2 days ago
From Kumang to Queen: Viviana Lin brings Iban heritage to world stage
Viviana with mum and role model Angela. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
KUCHING (Aug 9): A history-maker in her own right, newly crowned Miss Grand Malaysia 2025 Viviana Lin Winston – the first Iban woman to win the national title – is a living embodiment of the saying, 'like mother, like daughter'.
For the 25-year-old lass from Kuching, her victory is more than just a personal achievement but the continuation of a legacy passed down by her mother Angela Martin, 47.
In 1995, Angela, representing Sri Aman, was crowned the state-level Kumang Gawai, a revered cultural title that honours Iban women as ambassadors of tradition, celebrated for their grace, intellect, and deep knowledge of heritage.
Angela (seated) was crowned the state-level Kumang Gawai in 1995, representing Sri Aman.
Today, her daughter carries those same qualities – amplified and reimagined – onto national, and soon, international runways.
'As a little girl, I saw my mother as my hero. But when I understood her legacy as a Kumang Iban, I realised she wasn't just my mum but a symbol of Iban strength and beauty.
'That changed everything for me,' the elder of two siblings told The Borneo Post in a special interview here.
Viviana during the special interview with The Borneo Post. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
From a young age, Viviana – fondly known as Vivi – was immersed in a world where beauty was inseparable from meaning.
The ngepan, rituals, and Iban language were life lessons lived daily, while her mother did not simply teach her how to dress or walk, but how to carry herself.
'She taught me our language and how to wear our ngepan with pride, and above all, humility and respect for tradition. Those values grounded me on the Miss Grand Malaysia stage.'
Viviana's final evening gown, inspired by the Iban warrior, was also not just a costume; rather, it was a statement that a woman can be modern and still rooted in her heritage.
A nine-year-old Viviana during a Kumang contest.
It was, in every sense, a daughter stepping into the cultural footsteps her mother had laid down, and walking proudly even further.
Viviana's pageant journey began at just five years old when she took part in a Kumang Gawai contest at Sarawak Plaza here, and won.
'I remember wearing my first sash and crown and how proud mum looked at me. That moment sparked everything, and yes, she supported me every step ever since.'
Viviana is pictured after being crowned Miss Grand Malaysia 2025 on July 30. – Bernama photo
That journey has now spanned two decades, shaped by Angela's guidance and mentorship.
'She taught me how to speak with clarity, walk with grace, and lead with heart. Her lessons are my foundation, especially now as I prepare to stand on the international stage,' said Viviana.
Her win on July 30 at the HGH Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur was not just a personal milestone but a shared victory 'for the Iban community, for Sarawakians, and for every indigenous girl who dreams beyond geographical or cultural borders'.
More than 300 supporters travelled from Sarawak and other states just to witness the moment.
'The whole hall was filled with Sarawak flags. There was even a taboh Iban parade an hour before the event. My mother led it.
'My supporters came by bus from across the country, some attending their first-ever beauty pageant. That kind of love – it's unforgettable,' she recalled.
Viviana receives a warm welcome from supporters during her recent homecoming at Kuching International Airport. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
While preparing for the pageant, Viviana was also sitting for her final exams at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) where she is pursuing a degree in Strategic Communication.
She said balancing academic pressure and pageant preparation required sharp focus and faith.
'Actually, it's about discipline and also prayer. I tell myself that if you can have both brains and beauty, and if you dare to dream to give your all, nothing is impossible.'
With her lecturers' support, who commended her time management and academic dedication, she planned her days down to the hour, sometimes taking exams just hours after returning from international training stints in Thailand and the Philippines.
She also personally invested over RM160,000 into her campaign, funding her team, wardrobe, logistics, and documentation.
'We had a full crew – backstage, stage, photographers – even walkie-talkies. We were more organised than the organisers themselves!'
Viviana knows the crown carries weight – not just symbolic, but generational.
'I carry this title with deep pride. It's not just about the journey of mine, but for every Iban girl who never saw herself on that stage. So for me, it's more than a win.
'It's my representation for every girl, especially Iban women,' she said.
Miss World Malaysia 2014 Dewi Liana Seriestha was among the Sarawakians at the HGH Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur supporting Viviana during the Miss Grand Malaysia grand finale on July 30.
As the first Iban woman to win Miss Grand Malaysia, Viviana is determined to use her platform to spotlight Iban culture on the global stage and to inspire young women from East Malaysia and beyond to recognise they are powerful, capable, and deserving of every stage – both national and international.
'To young women, especially from indigenous or rural communities, don't wait for permission to dream. Where you come from doesn't limit you; it's your courage that determines how far you'll go.'
Viviana will represent Malaysia at Miss Grand International 2025 in Bangkok this October, a journey she is both honoured and excited to embark on.
She also extended her heartfelt thanks to Dr Sean Christopher Wong of HyperLive for entrusting her with the national title.
'I also can't wait to meet Papa Nawat and Mami Teresa in Thailand this October. I'm ready for Miss Grand International 2025,' she said.
Preparations are already underway, with national costume concepts being developed by Sarawakian designer Aldrin Grame, who previously designed Malaysia's winning costume in 2021, and ethnic-inspired house Raja Inai.
Viviana said as the first time an Iban to win Miss Grand Malaysia, she will make it a point to ensure Iban elements are preserved in the final costume for Miss Grand International.
With October fast approaching, she is preparing to pack nearly 100 outfits, attend international fittings, and bring along a contingent of Malaysian supporters to Bangkok.
'For my evening gown, I think it'll be from a designer in Thailand or Vietnam. So after Aug 11, we'll travel to Thailand, the Philippines, and Korea to meet with them,' she said.
Viviana is confident that this will be her year, and that she will carry not just a crown but a message, legacy, and the support of her people.
And above all, she brings with her the legacy of mum Angela, the Kumang of 1995 who once stood on a stage to represent her people not knowing that her daughter would one day walk a bigger stage, carrying the same pride. Iban Kumang Miss Grand Malaysia Viviana Lin Winston
