Tamparuli's Atitih Yatih Robert crowned Unduk Ngadau 2025
PENAMPANG: Atitih Yatih Robert of Tamparuli was crowned the 65th Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan at Hongkod Koisaan on Saturday (May 31), emerging top among 51 finalists from districts across Sabah and beyond.
Elka Alika Pijeh (Tambunan) was named first runner-up, followed by Celarin Jenny (Kiulu) as second runner-up. Rini Swanda Jukilin (Beluran), Steavaynie Ginadus (Beaufort), Jenylin Janis (Ranau), and Evanatie Sannie (Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu) completed the top seven.
Atitih walked away with RM15,000 cash, a tiara, UNK2025 sash, trophy, bouquet (sponsored by Sawit Kinabalu Group), an ATI education scholarship, an NBUC scholarship worth RM35,000 and RM2,500 cash, haircare and skincare products, PHI Dental's ClearCorrect aligner treatment worth RM20,000, a one-year rice supply by Sazarice, a 3D2N stay at Taman Badukan Riverside Resort, and return flight tickets to South Korea sponsored by Trippo.
The 2025 pageant also introduced a major upgrade in its scoring process through e-Unduk, a digital system developed by Sabahan IT expert and PhD researcher Ts. Aedeshie Daisy Rayner.
"For over six decades, we relied on manual scoring using paper forms and pens. But with e-Unduk, we are embracing digital transformation in culture, while still upholding the values and traditions that define us,' said the organising committee in a statement.
They said the research-based system uses scientific algorithms to enhance the traditional scoring structure, boosting transparency and public confidence in the judging process.
"This reform also reflects what Unduk Ngadau truly stands for – not just beauty, but empowerment, innovation, and the preservation of our Kadazandusun Murut Rungus heritage in the digital age.'
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The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Getting crowned on the second try
KOTA KINABALU: Eight years ago, she walked away empty-handed. This year, she walked away with the crown. Atitih Yatih Robert of Tamparuli was crowned the 65th Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan at the Hongkod Koisaan on May 31, a traditional beauty pageant held in conjunction with the Kaamatan harvest festival. The 26-year-old emerged the winner among 51 finalists from across Sabah and beyond, including participants from the Klang Valley, Putrajaya and Johor. A graduate of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Education (Bahasa Malaysia), Atitih is currently awaiting her teacher placement. She first entered the pageant in 2017 at age 18, representing Kota Marudu, where she placed in the top 15 and was named Miss Popular Unduk Ngadau Sabah – a victory that nevertheless sparked disappointment among fans. 'I know many were disappointed back then. They asked me to return and this time, I gave it my all,' Atitih said. After an eight-year hiatus to focus on her academic and career goals, she made a comeback with renewed purpose – this time representing Tamparuli, where she was crowned the district's Unduk Ngadau. Her maternal family traces its lineage back to Kampung Ruminding, Kiulu, in the Tuaran district, where her late grandmother Sungkim Elohoban once lived. Many of her relatives, including the current village chief, are still based there. Atitih's return to the stage wasn't easy. In the five months leading up to the pageant, she lost over 10kg by practising regular workouts and a strict diet. 'That was my biggest challenge,' she admitted. 'I used to weigh about 70kg. I loved sweets – especially chocolate – but I made the decision to commit,' she said, adding that she pushed through even though there were moments when she felt like fainting from hunger. 'It's not just about appearance. I wanted to show discipline and that I was serious.' She also worked on building her confidence and overcoming deep-seated shyness. Atitih has been active in traditional dance, singing, acting and poetry recitation throughout her university life. She also held leadership roles, including in the Sabah Student Association at UPM and Persatuan Siswazah Sabah di Semenanjung (G3S), where she promoted cultural pride among Sabahan youth. She wore a traditional dress from Tenghilan known as the Pinialap, making her the first contestant to ever showcase the design at the Unduk Ngadau stage – a nod to both her heritage and pride in her team. Atitih took home RM15,000 in cash, a tiara, a UNK2025 sash, a trophy, bouquet and other prizes including scholarships, skincare products, dental treatments, free hotel stays and airline tickets. Held annually as the highlight of the Kaamatan Festival, the Unduk Ngadau pageant is a cultural tradition cherished by the Kadazandusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) community – symbolising beauty, sacrifice and the legacy of Huminodun. This year also marked a turning point for the pageant with the introduction of e-Unduk, a digital scoring system developed by Sabahan IT expert Aedeshie Daisy Rayner. The organising committee described the system as an innovation that enhances the traditional scoring framework using scientific algorithms – a move they say will ensure greater fairness and credibility in the judging process. As the curtains closed on the final night, cheers erupted for the top seven finalists who stood tall on stage – each carrying the pride of their districts and the spirit of Kaamatan. Joining Atitih were Elka Alika Pijeh (Tambunan) as first runner-up and Celarin Jenny (Kiulu) as second runner-up. Rini Swanda Jukilin (Beluran), Steavaynie Ginadus (Beaufort), Jenylin Janis (Ranau) and Evanatie Sannie (Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu) were the other finalists.
