Latest news with #Kumang
The Star
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Pageant of grace and Dayak cultural pride
Mesha (seated), Axiomara (left) and Emily with their prizes. The grand finale of the Miss Borneo Dayak Cultural Festival 2025 saw 10 finalists showcasing their beauty and culture. College student Mesha Carlynie Jess took home the coveted title at the event held at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1, Sibu, in conjunction with the Borneo Cultural Festival in Sarawak. The 22-year-old banking diploma student from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Mukah impressed judges and the audience with her poise and grace. 'I was surprised and overjoyed as I didn't expect to win this competition,' said Mesha. 'I'm very pleased with the result because it reflects the hard work I put in before and during the event,' said Mesha. She received RM4,000 cash, a crown, sash, trophy, certificate and gift hamper. Mesha said she had to travel frequently between Mukah and Sibu to attend classes as well as the finalist selection and rehearsals. Originally from Kapit, she is no stranger to Kumang (traditional beauty contest) competitions, having taken part in over 20 since 2022 and winning several of them. 'Through Kumang competitions, I aim to send the message that true beauty lies not only in appearance, but also in knowledge, self-confidence and cultural pride,' she said. 'I hope to elevate Dayak traditions so they remain appreciated and are embraced by the younger generation,' she added. Axiomara Tijan Andy was named first runner-up and won RM3,000, while Emily Rinya Lenggang was second runner-up with RM2,000. Both also received sashes, trophies, hampers and certificates. Each of the other finalists – Natasha Malviana, Manisha Vyonnie, Amenda Alannie, Jatitup Nyambar, Daphne Herbeck Ilam, Nelly Mujan and Melanie Joyce – received RM1,000 and a certificate of appreciation. The 10 finalists were selected from an initial pool of 24 contestants to showcase their beauty and cultural pride on the grand stage, while donning intricate and traditional Orang Ulu attire. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang launched the event.
Borneo Post
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
RiamTec students blend culture with compassion in Gawai do
Goh (right) presents a memento to Lau. MIRI (June 29): Students of Riam Institute of Technology (RiamTec) brought new meaning to their Gawai celebration by hosting a vibrant campus event that blended cultural heritage with community service. Spearheaded by the RiamTec Student Council, the Gawai Charity Event 2025 meant to raise funds and awareness for Zero Stray Miri, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection and care of stray animals. Representing the state Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Councillor Victor Lau officiated at the event, which he hailed as 'a powerful example of youth-led change, combining cultural celebration with civic responsibility'. 'By championing the welfare of stray animals, you are showing that compassion and care are values that should be embedded in all living beings in our society.' Organising chairman Austin Liew, meanwhile, extended his appreciation to everyone who supported the event, including the lecturers, alumni and fellow students. 'This year, we celebrate Gawai while giving back to the community.' The celebration featured a lively cultural showcase, including a sape showcase, 'Kumang' and 'Keling' pageants, and a variety of multicultural performances. Also present were RiamTec assistant chief executive officer Richard Liu, Riam Road Secondary School principal Kong Pei Chuen, and RiamTec manager Beryl Goh. Gawai lead Lee Kim Shin RiamTec
Borneo Post
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Kumang Gawai: More than just about beauty
Senorita in a photo-call, taken during the interview at her residence in Kuching. FOR over half a century, the name 'Kumang Gawai' has symbolised more than just beauty – it embodies the pride, culture, and resilience of the Dayaks in Sarawak. Traditionally held during the Gawai Dayak celebration, this pageant features women adorned in their intricate traditional attire and judged not only on their appearance, but also on their cultural knowledge, poise and personality. Said to have been introduced in the 1960s, the Kumang Gawai once held a prominent role at the state level, serving as a prestigious platform to honour Dayak identity and heritage. However, in the years following the Covid-19 pandemic, the event had been scaled down to a non-competitive format. Often likened to Sabah's iconic 'Unduk Ngadau', Kumang Gawai has long been considered as the 'crown jewel' of the Gawai calendar. Throughout the recent years, however, its visibility has quietly diminished – reduced to parade-style appearances during state-level Gawai Dayak open houses and dinners. Now, amid a renewed wave of cultural pride and heritage preservation, a crucial question is being asked: Is it time to revive the state-level Kumang Gawai in all its former splendour? Rooted in myth, identity Unlike mainstream beauty contests, Kumang Gawai is deeply rooted in the legends and folklores of the Iban people. The concept draws from rich oral traditions, where beauty is not merely physical but symbolic of grace, femininity, and the ideals of womanhood. In Iban mythology, Kumang is the heavenly goddess and consort of 'Keling' – the celestial hero and archetypal prince. She is famed for her exceptional beauty and remarkable lineage, hailing from Batang Gelong, believed to be the ancestral land of the most beautiful Iban women. The ideal Iban woman, as personified by Kumang, embodies gentleness, resourcefulness, artistic talents, fidelity, and inner strength. These attributes form the spiritual and cultural foundation of the pageant – a search for the 'Festival Queen' and symbolic 'Heavenly Beauty' among the participating Dayak women. 