27-05-2025
Reigning Unduk Ngadau Danius to crown successor from among 51 finalists on May 31
KOTA KINABALU: Reigning queen Hyellene Danius will perform her final duty this Saturday (May 31) as she prepares to hand over the crown to the fairest maiden of all, marking the ceremonial climax of the 65th edition of the National Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan.
Danius, who has served as a cultural ambassador over the past year, will crown one of 51 young Sabahan lasses, each representing districts across Malaysia and proudly carrying the spirit of Huminodun into the future.
The journey officially began on May 26 with the registration of all finalists at the Hilton Hotel here, signalling the start of the Cultural Competition Week leading up to the grand coronation at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall in Penampang.
'This year's pageant is especially meaningful as it commemorates 65 years of celebrating the beauty, wisdom, and strength of Kadazandusun women,' said co-chairman Datuk Joanna Kitingan.
Kinabatangan is the only district unrepresented this year due to the absence of entries at the local level, a rare occurrence in the competition's long-standing history.
Throughout the week, finalists will undergo a cultural immersion, such as visiting the Sabah Museum to engage in traditional practices such as Magagung (gong beating), Menutu Parai (rice pounding), bead-making, and preparing native dishes like tuhau, losun, and hinava.
The finalists will also take part in the Malaysia International Cocoa Festival, the Culture, Agro-tourism and Nature (CAN) short film awards, and attend forums on heritage and healthcare.
Their cultural journey also includes visits to traditional homes at Kampung Budaya Koisaan under the KadazanDusun Cultural Association (KDCA).
A major highlight is the Sodop Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan gala night on May 28, where cultural leaders and dignitaries will gather to honour the finalists.
While dinner tables are sold out, gallery tickets without dinner are still available to the public.
On coronation day, all 51 finalists will take the stage to introduce themselves and perform before the field is narrowed to 15.
These selected few will respond to questions in their native languages, supported by interpreters for Lundayeh and Murut speakers.
The top seven will proceed to the final round of questioning before the new queen is announced.
Kitingan said judging will be carried out by a panel of seven, using a computerised scoring system, and the new Unduk Ngadau queen is expected to be announced at 5pm or 6pm on May 31.
The winner of Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 will receive RM15,000 in cash, a specially designed crown, a handcrafted beaded sash, a scholarship from North Borneo University College (NBUC), and various sponsored prizes.
To mark the milestone 65th anniversary, organisers will also unveil a commemorative stamp and souvenir book highlighting the rich legacy of the Unduk Ngadau pageant.
This year's Kaamatan Festival is themed "Kaamatan montok Toinsanan (Kaamatan for All)".
The Unduk Ngadau 2025 stands as testament to cultural continuity, honouring heritage while empowering women to become cultural torchbearers in today's world.
