Latest news with #UNK
Daily Express
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Cultural grace over global glitz, says Unduk Ngadau organiser
Published on: Tuesday, June 03, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 03, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Joanna (right) and Mary PENAMPANG: Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) should remain rooted in tradition and elegance, and not be swayed by the flashy presentation styles of international beauty pageants, said Datuk Joanna Kitingan. Responding to public reaction, the State UNK 2025 co-chair said she was shocked by the finalists' loud self-introductions at the May 28 Gala Night, calling it a break from the pageant's 65-year tradition. 'In our pageant, an Unduk is not just beautiful but graceful, gentle yet empowered – there is no need to shout or perform,' she said, adding that the traditional introduction style was about conveying poise, cultural pride and inner strength. She clarified the unexpected change had not been communicated during rehearsals, and both she and fellow co-chair Mary Gambidau were visibly stunned when it unfolded live. 'I turned to Mary and said, this is not Unduk,' she shared, expressing concern that the cultural pageant was being diluted by attempts to modernise it to fit global trends. Joanna warned that embracing such performative styles lowers the standard of a cultural event that was founded on deep belief systems and Indigenous identity. 'Look at the bobolians – their strength lies in spiritual power, not volume; that is what we want our Unduks to reflect,' she said, referring to Sabah's traditional ritual leaders. She stressed that while other pageants focus on glamour and spectacle, Unduk Ngadau celebrates modesty, heritage, and the role of women as cultural torchbearers. While some netizens supported the new approach, especially those more familiar with global pageantry, the majority of traditionalists felt the event had veered off course. It was also understood that some finalists confided they felt uncomfortable and embarrassed about the style of introduction but were compelled to comply with the format imposed on them. Joanna reiterated her commitment to restoring the pageant's original spirit next year, ensuring it reflects the unique grace and dignity that has defined Unduk Ngadau since its inception. 'We have already set the trend 65 years ago,' she said, vowing to uphold the cultural values that make the pageant unlike any other. * 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
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Sabah steals her heart: Sandra Lim's Kaamatan journey beyond the spotlight
Published on: Sunday, June 01, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 01, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Lim (right) poses for a photo with the top three winners of this year's UNK, UNK 2024 Hyellene Danius (left), and popular singer Stacy Anam (second left) after the crowning ceremony. - Pic via social media PENAMPANG: When Miss Universe Malaysia 2024 Sandra Lim touched down in Sabah to join this year's Kaamatan festivities, few expected the reigning queen to blend so seamlessly into the cultural spirit of the harvest festival. But for the 25-year-old beauty queen and proud Malaysian, it was not just another appearance – it was a deeply personal journey of learning, connecting, and celebrating the richness of Sabah's indigenous heritage. Attending the State-level Kaamatan Festival from May 29 to 31, Lim made headlines not just for her title but for donning traditional outfits from various ethnic groups – Murut, Lundayeh and Kadazan Penampang – and even sporting the iconic 'sanggul gong' during the State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) finals, a hairstyle synonymous with the cultural pageant. 'It gives me so much joy and pride to wear these traditional garments, carrying the beautiful history of our people in Sabah,' she said, visibly moved in one of her Instagram posts. 'The efforts by the organisers to preserve and showcase these cultures are incredibly inspiring.' Lim's Kaamatan experience was not a mere photo opportunity. From cheering finalists at the Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan (RTK) male pageant to dancing with the crowd at the KDCA hall, she immersed herself in every beat, every bite, and every banner. 'The music, the dance, the food, the people – the experience of a lifetime. 'Thank you for welcoming me with such warmth and love. Makan-makan, menari bersama-sama (Having a meal and dance together), bringing me in like family,' she posted after her walkabout at the KDCA ground on May 30. Having competed on the world stage just months earlier in Mexico, where she placed in the Top 30 at Miss Universe 2024 – Malaysia's best result in over half a century – Lim found unexpected resonance in Sabah's homegrown pageantry scene. 'The whole vibe brought me back to my first international competition in Indonesia. Everyone was so packed and so passionate,' she recalled when met after the UNK 2025 crowning. Observing the Unduk Ngadau finalists, Lim shared how the magic of pageantry often shines brightest onstage. 'You only see the X-factor when they walk out – the way they carry themselves, talk, smile. "The winner (Tamparuli's Atitih Yati Robert) was my pick from the start,' she smiled, proving her eye for talent remains sharp. Lim, who holds a degree in mass communications and has a background in martial arts and modelling, is no stranger to hard work. Her recent success in Miss Universe 2024, where she dazzled judges with a wushu routine in a national costume inspired by Princess Walinong Sari, brought her international acclaim. Yet back home, it is her groundedness that endears her most. 'I think the whole of Malaysia should learn from Sabah. 'The passion here, the meaning behind every culture – that is something we should carry into our future," 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
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
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Better Unduk Ngadau judging system
Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 30, 2025 By: Ricardi Unto Text Size: Joanna (right) explained that the format of the competition remains unchanged, beginning with 51 finalists before narrowing down to 15 and finally selecting the top 7, with two rounds of question-and-answer (Q&A) segments. Kota Kinabalu: The State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) final judging session this year will be improved with the aid of a computerised scoring system and language interpreters, the organisers said recently. State UNK co-chairperson Datuk Joanna Kitingan, during the registration on Monday, said a new computerised scoring system would be introduced for the grand finals on May 31, with hopes it would streamline the process and allow results to be announced earlier, ideally by 5.30pm or 6pm. She added that this year's panel will consist of seven judges - an increase from the usual five. Joanna explained that the format of the competition remains unchanged, beginning with 51 finalists before narrowing down to 15 and finally selecting the top 7, with two rounds of question-and-answer (Q&A) segments. 'In the first Q&A for the top 15, finalists will be required to answer in their mother tongue or native languages, while the second Q&A for the top 7 will be judged on content, accuracy, and confidence,' she said. State UNK co-chairperson Mary Gambidau said the inclusion of interpreters for Lundayeh and Murut languages was a direct response to suggestions from netizens calling for more equitable judging in the final rounds. Advertisement 'At this time, we are only providing interpreters for Lundayeh and Murut because Kadazan and Dusun are widely understood by most judges who are fluent in these languages,' she said. She emphasised that the interpreters will be independent professionals, not part of the organising committee, to ensure impartiality and accurate translation during the Q&A sessions. Mary also revealed that a dedicated and credible question committee, consisting of experts in the Kadazan Dusun language, was formed this year to draft thoughtful and culturally relevant questions. 'We hope the questions this year will be better,' she said. As for the scoring breakdown, the first round of judging for the 51 finalists is based on six components: natural beauty (10 per cent) assessed by the committee, overall beauty (30 per cent) by the judges, traditional attire (25 per cent), stage presence (15 per cent), discipline (10 per cent) assessed by the committee, and the CAN Video Project (10 per cent). The second round for the top 15 finalists focuses on five criteria: natural beauty (10 per cent) assessed by the committee, overall beauty (25 per cent), traditional attire (10 per cent), stage presence (15 per cent), and mother tongue usage (10 per cent) - evaluated based on fluency, content, and confidence - plus discipline (10 per cent) by the committee, totalling 80 per cent. The final round for the top 7 finalists adds a 20 per cent score from the general knowledge Q&A session, judged on content, accuracy, and confidence, making up the remaining percentage to complete the 100 per cent final mark. * 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