'More than a crown' To explore the relevance of the pageant today, thesundaypost spoke to several former titleholders including Datin Senorita Linang, the first Iban to be crowned Kumang Gawai Dayak at the state level in 1966, and continued to win in 1967, and 1968. Back then, the pageant was jointly organised by Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) and Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) at the Rumah Dayak, on a site along Jalan Satok just opposite the Sarawak headquarters of Bank Negara Malaysia. Photo of Senorita taken after her crowning as Kumang Gawai in 1968. A trailblazer in many respects, Senorita made history not only within Sarawak but also on the national stage. One of her highlights as a beauty queen was when she represented Sarawak at the Miss Malaysia Float Queen, held in conjunction with the 10th National Day celebration at Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, on Aug 31, 1967. She was up against 13 other state-level queens and 22 non-governmental organisation (NGO) representatives, and emerged the second runner-up. According to Senorita, although the state-level competition has yet to be revived, Kumang Gawai pageants continue to be held at the divisional level. She noted that this year alone, competitions had taken place in Betong, Kapit, Miri, Sri Aman, Sibu and also during the 'R&R Borneo Cultural 2025' event at Penview Convention Centre (PCC) Demak in Kuching – just to name just a few. These events also welcomed participants from various Dayak communities, notably the Bidayuh with its title 'Dayung Sagon' (literally means 'beautiful woman' in the language), and the Orang Ulu with its title 'Keligit'. There were also the competitions for the men, with the 'Keling', the Bidayuh's 'Dari Pogan' (strongman), and 'Berawan' titles. Senorita (left) in a photo call with the Top 3 contestants of the Kumang Iban category of R&R Borneo Cultural 2025 event in Kuching. 'All these reflect the pageant's growing inclusivity and cultural diversity. 'We still bring divisional winners to parade at the state-level Gawai dinner every year, except during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. 'Typically, four Kumang winners and two Keling winners are invited, but the actual state-level competition hasn't resumed – there's no more excitement, no more competition,' said the former manager of Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) Performing Arts, when met at her residence recently. Nevertheless, Senorita – a respected cultural custodian and long-time organiser of the event – believed that the value of Kumang Gawai remained undiminished. 'We should be proud to show our culture – not only at the state level, but even at national and international levels. 'It's a celebration of who we are.' A platform for identity Angela Martin, the state-level Kumang 1995 winner, remembered the pageant as 'the highlight of Gawai festivities'. 'It brought communities together. We represented our divisions with pride. 'The pageant wasn't just about looks – we were judged on our knowledge of heritage, language, and customs,' said Angela, who later became a Guinness Stout poster model in 1996. Jennifer Jack, the titleholder in 2003, described the competition as 'a catalyst for both cultural identity and tourism'. 'We should be aiming for something like the 'Unduk Ngadau'. Our version should be no less prestigious,' she stressed. Angela posing after she was crowned the state-level Kumang Gawai in 1995, representing Sri Aman. Beyond the sparkle of traditional costume and gold bangles, former winners agreed that Kumang Gawai was never about aesthetics alone, as it served as a cultural incubator – grooming leadership, public speaking skills, and nurturing deeper understanding of Dayak heritage. Marcella Shareen Mos, a finalist and Miss Fair & Lovely Gawai Tourism Night 2004, recalled how the competition had empowered her and many other women. 'Kumang Gawai is not just a beauty pageant. You learn to carry yourself in public, speak with pride about your culture, and represent your people. 'It also acted as a bridge for cultural exchange. 'People would ask about your attire, your beads, your language – it could open conversations, and it could educate,' she said. Jennifer was crowned state-level Kumang Gawai in 2003, making her one of the last recipients of this title in the state-level competition. A forward-looking revival For many, the push for revival is not merely nostalgic – it is a vision grounded in modern possibilities. Jennifer believed that the pageant needed structural reform and digital transformation. 'We need a permanent organising body, like Sabah's Unduk Ngadau Association. 'Include past winners; tap into their experiences. 'Promote it widely on social media, get the tourism boards involved, and also add grooming workshops, public-speaking rounds, and cultural knowledge segments. Showcase not just beauty, but substance,' she suggested, to which Angela concurred. 'Use modern tools, but never compromise on tradition. 'Keep the mother tongue. Keep the 'ngepan' (Iban traditional attire) authentic. 'Don't turn it into a costume show for the camera,' she pointed out. Jennifer (left) is a regularly-invited judge at various local-level Kumang Gawai pageants. Engaging next generation There is growing optimism that a revitalised state-level Kumang Gawai could appeal to the younger generation of women, particularly the Gen Z seeking to reconnect with their cultural roots. 