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.
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');});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.
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.