Daily Express
a day ago
- Daily Express
Eight years later, Atitih takes the crown that once slipped away
Published on: Sunday, June 01, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 01, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Atitih's determination to stage a comeback was rewarded with victory as she claimed the UNK crown. PENAMPANG: She once stumbled in the pursuit of the crown, but Atitih Yati Robert stood taller this year, rising with grace to be named Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025. Atitih, representing Tamparuli, emerged victorious over 50 finalists at the grand finale of the State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) 2025 held at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA Hall here on Saturday. The 26-year-old took home RM17,500 in cash, a tiara, a fully-beaded sash, a trophy, and other sponsored prizes, in a celebration of heritage, beauty, and cultural pride that drew thousands. Tambunan's Elka Alika Pijeh was named first runner-up, receiving RM13,000, a trophy, and sponsored prizes, while Celarin Jenny (Kiulu) took third place with RM10,500 and other prizes. The event marked one of the major highlights of the State-level Kaamatan Festival, which culminates with cultural showcases and pageantry. 'I first joined eight years ago when I was 18, representing Kota Marudu,' said Atitih, who hails from Kota Marudu but chose to represent Tamparuli this year due to her paternal roots. She revealed that her return was deeply personal: 'This victory is significant, not just for me but for all who have supported me – especially those who were disappointed eight years ago.' Back in 2017, Atitih had won the Miss Popular Facebook title, yet did not make it to the Top 7, a result that left many of her supporters disheartened. 'Some even encouraged me to make a comeback. 'They wanted to see me return to the stage, and I carried that spirit with me since then.' Atitih, a graduate of Malay Language Education, recently passed her Education Ministry interview and is awaiting placement to become a teacher. 'This year, I was determined to give my best. 'When I accepted to rejoin the pageant, I devoted myself fully to the process, knowing I had a purpose to fulfil.' Describing her toughest challenge, Atitih said it was managing her weight: 'I used to weigh 70kg and lost almost 10kg in five months – it was a struggle, especially because I love sweets and chocolates. 'I fasted, exercised, and changed my diet. 'There were days I nearly fainted just standing up because I had to reduce my food intake so drastically,' she said. Beyond the physical transformation, Atitih said the past eight years were also spent improving her communication skills and overcoming shyness. 'I was very shy before – still am – but I practised a lot. 'Now I can manage it better because of the confidence I've built over time,' she said. During the final, Atitih wore a traditional costume from Tenghilan called Pinialap, marking the first-time appearance of the attire on the UNK stage. 'My manager suggested I wear it and supported my comeback. He helped me from head to toe.' Atitih also shared a personal glimpse into her family life, revealing she comes from a large household: 'I have 15 siblings.' As the new Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, Atitih is expected to serve as a cultural ambassador and participate in various engagements under upcoming contracts. 'For now, I am fully committing myself to this role. 'I came back with intention, with heart, and with the hope of honouring those who believed in me," she said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
IACT reel talent shines
YOUTHS are often seen on social media, posting a wide range of content – from selfies to videos of their escapades. But they are rarely seen reporting on an inspirational person featured in the news. When the opportunity to do just that came recently, Phan Yi Ting, Diane Marie Victor and Leslie Christopher Anbiah Paul rose to the challenge. Their effort earned them first place in The Star's Reels of Achievers Recognised (StarROAR) Junior Reporter Contest, held as part of The Star's Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme in partnership with IACT College. The trio, who received RM1,000 worth of e-wallet credits for their win, were celebrated at a prize-giving ceremony at the college on May 13. The contest, which ran from Feb 17 to March 30, was open to all IACT College students. It required participants to record a three-minute Instagram reel of themselves – either individually or in groups – sharing about an inspirational person featured on The Star's print or digital platforms, in the style of a news reporter. All 56 participants were mass communication students. Winners were selected based on content accuracy, creativity, integration of The Star, and the popularity of the reel. Buoyed by his team's win, Leslie Christopher encouraged fellow students to take part in future editions of the contest. 'Stay creative and don't hold yourself back. Don't feel disappointed if your first try doesn't work out, because eventually you'll start going where you want to be,' he said. Bernadette Gloria Orange – who, together with Elissa Damia Borhan, won second place – said posting her first-ever speaking video on social media was nerve-wracking, as she felt insecure about how her followers would react. 'The contest opened a new door for me, and I actually got a few opportunities to do it again. So my advice would be to just go for it!' she said. Both Bernadette and Elissa Damia won RM700 worth of e-wallet credits. Third-place winner Nurlis Atika Ali Umar – who teamed up with Melissa Audreyna Royan – said she learnt how journalism works and what it truly means to be a reporter. 'This contest was very helpful for me to pursue a possible career in journalism,' she said. The duo earned RM400 worth of e-wallet credits for their win. All winners received a certificate of achievement, and all participants were awarded a certificate of appreciation. Also present at the event were IACT College chief executive officer Timothy Chan Liem Joe, head of academics Nicola Wong Oi-Pyn, and Star Media Group (SMG) Circulation senior manager Karthigesu Muniyandi. In her opening speech, Wong emphasised that in today's fast-paced digital era, responsible journalism is more crucial than ever, as the public increasingly depends on quick and easily accessible news. 'Social media itself has certainly transformed the way news is delivered, making it faster and more interactive than ever before. 'Yet, this speed comes with a cost – often at the risk of overshadowing the need to be factual and accurate. 'The StarROAR Junior Reporter Contest is designed with this in mind; it challenges aspiring journalists to harness the speed of social media while upholding the value of truth, fairness and clarity,' she said. Addressing the students, Karthigesu highlighted that SMG has long upheld its role as a leading English-language media organisation in Malaysia, committed to serving a diverse audience through its mission of being the 'people's paper'. 'Our goal is simple: to get young people interested in real journalism again and to see your fresh, creative takes on how news works in the digital age,' he said. The StarROAR Junior Reporter Contest, introduced this year to encourage tertiary students to hone their language and presentation skills, is in line with Star-NiE's commitment to nurturing media literacy and communication excellence among youths. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@
