Latest news with #UndukNgadauKaamatan
Daily Express
19 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
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- 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
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
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Kaamatan and public speaking
The columnist with the finalists of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan National Level 2024 after their session on public speaking skills. Kaamatan 2025 is now in full swing across Sabah, marked by festive joy, cultural pride and a strong sense of community. Among the most anticipated highlights of the celebration is the iconic Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant. The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant is much more than a beauty contest; it is a cultural and spiritual tribute rooted in the sacred story of Huminodun, the daughter of Kinoingan, the creator deity of the Kadazan and Dusun people. According to tradition, Huminodun sacrificed herself to save humanity from starvation. The Unduk Ngadau represents her spirit of selflessness, resilience and grace. In the past, an Unduk Ngadau contestant was primarily expected to appear resplendent on stage to reflect the poise and dignity of Huminodun. However, expectations have since evolved. Today, contestants are required not only to embody elegance but also to articulate their thoughts with clarity, to demonstrate intelligence and confidence, and to express a deep understanding of their language, culture and traditions. These evolving expectations bring public speaking to the forefront; skills that go far beyond the traditional question-and-answer (Q&A) segment. Contrary to popular belief, public speaking is not limited to verbal responses. A contestant well-versed in these skills will radiate quiet confidence, authenticity and presence both on and off the stage. Confidence reveals itself not only through speech but also through facial expressions, posture and body language. This year, 51 finalists will compete on the grand stage at Hongkod Koisaan on 31 May, before an audience of over 7,000 spectators, both in person and online. As a former judge of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant at both district and state levels, I have often observed contestants struggle to express themselves with confidence. This shortcoming is rarely owing to a lack of beauty or cultural knowledge but more often a result of inadequate preparation in effective communication. I have seen many contestants who had the potential to win the crown or at least secure a higher placement fall short simply because of their limited public speaking skills. Drawing from my experience as a Toastmaster and public speaking coach, I wish to offer essential tips to guide all contestants, including other aspiring pageant candidates, in approaching both the Q&A segment and their overall presentation with greater confidence and poise: Start early with language preparation The Unduk Ngadau is a cultural contest deeply rooted in the Kadazan Dusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) heritage. Contestants are expected to demonstrate a natural and workable command of their mother tongues. This ability cannot be achieved through last-minute memorisation. Judges can easily tell when a contestant is reciting a rehearsed script versus speaking with genuine fluency. Develop clarity of thought Train yourself to think clearly and concisely. When answering a question, identify your main point and support it with one or two relevant insights or examples. Practise with feedback Practise regularly and sufficiently. Practise in front of friends, family or a coach who can provide honest feedback. Avoid just rehearsing the content; also practise your tone, gestures, expressions, and timing. Avoid memorising; internalise instead Rather than memorising your speech word-for-word, understand the essence of what you wish to say. Speak naturally and sincerely from the heart. Know your audience Understand whom you are speaking to, their background, interests and expectations. This understanding will help you tailor your message, language, tone and examples for maximum impact. For the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, the audience expects contestants to demonstrate knowledge of their culture, traditions and mother tongues. Know your subject Being well-informed builds confidence and credibility. Do your research, anticipate potential questions and stay updated on relevant topics. Be prepared Rehearse your speech multiple times. Familiarity with your material reduces nervousness, improves fluency and allows you to focus on delivery rather than memorisation. Check yourself for distractions Ensure your attire is comfortable and appropriate. Avoid distracting jewellery, exaggerated movements or habits that divert attention from your message. Know how to handle equipment in the audience's presence Test the microphone by gently tapping it. If the stand is too high or too low, remove the microphone and hold it in your hand confidently. Smile at everyone A warm smile sets a positive tone, makes you appear approachable and creates a welcoming atmosphere. It also helps calm your nerves. Establish eye contact immediately Scan the room and make eye contact with individuals in the audience. This builds trust and connection while keeping them engaged. Display the right posture Stand upright with a relaxed yet confident stance. Avoid slouching or stiffening. Good posture reflects confidence and presence. Know what to do with your hands Use natural, intentional gestures to highlight key points. Avoid crossing your arms, hiding your hands or using excessive gestures that distract. When at rest, place your hands on your sides or on top of your waist, but not clasp together at the crotch. Avoid starting with pause fillers Begin confidently. Avoid opening with pause fillers such as 'uh,' 'um' or 'okay.' Start with a strong statement, story, or question to capture attention. Replace filler words or sounds with brief pauses. Silence, when used effectively, adds