Latest news with #UndukNgadauKaamatan
New Straits Times
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
From crown to culture: Atitih's new role at Sabah museum
KOTA KINABALU: When Atitih Yati Robert first visited the Sabah Museum in 2017, she was a teenage finalist in the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) pageant. The visit was brief — wedged between rehearsals and ceremonial duties — but it sparked a curiosity that would shape her future. Eight years on, the now 26-year-old returns to the institution not as a visitor or contestant, but as a cultural figure in her own right. Atitih, the reigning Unduk Ngadau 2025, was officially appointed as the Sabah Museum Ambassador during its Diamond Jubilee celebration on Saturday. Unduk Ngadau is a cultural pageant held during Sabah's Harvest Festival to celebrate indigenous beauty and heritage. The appointment is part of a broader initiative by the Sabah Museum Department to engage youth, cultural icons, artists and influencers in efforts to safeguard and promote Sabah's heritage through fresh, inclusive, and modern approaches. "I barely knew anything about the museum back then — just the name," Atitih told the New Straits Times. "I was so excited to visit that I didn't even finish my meal. I didn't want to miss the chance to walk around and see what was inside." Despite the short duration of that first visit, the experience stayed with her. Today, she sees the museum not merely as a storehouse of artefacts but as a living space where past and present intersect. "Each time I visit the Sabah Museum, I feel like I'm having a conversation with our heritage," she said. "It's not just something you read about. It's something you see, touch and experience. I've discovered things there I never heard from my family, my community, or in school. That's what makes museums matter — they help us understand before we can appreciate." She said that not everyone sees museums as exciting spaces, especially younger people. But she hopes to change that. "Perception reflects experience. If someone finds a museum uninteresting, perhaps they haven't yet had a visit that moved them," she said. "As Ambassador, I want to help spark that curiosity, even in small ways." For Atitih, being both an Unduk Ngadau and Museum Ambassador comes with weight — but also opportunity. "As someone in this unique position, I want to help bridge tradition and the younger generation. The responsibility is big, but I see it as a chance to raise awareness, inspire pride and connect our identity to the world in a meaningful way." She also believes listening is just as important as promoting. "I want to hear what people think—their ideas, feedback, even criticism. It's not about promoting for the sake of it, but about making the museum a space that people can connect with, and leave feeling proud and inspired." The Sabah Museum itself is undergoing a digital transformation. During the jubilee celebration, Sabah's Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment announced the adoption of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology to make exhibitions more accessible and immersive. Visitors can now experience traditional ethnic houses at Heritage Village Phases 1 and 2 via an interactive digital platform, accessible anytime and anywhere. "This proves that heritage is not frozen in the past—it lives in the future," said the minister, Datuk Christina Liew, in a speech delivered by assistant minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. Atitih welcomes the move and hopes to collaborate with content creators, schools, and cultural institutions to bring Sabah's heritage into the digital space. "Our heritage deserves a presence in the digital world. From short videos to virtual tours, there's so much potential to connect with people where they are." Since its founding in 1965, the Sabah Museum has expanded from a single building on Gaya Street to managing 23 museums and in-situ heritage sites statewide—including the Tun Mustapha Museum in Kudat, the Agnes Keith House in Sandakan, and Bukit Tengkorak in Semporna. A new site, the Muzium Tamadun dan Etnik Dusun Ranau, is also in development. Atitih believes heritage must be seen as a shared responsibility.
