 at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, KDCA.
Meanwhile, Unduk Ngadau 2025 Co-Chairperson Dr Mary Gambidau said the pageant has proven to be a platform for young Sabahan women to showcase their talents in various fields, including tourism, entrepreneurship, emceeing and performing arts.
'This competition has opened many opportunities for young women to advance further and bring pride to Sabah at higher levels,' she explained.
She also informed that 70 tables have been reserved for the Sodop Unduk Ngadau event, but the public still has the chance to purchase gallery tickets priced at RM30 each.
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