Latest news with #StateUndukNgadauKaamatan
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Eight years later, Atitih takes the crown that once slipped away
Published on: Sunday, June 01, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 01, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Atitih's determination to stage a comeback was rewarded with victory as she claimed the UNK crown. PENAMPANG: She once stumbled in the pursuit of the crown, but Atitih Yati Robert stood taller this year, rising with grace to be named Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025. Atitih, representing Tamparuli, emerged victorious over 50 finalists at the grand finale of the State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) 2025 held at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA Hall here on Saturday. The 26-year-old took home RM17,500 in cash, a tiara, a fully-beaded sash, a trophy, and other sponsored prizes, in a celebration of heritage, beauty, and cultural pride that drew thousands. Tambunan's Elka Alika Pijeh was named first runner-up, receiving RM13,000, a trophy, and sponsored prizes, while Celarin Jenny (Kiulu) took third place with RM10,500 and other prizes. The event marked one of the major highlights of the State-level Kaamatan Festival, which culminates with cultural showcases and pageantry. 'I first joined eight years ago when I was 18, representing Kota Marudu,' said Atitih, who hails from Kota Marudu but chose to represent Tamparuli this year due to her paternal roots. She revealed that her return was deeply personal: 'This victory is significant, not just for me but for all who have supported me – especially those who were disappointed eight years ago.' Back in 2017, Atitih had won the Miss Popular Facebook title, yet did not make it to the Top 7, a result that left many of her supporters disheartened. 'Some even encouraged me to make a comeback. 'They wanted to see me return to the stage, and I carried that spirit with me since then.' Atitih, a graduate of Malay Language Education, recently passed her Education Ministry interview and is awaiting placement to become a teacher. 'This year, I was determined to give my best. 'When I accepted to rejoin the pageant, I devoted myself fully to the process, knowing I had a purpose to fulfil.' Describing her toughest challenge, Atitih said it was managing her weight: 'I used to weigh 70kg and lost almost 10kg in five months – it was a struggle, especially because I love sweets and chocolates. 'I fasted, exercised, and changed my diet. 'There were days I nearly fainted just standing up because I had to reduce my food intake so drastically,' she said. Beyond the physical transformation, Atitih said the past eight years were also spent improving her communication skills and overcoming shyness. 'I was very shy before – still am – but I practised a lot. 'Now I can manage it better because of the confidence I've built over time,' she said. During the final, Atitih wore a traditional costume from Tenghilan called Pinialap, marking the first-time appearance of the attire on the UNK stage. 'My manager suggested I wear it and supported my comeback. He helped me from head to toe.' Atitih also shared a personal glimpse into her family life, revealing she comes from a large household: 'I have 15 siblings.' As the new Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, Atitih is expected to serve as a cultural ambassador and participate in various engagements under upcoming contracts. 'For now, I am fully committing myself to this role. 'I came back with intention, with heart, and with the hope of honouring those who believed in me," she said. * 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
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Tamparuli's Atitih crowned State Unduk Ngadau 2025
Published on: Saturday, May 31, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 31, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Atitih (middle) is flanked by Elka (left) and Celarin. – Pic by Ricardo Unto | Daily Express PENAMPANG: Atitih Yati Robert, representing Tamparuli, was crowned the State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) 2025 at the finals held at the KDCA Hall on Saturday. She took home RM17,500 in cash, a tiara, a fully-beaded sash, a trophy, and other sponsored prizes. The first runner-up title went to Tambunan's Elka Alika Pijeh, who received RM13,000 in cash, a trophy, and sponsored prizes. Celarin Jenny, representing Kiulu, secured third place and won RM10,500 in cash, a trophy, and sponsored prizes. The event was one of the main highlights of the State Kaamatan Festival celebration, drawing thousands in a tribute to culture, beauty, and heritage. * 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
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Computerised scoring, interpreters to enhance Unduk Ngadau 2025 final
Published on: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 28, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Joanna (right) and Mary at the press conference. KOTA KINABALU: The State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) final judging this year will see the introduction of a computerised scoring system and interpreters to enhance efficiency. UNK co-chairperson Datuk Joanna Kitingan said during a press conference on Monday that the new digital system is expected to streamline the process and enable results to be announced earlier, around 5.30pm or 6pm. She added that this year's final will involve seven judges instead of the usual five, aiming to ensure a broader and more balanced evaluation. The competition format remains the same with 51 contestants shortlisted to 15, and subsequently to the top seven, with two question-and-answer (Q&A) sessions during the process. Joanna said the first Q&A will require answers in the participants' native languages, while the final round will assess general knowledge based on content, accuracy, and confidence. Co-chairperson Mary Gambidau said interpreters for Lundayeh and Murut have been appointed following public suggestions, noting Kadazan and Dusun are generally understood by the judging panel. Advertisement She stressed that the interpreters are professionals independent of the organising committee, while a specialised team has been tasked with preparing well-crafted and culturally relevant Q&A questions. * 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