Daily Express
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Unduk Ngadau panel should be strict with contestants
Published on: Sunday, June 29, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 29, 2025 Text Size: I WRITE not in condemnation but of concern – as an ordinary Sabahan, a cultural observer and someone who believes that our traditions are not just seasonal costumes but living legacies that deserve dignity beyond the Kaamatan stage. The recent online activities involving an Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan finalist and a young local businessman have stirred more than just gossip. They have opened a necessary conversation on the responsibilities that come with carrying a title so intimately tied to the spirit of Huminodun and the values of the momogun communities. Many of us were taken aback by images and videos circulating on social media of the two in intimate settings, feeding each other in a romanticised manner, appearing too physically close and engaging in content that would be more fitting for a commercial influencer couple than the cultural icon she is supposed to portray. While we acknowledge that these may have been part of a 'marketing strategy', the decision to use suggestive or flirtatious portrayals in such a public and curated way raises deeper questions about respect for the role and meaning of Unduk Ngadau itself. The Unduk Ngadau is not merely a beauty yardstick. She is a symbol of self-sacrifice, wisdom, humility, and poise – a living representation of Huminodun, who gave herself for the people. Her conduct, both during and after the competition, is a continuation of that symbolic role. The title demands grace and discretion, particularly when navigating the public sphere where eyes – young and old – look to her as a role model. Some may argue that times have changed, and that our cultural figures must adapt to modern platforms like TikTok and Instagram to remain visible and relevant. I agree that engagement with digital spaces is both necessary and inevitable. However, relevance should not come at the cost of integrity. One can be modern and still rooted. One can be visible without being provocative. The choice of content shared – especially those suggestive of a romantic entanglement – may seem harmless to some, but for a community that holds cultural representation with sacred regard, such portrayals can undermine years of work to instil pride and understanding in our Indigenous identity. This is particularly disheartening when the images appear carefully staged for public consumption, not accidental or private moments leaked without consent. If we blur the line between cultural roles and commercial branding, then what does that say about our collective identity? Are we willing to see our most respected symbols turned into marketing tools – their value determined not by meaning but by engagement metrics? The intention of this letter is not to shame either individual involved. The young businessman is equally entitled to his career and image. But he must have awareness of what the contestant represents, especially in public collaborations. The burden of representation is not one to be taken lightly. I urge the State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Committee, which is helmed by two knowledgeable figures, as well as KDCA, to consider setting clearer post-crowning guidelines – not as censorship, but as a gentle compass for conduct befitting the cultural weight of the title. I also call on future contestants to reflect on the distinction between self-expression and public responsibility. The richness of our culture lies not just in rituals, songs, and dresses, but in how we carry ourselves – with honour, restraint, and humility. Let us not cheapen that inheritance for the fleeting attention of algorithms. Voice of Nunuk Ragang YOUR concern is seems timely, in the light of another Unduk Ngadau contestant who has been candid in her fb postings about seeking a caucasian for a lifepartner and is now in Europe on that mission. Her wishes are not the issue but her remarks of how she found caucasians to be better at intimacy or things to that effect, which the complainants said are giving an unfair and bad impression to the world about the pageant and native Sabah women, in general. We decided not to give these complaints any attention as they are a private matter and should be directed at the committee, instead, since it sets the guidelines on how the contestants should carry themselves. Neither are we the custodians of what is moral. Just like another complaint we received that while many of the contestants are sincere in portraying culture and tradition, in line with Huminodun, there are those whose motivation in taking part is the hope of landing rich husbands or astronomical dowries. Speculations aside, let's hope that contestants live up to the ideals and expectations of the pageant. – Ed.
Daily Express
03-06-2025
- 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
New Straits Times
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Tamparuli lass Atitih is this year's Unduk Ngadau
PENAMPANG: Atitih Yatih Robert was crowned Sabah's Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan for this year at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA Hall, Penampang, here. The 26-year-old, who represented the Tamparuli district, brought home RM17,500 in cash, a crown, a trophy, scholarships and sponsored items. Clad in the traditional Dusun Tenghilan attire, Pinialap, she wowed the judges during the question and answer session when she responded fluently in the Dusun language to two questions. Present to crown the new Unduk Ngadau was the wife of Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin. First runner-up went to Elka Alika Pijeh, representing Tambunan, while Celarin Jenny, representing Kiulu, took third place. The two took home RM13,000 and RM10,500 respectively, along with other sponsored items. In fourth place was Rini Aswanda Jukilin (Beluran), followed by Steavaynie Ginadus (Beaufort) in fifth, Jenylin Janis (Ranau) in sixth, and Evanatie Sannie (Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu) in seventh. They received RM8,000; RM6,000; RM5,000; and RM4,000 respectively, as well as scholarships and other sponsored items. A total of 51 Kadazandusun beauties from across Sabah and Kadazan KDCA branches participated in this year's competition. The Unduk Ngadau pageant is one of the Kaamatan highlights, celebrating Huminodun, a maiden who was sacrificed by her father, Kinoingan, to save the people from famine and bring about a bountiful harvest.
Daily Express
31-05-2025
- 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
