From classroom to crown: Aspiring teacher Atitih Yatih takes top Unduk Ngadau 2025 in Sabah cultural pageant
PENAMPANG, June 1 — Atitih Yatih Robert, a prospective Malay Language teacher, who was representing the Tamparuli sub-district, was crowned Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 during the culmination of the Kaamatan Festival at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here tonight.
Atitih Yatih, 26, a Bachelor of Education (Malay Language) graduate from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) last December and currently awaiting a teaching placement, beat 51 contestants in the traditional beauty pageant of Sabah's paddy harvest season held annually since 1960.
Earlier, Atitih Yatih, who participated in the competition for the second time this year after her first attempt in 2017, was selected from the round of 15 best participants before advancing to today's last stage of the top seven finalists, who were judged on public speaking, general knowledge, heritage and cultural understanding in their mother tongue (native language).
Unduk Ngadau is a traditional beauty pageant that showcases the diverse ethnic cultures and heritage of Sabah held in memory of the legendary 'Huminodun' who sacrificed herself for the bountiful harvest and well-being of her people in the religious observance (transcending folklore and legend) of the Kadazan-Dusun people.
Meanwhile, when interviewed by reporters, Atitih Yatih said she initially only targeted the top seven in the competition and was breathless to emerge as the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025.
'It is difficult for me to describe this victory because I have not yet processed this in my mind, I am still very shocked. I would like to thank all those who supported me, my family and friends who were willing to come from afar to support me.
'My plans after this depends on where I will be placed, I am waiting for my teaching placement ... as a Malay Language teacher later,' said Atitih Yatih, who hoped that this success would inspire the younger generation to preserve Sabah's culture and heritage.
She received a trophy, RM15,000 in cash and various prizes presented by the wife of the Yang di-Pertua (Governor) of Sabah, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin in the spectacle and witnessed by the wife of the Chief Minister, Datin Seri Juliah Salag, and the Joint Chairmen of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, Datuk Joanna Datuk Kitingan and Dr Mary Gambidau.
Atitih Yatih was then crowned as Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 by Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2024 Hyellene Danius who is also a Malay Language teacher.
Second place went to Elka Alika Pijeh representing Tambunan (district) who took home a trophy, RM12,000 and accompanying prizes; while third place went to Celarin Jenny representing Kiulu who took home a trophy, RM10,000 and souvenirs.
Earlier, before the final stage of the competition, the 2025 Kaamatan Festival Celebration was officially closed by the Yang dI-Pertua Negeri Sabah (Governor) Tun Musa Aman with a 'mengomot' or rice harvesting ritual and seven strikes of the gong in a ceremony of splendour also attended by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. — Bernama
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