Ten finalists to compete in pre-Gawai grand finale
the grand finale of the Kumang Gawai Dayak Sibu 2025 pageant will see a keen contest among 10 finalists.
To be held in Sibu on May 24, the event is part of the pre- Gawai Dayak Sibu 2025 Dinner that is being organised by the Sibu Gawai Dayak Committee.
The 10 finalists are among 16 participants who took part in the preliminary selection round.
The finalists are Natasha Malviana Nyandang, Fravelian Jelika Radi, Adreana Filsie Sanau Anselm, Manisha Vyonnie Gelebat, Amenda Alannie Ambrose Luta, Juliana Ungan Merayang, Nelly Mujan Rogelio, Nani Saban, Olivia Ceilo Oliver, and Anesonia Aking.
The winner of Kumang Gawai Dayak Sibu 2025 will receive RM4,000 along with a crown.
The first runner-up (Lulong) will be awarded RM3,000 while the second runner-up (Selinggar Matahari) will receive RM2,000.
All three winners will take home a sash, trophy, hamper, and certificate of participation each.
Contestants who are placed fourth to 10th will each receive RM800 plus a certificate of participation.
During the finals, contestants will wear the traditional Iban attire called Ngepan.
Under the judging criteria, half of the marks will be awarded for overall beauty, 30% for Iban Ngepan attire, and 20% for physique and self-confidence.
The event has also been made possible through collaboration with the Sarawak Dayak National Union Sibu, Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Sibu, Orang Ulu National Association Sibu, and the Dayak Bidayuh National Association Sibu.
Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai is expected to attend the event.
Present at the screening stage were SIDS Sibu chairman Angelyn Uchi Maseng, who also heads the Sibu Gawai Dayak committee, and Kumang Gawai Dayak Sibu 2025 organising committee chairman Senorita Salleh. – ANDY CHUA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Sibu to celebrate National Day with Iban music, dance, and eco-themed costume competitions
Ling says each participating team must comprise at least one dancer, either solo or in a group, and a music team of up to four members using traditional Iban instruments. SIBU (July 26): Kumpulan Sibu D'Tari is organising two traditional-themed competitions, set for staging this Aug 30 in celebration of National Day. The events will be running from 8pm to 11pm at Taman Harmoni Carpark here, with Sibu MP Oscar Ling sponsoring this initiative. The programme will feature a secondary school-level 'betaboh' (Iban traditional music) and 'ngajat' (Iban traditional dance) competition, as well as a primary school-level patriotic and eco-friendly costume showcase. The initiatives seek to instil a sense of cultural pride and raise environmental consciousness among students and the wider community. 'The 'betaboh' and 'ngajat' competition is open to all secondary school students residing in Sibu,' said Ling in a statement. Ling said each participating team must comprise at least one dancer, either solo or in a group, and a music team of up to four members using traditional Iban instruments. Each group would have up to five minutes to perform. 'Registration is limited to the first 10 teams that sign up.' Meanwhile, the costume showcase is open to primary school pupils, with participation capped at 25 entries. Participants are required to design and model costumes inspired by Malaysian culture and unity, with at least 70 per cent of the materials made from recyclable or eco-friendly components. Each participant will have two minutes to present their creation, and prizes will be awarded to the top five. The registration deadline for both events is this Aug 21. Prizes for each of the 'betaboh' and 'ngajat' competitions are RM1,200 for the winner, RM900 for first runner-up, and RM700 for the second runner-up, along with trophies and certificates. The Top 5 contenders of the costume showcase will receive RM300, RM250, RM200, RM150, and RM100, along with trophies and certificates. There are also consolation hampers to be given away. 'Hopefully, these competitions not only encourage a deeper appreciation for traditional heritage, but also foster a sense of pride and identity among the younger generation,' said Ling. He expressed hope that students from all schools in Sibu would participate actively, and that the community would turn up to show support for local young talents. For further details, contact event coordinator Dickiy Zulkalnain on 0111-1264 4200. Kumpulan Sibu D'Tari lead national day oscar ling
Daily Express
11-07-2025
- Daily Express
Sarawak singer claims trial to sodomising teen in longhouse
Published on: Friday, July 11, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 11, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: Singer Ambrose Neli faces a jail term of five to 20 years and whipping, if found guilty. (Reuters pic) PETALING JAYA: A local singer in Sibu, Sarawak, has claimed trial to sodomising a 17-year-old boy at a longhouse in March last year. Ambrose Neli, 36, also known by his stage name Wai Buntas, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him in Iban in the Sibu sessions court by an interpreter. Ambrose is accused of committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature without consent on the boy at a longhouse in Sibu at about 2am on March 9, 2024. The charge was framed under Section 377C of the Penal Code, punishable by five to 20 years in prison and whipping, if convicted, The Borneo Post reported. Judge Musyiri Peet fixed Aug 20 for mention and allowed Ambrose to post bail at RM7,000. * 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
Borneo Post
11-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Singer Wai Buntas claims trial to non-consensual oral sex with teen boy in Sibu longhouse
Ambrose exits the courtroom after being released on bail. SIBU (July 11): A local singer claimed trial in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of non-consensual carnal intercourse with a teenage boy here in March last year. Ambrose Neli, 36, better known by his stage name Wai Buntas, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him in Iban by the court interpreter. Judge Musyiri Peet then fixed Aug 20 for further mention of the case. The court also allowed Ambrose to be released on RM7,000 with two local sureties. According to the charge, Ambrose allegedly performed non-consensual oral sex on a boy aged, 17 years and three months, at a longhouse in Sibu around 2am on March 9, 2024. He faces a charge under Section 377C of the Penal Code, which carries a sentence of between five and 20 years in prison and caning upon conviction. Deputy public prosecutor Aiman Zarith appeared for the prosecution while Ambrose was represented by lawyer Harold Emparak. Wai Buntas rose to popularity with duets such as 'Agi Ka Sekali Da', 'Aku Ka Sarak', and 'Taukey Lungun', as well as solo tracks such as 'Wai Buntas Begawai', 'Wai Buntas Milih Bini', 'Dik Ngaru Rekung', and 'Bini Tua'. Ambrose Neli lead Sibu Sessions Court Wai Buntas
