Kota Kinabalu: The PUSPA VOICE 2.0 programme successfully showcased the vocal talents of local women while strengthening the role of women in Sabah’s arts and cultural scene.
Chairperson of Puspanita Sabah Branch, Datuk Dr Nuinda Alias, said the success of the event reflects Puspanita’s continued commitment to providing a platform for women to express their artistic abilities on an open stage.
“I am very proud and delighted with the quality of participation this year. Watching the first round earlier, I was truly impressed by the performances and powerful vocals of the finalists,” she said when met after officiating the event on Saturday.
Nuinda explained that PUSPA VOICE 2.0 is more than just a singing competition — it is driven by three main objectives: to encourage participation and foster camaraderie among participants, to discover and nurture vocal talents and creativity, and to strengthen engagement between Puspanita members and the community through the arts.
“This programme is not limited to Puspanita members alone but is open to all women in Sabah who wish to showcase their talents. The presence of young participants also signals a positive future and promising new voices for the state’s music scene,” she said.
Nuinda expressed hope that the programme will continue and expand its scope to include other artistic areas such as dance and cultural performance, making it a more inclusive and comprehensive artistic platform.
“Stages like this must be sustained so that more women are given the opportunity to shine in various creative fields,” she added.
She also urged Puspanita’s leadership to continue widening opportunities for women’s participation in Sabah’s arts and cultural industries.
“This is just the beginning. We must continue creating platforms for women with golden voices and extraordinary talents across Sabah,” she said.
The competition received 64 entries from various Puspanita branches statewide, with 12 finalists selected for the grand finale.
Representing Puspanita Tambunan, Keyrolina Roger captivated the judges and audience with her performances of ‘Gundah’ and ‘I Surrender’, emerging as the champion of PUSPA VOICE 2.0.
Michelle Kasianus from Puspanita Penampang took second place, while Nursyifa Zahirah Mohd Eirwan from Puspanita Sabah Branch won third place.
Special awards were also presented, with Naina Nasib from Puspanita Sandakan named Popular Finalist, while Michelle Kasianus received the Best Performance Award for her expressive and high-quality delivery.
Also present were Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datuk Norlijah Danin and Chairperson of the Puspanita Sabah Branch Cultural Sub-Committee, Noraisah Abdillah.