Daily Express
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
51 finalists for the 2025 National UNK pageants: cash prizes up
Published on: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 27, 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 organisers celebrate the pageant's 65th anniversary with renewed cultural vigour and growing national participation. Co-chairperson Mary Gambidau said RM15,000 would be awarded to the winner, up from RM12,000 previously, followed by RM12,000 for the first runner-up and RM10,000 for the second runner-up. Datuk Joanna Kitingan, who co-chairs the organising committee, said 51 finalists from across Malaysia have registered for the cultural pageant, which runs from May 26 to 31, forming the highlight of the annual Kaamatan Festival. 'This year's theme, 'Kaamatan for All', reflects our commitment to inclusivity and unity, bringing together participants and communities from every background to celebrate our shared cultural heritage,' Joanna told a press conference, Monday. She described the pageant as the oldest cultural event of its kind in Malaysia, possibly the world, with origins rooted in the legend of Huminodun - a unique distinction that gives it a spiritual and cultural depth unmatched by modern pageants. Joanna said the pageant's endurance over six and a half decades was thanks to the foresight of Sabah's early leaders who secured State-level recognition of Kaamatan from the British administration in 1960. Advertisement 'Without understanding our history, we cannot understand our identity,' she stressed, adding Unduk Ngadau remains a living celebration of heritage, resilience and the strength of womanhood in Kadazan Dusun culture. She noted that the event has grown significantly in scale over the years, symbolised by the move from smaller venues to the increasingly grand scale of the current hosting hall. Mary shared a line-up of cultural and educational activities scheduled throughout the week, ranging from photoshoots and a sashing ceremony to a short film competition on water and conservation. She said the Sodop Unduk Ngadau on May 28 would pay tribute to local designers by blending contemporary style with traditional attire, celebrating their role in preserving Sabah's visual culture. Joanna also highlighted efforts to strengthen documentation and research into traditional costumes, noting that each year has brought discoveries, including long-forgotten designs recovered through community consultation. 'These discoveries matter because they enrich our understanding of traditional dress, and we hope to establish a museum at KDCA to preserve them alongside our gallery,' she said. It was also disclosed that the top three winners will receive an additional RM5,500 monetary reward as well as scholarships worth RM85,000 in total. According to the organising committee, Sawit Kinabalu is sponsoring the top three cash prizes this year, while Jetama will support the awards for the remaining top seven finalists. The 2025 edition will proceed without a representative from Kinabatangan, but Joanna assured that the spirit of cultural continuity remains strong with 51 contestants carrying forward the tradition. She also reiterated the importance of intergenerational dialogue in preserving costume knowledge, encouraging families to ask elders about the meaning and significance behind their cultural dress. The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, which honours the sacrifice of Huminodun, is seen not just as a beauty contest, but as a platform that empowers women through cultural knowledge and community leadership. Representing their respective districts, sub-districts and KDCA branches, the finalists are Nelmui Muhari (KDCA Bandaraya), Evanatie Sannie (Bandaraya KK), Airiana Rannie Jospuin (Banggi), Steavaynie Ginadus (Beaufort), Alvera Tassry (Bingkor), and Rini Swanda Jukilin (Beluran). Ivy Davina David (Inanam), Ally Lyverra Julius (Johor), Yohana Petrus (Kalabakan), Carolyn Tony (Kapayan), Jaclyn Ashley Honorius Jillu (Karambunai), Bibiana Wong Pau Yun (Kemabong), Lesdianaley Matius (Keningau) and Celarin Jenny (Kiulu). The Klang Valley is represented by Norasnish Madjalan, along with Allvera Azerra Jaunik (Kota Belud), Adrina Alvera Kladius (Kota Marudu), Hazeville Tan (Kuala Penyu), Dolly Haizal Densol (Kudat) and Einnawenda Wenceslaus (Kunak). Other contestants include Lorain Ephrin Chan (Labuan), Paige Naville Chong (Lahad Datu), Velleryn Vivienne Hikson (Matunggong), Brolyn Bilid Benjamin (Melaka), Dellysia Juanis (Membakut), Melleney Melvin (Menumbok) and Emylia Easter (Nabawan). Velintinah Marcus (Pagalungan), De Souza Rojar (Paitan), Ann Rachel Oilon (Papar), Slecther Myranda Floyd (Penampang), Raysendra Protasious @ Raynolf (Penang) and Petronelizin Jackson (Perak). Nicolyn Rosleen (Pitas), Sabrina Tubong (Putatan), Emelka Ryner (Putrajaya), Jenylin Janis (Ranau), Elly Reachel Marcus (Sandakan) and Izavel Alesandra Beko (Sarawak). Pinqie Ivany Benrond (Semporna), Michelle Labo (Sipitang), Jacqlyna Doney (Sook), Elka Alika Pijeh (Tambunan), Atitih Yatih Robert (Tamparuli), Cherub Sharleena Cassdey (Tanjung Aru), Mercy Steffie Wong (Tawau), Fellisa Earla (Telupid), Fayedonna Romeo (Tenom), Winddy Pearl Gibson (Tongod), April Adelaide Agedius (Tuaran) and Rosa Eligius (Tungku). These finalists will take part in various activities throughout the cultural pageant week, culminating in the highly anticipated grand finale at Hongkod Koisaan, KDCA, Penampang. * 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
Daily Express
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
