Selangau lass Nani Saban crowned 'Kumang Gawai Dayak' at Sibu Division celebration
Nani flanked by Nelly (left) and Amenda (right) in a photo with the prizes.
SIBU (May 25): Nani Saban from Sekuau, Selangau was crowned as 'Kumang Gawai Dayak' at the Sibu Division pre-Gawai Dayak celebration held here last night.
She walked away with RM4,000 in cash, a trophy, a sash, a hamper and a certificate.
The 'Lulong' title (first runner-up) went to Nelly Mujan Rogelio from Sungai Asap, Belaga, who received RM3,000, along with a sash, a trophy, a hamper and a certificate.
The 'Selinggar Matahari' (third place) went to Amenda Alannie Ambrose Luta from Pasai Siong, Sibu, who received RM2,000, a sash, a trophy, a hamper and a certificate.
Seven other participants—Natasha Malviana Nyandang, Fravelian Jelika Radi, Adreana Filsie Sanau Anselm, Manisha Vyonnie Gelebat, Juliana Ungan Merayang, Olivia Ceilo Oliver, and Anesonia Aking—each received RM800 and a certificate as a consolation prize
Sri Aman MP Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie, who was the guest of honour at the event, presented the prizes to the winners. Kumang Gawai Dayak lead Sibu Division pre-Gawai Dayak celebration
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
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@
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Last call at the PTC track to mark the end of a 161-year legacy
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Turf Club (PTC), Malaysia's oldest horse racing institution, has hosted its final race, marking the end of a 161-year legacy. A large crowd of spectators and punters turned up yesterday at the grandstand located in the 81.75ha site in Batu Gantong. Among them was Penangite Ooi Chee Chong, 43, who stepped into the PTC grounds for the first time on what would be its last official race day. 'I've heard stories from my friends and older colleagues about the races here. They used to come here in the 1960s and '70s, dressed in their Sunday best. It wasn't just about the betting for them; it was a big social outing and people came to see and be seen. 'I never had much interest in horse racing until recently. To be honest, I always thought of the turf club as something from the past, something for older people. 'But when I heard it was closing, I felt a strange sense of urgency as I didn't want to let it disappear without seeing it for myself,' he said. Ooi, who works as a factory purchaser, described the atmosphere as unexpectedly moving. 'Even though it's my first time here, you can feel the emotion in the air. You look around and see old timers saying their goodbyes silently and taking selfies at the grandstand. It hits you because this place means a lot to a lot of people. 'It's a bittersweet moment. There's excitement, but also a sense of loss. It's like closing a chapter of our local heritage. 'Once this land is redeveloped, the entire experience will vanish – the turf, the track, the energy, the stories,' he said. A punter, who wanted to be known only as Cheah, 67, said even if horse racing is revived elsewhere in Penang, it would not be the same. 'This place, with its colonial-era clubhouse and old trees, has a certain soul. You can't recreate that in a new venue. 'I'm glad I came here as it feels like I've touched a part of Penang's past, just before it disappears forever,' he added. Seven races were staged as part of the farewell, including the RM250,000 PTC Farewell Trophy (1,300m race), the RM150,000 PTC Memorial Trophy (1,100m race), and the RM100,000 Jockey Club of Turkey Trophy for the 1,400m race. As the sun sets on PTC, the echoes of cheering crowds and thundering hooves will give way to new developments. PTC president Datuk Ong Eng Khuan said, 'It is with a heavy heart that we had to resort to this measure of ceasing racing operations as we have been incurring losses for many years. 'The club has been struggling with fallen attendance, a drastic drop in racing revenue, lack of participation and interest in horse ownership over the years. 'Horse racing, unfortunately, is no longer attracting the big crowds like it did in the 1950s,' he said in a statement. Ong added that although PTC will cease its racing operations, the entity of Penang Turf Club will remain until its full closure. In June last year, PTC members voted overwhelmingly to dissolve the club and sell its prime land. On April 20 this year, the PTC voted unanimously to close following a Special General Meeting. It confirmed the resolutions passed at the First Special General Meeting on June 10, 2024, to dissolve. The land, adjacent to the upscale Taman Jesselton, is estimated to be worth between RM2bil and RM3bil upon conversion to commercial status. However, the transition from recreational to mixed development use is projected to cost about RM1bil. An initial open tender for the entire property concluded without any qualified bids. The club plans to subdivide the land into smaller parcels to attract a broader range of potential buyers. Civil society groups have raised concerns about the proposed rezoning of the PTC land from a green recreational space to a commercial and mixed development area. They said it could lead to irreversible negative impacts on Penang's environment and infrastructure. Established in 1864, the PTC began its journey on a modest parcel of land, granted free, along Macalister Road (now St George's Girls' School), for the purpose of horse racing. It relocated to its present site in 1939. Die-hard racing fans can look to the Perak Turf Club, established in 1886, and the Selangor Turf Club, founded a decade later in 1896, both of which continue to host regular meets for now.
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Pelagus rep: Gawai is more than tradition – it's togetherness
Wilson Nyabong Ijang KAPIT (June 1): Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang has described Gawai Dayak as more than just a festival, calling it the very heartbeat of the Dayak identity. He said what began as a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and a prayer for future prosperity has, over the years, grown into something far deeper. 'Gawai has become a time to return home, to reconnect, and to honour our roots. 'Today, Gawai is not just about tradition, it is about togetherness. It is about laughter echoing in the longhouse, the warmth of a shared meal and the joy of simply being with family and friends. It is in these moments that we remember what truly matters', he said. To those unable to return home this year, he offered words of comfort. 'Whether near or far, know that you are still part of the celebration,' he added. In this digital age, he said a phone call or video chat can carry love across rivers and mountains. What matters most is the thought, the connection, and the spirit of Gawai. Nyabong also reminded those travelling back to their kampung or longhouse to drive safely. 'Your presence is what makes the celebration whole and arriving safely at your destination is the greatest gift you can give your family. 'As we celebrate, let us continue to honour and preserve the rich culture and traditions that make Gawai so special. 'Let the beating of the tawak, the weaving of the pua kumbu and the warmth of our hospitality live on for generations to come,' he said. He ended his message with festive cheer: 'Selamat Hari Gawai Dayak to everyone. Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai, Lantang Senang Celap Lindap Nguan Menua. Oooohaaa!' Gawai Dayak lead pelagus wilson nyabong ijang
