KOTA KINABALU: This year’s crowned Unduk Ngadau (harvest beauty queen) will bear greater responsibility as Sabah’s annual cultural beauty pageant is elevated to a national-level status. From its humble beginnings in the 1960s, this unique cultural beauty contest, arguably the oldest in the world, has evolved and matured to align with current trends. "Unduk Ngadau, now 64 years old, is the longest-running cultural heritage pageant in Malaysia.
This competition stands apart from other beauty pageants, making its continued relevance essential," said Joanna Kitingan, the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Women Council chairman. She made these remarks while addressing the 51 Unduk Ngadau finalists from across Sabah, as well as representatives from KDCA Labuan, Sarawak, Melaka, Johor, Putrajaya, Perak, Penang, and Klang Valley, during their registration exercise on Sunday (May 26). The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan organising chairman emphasised that with the beauty contest now elevated to a national-level event, the contestants have a bigger role to play in promoting Sabah's culture, language, and traditional costumes beyond the state.
"In addition, such activities serve to further empower you. As an Unduk Ngadau, you are already a winner. But you also go beyond your name; you are an empowered indigenous woman.
It is not just about who you are, but your value, your inner strength, and how you value yourself. "Unduk Ngadau is a platform where you begin your journey of confidence.