power and presence. Use a clear, audible and confident voice Speak loudly enough to be heard clearly, without shouting. Enunciate your words and maintain a confident tone. Use vocal variety Avoid speaking in a monotone. Vary your pitch, pace and volume to reflect the emotion and importance of your message. This act keeps the audience interested. Ensure correct grammar and pronunciation Good language use adds to your credibility. Mispronunciations or grammatical errors can distract from your message. Use humour, if appropriate A well-placed, tasteful joke or light moment can make you more relatable and help put the audience at ease. Use humour sparingly and naturally. Share personal experiences Stories help audiences connect with you. Personal examples humanise your message and make it more memorable. Avoid apologising Avoid phrases like 'Sorry, I'm not prepared' or 'I'm nervous.' These phrases undermine your confidence. Focus instead on delivering your best and maintaining composure. Take a deep breath (from the diaphragm) Diaphragmatic breathing calms nerves and supports a stronger voice. Before speaking, take a few deep breaths to centre yourself. For the purpose of the contest, a contestant is expected to speak spontaneously. When speaking without preparation, use the P.R.E.P. structure: P – Proposal: Begin with your main idea or opinion. R – Reflection: Share a personal insight, quote, or anecdote related to your proposal. E – Explain or Expound: Provide supporting reasons, examples or context. P – Proposal (restate): Conclude by restating your main point, possibly with a twist or call to action. Example: 'I believe learning public speaking is essential. From my own experience, I used to fear speaking in front of others, but practice transformed me. Public speaking helps build confidence and influence others positively. That is why I strongly support initiatives to learn these skills.' There are other important aspects of public speaking to consider. A long speech is not necessarily better than a short one. The challenge lies in conveying meaningful content concisely. Every speech must have a message. Without one, it becomes merely a string of meaningless words. A strong message stems from knowledge, which is gained through the habit of reading. To make an impact, you must cultivate and express your views on issues that matter. The structure of a speech also matters. A well-organised speech is easier for the audience to follow. Every speech should have an opening that captures attention, a body with at least three points or arguments and a conclusion that reinforces the main message. To give the speech a sense of completion, the conclusion should relate back to the opening. For instance, if you mention the moon in your introduction, refer to it again in your conclusion. Avoid closing with phrases like 'Om iri iri no mantad doho' or 'That's all from me,' as they may suggest a lack of knowledge on your part. Delivery is equally important. Be mindful of body movement. Gestures, particularly hand movements, should be coordinated with your speech. Use vocal variety to convey different emotions; raise your voice when excited, soften it when serious or reflective. Maintain warm eye contact and appear to enjoy speaking. Speak clearly and assertively to reflect confidence. Avoid trying to impress the audience by saying what you think they want to hear. Audiences can sense insincerity. It is better to respond genuinely. For example, if you are asked, 'Do you believe that wealth brings happiness?' it is fine to say 'yes,' as long as your response is honest. Steer clear of topics such as sex, religion, race and politics to avoid offending the audience. Use local dialects and languages during local level contests. The use of KDMR languages can impress audiences, even if not everyone understands. While English can be used, it limits your audience to English speakers and excludes others. Finally, embrace every opportunity to claim the spotlight, what seasoned speakers refer to as 'stage time.' This term simply means any chance to speak before an audience, whether large or small. Each moment on stage is a valuable rehearsal ground, allowing you to sharpen your delivery, refine your message and build your confidence. With consistent exposure and deliberate practice, you will not only learn to speak with poise and professionalism but also develop the ability to captivate, inspire and move your audience with authenticity and impact. The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan remains a powerful platform to celebrate and preserve our cultural identity. It is also a stage where young women can showcase not only their beauty but the strength of their voice and cultural pride. With the right preparation, especially in public speaking, they can truly embody the spirit of Huminodun in both word and presence.
Daily Express
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Mercy crowned Tawau Unduk Ngadau
Published on: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 20, 2025 Text Size: Mercy (centre) after being crowned. TAWAU: Mercy Stefie Wong, the newly crowned Johan Unduk Ngadau Tawau 2025, will represent the district at the state-level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan competition in Sabah. The 23-year-old nurse said she will prepare thoroughly for the upcoming competition on May 30. 'I will focus on practicing public speaking and answering questions confidently to get used to it. Even though I am busy with work, I will still make time to improve myself for the next stage of the competition. 'My hope is to make my parents, family and the Tawau community proud. I also want to see our culture preserved so that we can remain united in our cultural diversity,' she told the media during the 2025 Tawau District-Level Kaamatan Festival celebration at the Tawau Community Hall on Saturday. The event saw eight contestants competing for the title of Unduk Ngadau Tawau 2025. The ceremony was officiated by Tawau Member of Parliament, Datuk Lo Su Fui and attended by around 350 members of the local community. * 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
