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.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“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.
“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.