Unduk Ngadau celebrates legacy with bigger prizes, wider reach
Published on: Monday, May 26, 2025
Published on: Mon, May 26, 2025
By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2024 winner Hyellene Danius (middle) shows the new sash for this year's winner while Joanna (right) and Mary look on. KOTA KINABALU: The cash prize has been increased for this year's State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan as the organisers mark the pageant's 65th anniversary with expanded cultural and national reach. Co-chairperson Mary Gambidau announced that the winner will receive RM15,000, up from RM12,000 previously, while the first and second runners-up will receive RM12,000 and RM10,000 respectively. Her fellow co-chairperson Datuk Joanna Kitingan said 51 finalists from across Malaysia are participating in the cultural pageant from May 26 to 31, under the theme 'Kaamatan for All'. Joanna described Unduk Ngadau as Malaysia's oldest cultural pageant, rooted in the legend of Huminodun and recognised by the British administration in 1960 as part of Sabah's official heritage. Organisers said this year's programme will include cultural showcases, a gala event honouring local designers, a short film contest, and new efforts to document forgotten traditional attires. * 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.
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