'With social media, you can go viral in one night, but still, we need to provide substance. 'Teach them the history of their attire. 'Let them visit the cultural sites, orphanages, and homes for the elderly. 'Make it a holistic, meaningful journey – not just a walk on stage,' said Marcella. She fondly recalled the era when the competition would span over several days, filled with rehearsals, mentorship, and community outreach programmes. 'It was tough, but it was fun. 'Joining a beauty pageant isn't just about looking your best. It challenges you to grow, to step out of your comfort zone, and to present yourself with confidence in front of others. 'Through the experience, I learned how to engage with people from different backgrounds and levels, how to speak thoughtfully, and most importantly, how to show respect for everyone around me. 'It's an opportunity that not only builds self-esteem, but one that also shapes you into someone who can connect, inspire, and represent with grace,' she added. Marcella, looking radiant after she was crowned Kumang Gawai Sadia in 2000. The road ahead The idea of reviving the full-scale state-level Kumang Gawai has already sparked conversations among the organisers and past participants. With consistent support from the State Gawai Dayak Celebration Dinner Committee, which continues to sponsor the event annually, many believe a revival is not only possible, but inevitable. As Sarawak continues to assert its cultural distinctiveness within Malaysia and on the world stage, the return of Kumang Gawai is increasingly seen not just as a nostalgic dream, but also as a timely vision – blending identity, pride, and women's empowerment, wrapped in beads, brocade, and tradition. Kumang Gawai sarawak Senorita Linang
Borneo Post
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Pekit Kumang Gawai Tatau 2025 returns June 14
Registration is open until June 10 via QR code. BINTULU (May 29): The vibrant Gawai Dayak spirit will shine once again at the much-anticipated Pekit Kumang Gawai Tatau 2025, set for June 14 at Dinner World Restaurant here. This cultural pageant, aimed at preserving and promoting Iban traditions, invites Sarawakian women of Dayak descent from Kakus constituency to compete in beauty, intelligence, and cultural knowledge, while adorned in traditional Iban attire. The 'Kumang' winner will receive RM3,000, a crown, sash, trophy, finger flower, and certificate. The 'Lulong' (second winner) and the 'Selinggar Matahari' (third winner) will take home RM2,500 and RM2,000, respectively, along with a crown, sash, trophy, finger flower, and certificate each. Meanwhile, consolation prizes of RM500 and a certificate will be given to other finalists. Registration is open until June 10 via QR code. A rehearsal will be held at 10am on June 15, with the final event at 6pm on the same day. Eligible participants must be Dayak women aged 18 to 30, single, fluent in Iban, and first-time Kumang participants. Traditional Iban attire is mandatory, and all expenses are self-funded. A preliminary round will be held on June 12 if entries exceed 10. For inquiries, interested participants can contact Tuai Rumah Esther Ansai on 012-8085898 or Tuai Rumah Gilbert Ngadi Melaka on 019-8577799. beauty pageant lead Pekit Kumang Gawai Tatau
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Gawai Dayak celebration in Miri highlights legacy, global identity
Penguang strikes the gong to mark the start of the Gawai Dayak 2025 event in Miri. MIRI (May 25): The Gawai Dayak celebration should serve as a platform to promote Dayak culture and identity to the global stage, said Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil. He also urged the Dayak community to take pride in their heritage and to uphold the Gawai celebration as a symbol of strength, continuity, and collective identity, and not merely as a festive occasion. 'Gawai holds a profound meaning. It is about more than celebration – it is about honouring the legacy of pioneers and leaders who paved the way. 'As your leader, and more importantly as someone who speaks for our community, I must remind this – if we do not speak for ourselves, who else will?' said the Marudi assemblyman his speech at the division-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner in Meritz Hotel here on Saturday. He represented National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang at the event. Adding on, Penguang also emphasised the importance of recognising the Dayak community as part of a global society that valued diversity and mutual respect. 'What we preserve today will not only be remembered by us, but by the future generations and other communities around the world. 'You, the Dayak people, must be proud ambassadors of the rich legacy we carry as a community.' Penguang also stressed the need for cultural preservation, encouraging the Dayaks to celebrate their traditions with pride – without fear of judgment. 'Do not feel ashamed. Gawai is the time to showcase who we are – our identity, our food, our dances, and our values. 'It is not merely about drinking or feasting, but about unity, dignity, and cultural pride.' He addressed the criticisms againts of cultural showcases like the 'Kumang' and 'Keling' (Princess and Warrior) pageants, stating that these traditions were not superficial displays, but important expressions of heritage and identity. 'Some say that the 'Kumang and Keling' competitions are merely about appearance and showcasing traditional clothing, but I disagree with that view. 'It's not about showing off. It's about respecting our traditions and giving them the dignity they deserve. 'We must fulfil our responsibilities as citizens and as part of a united, multiracial Sarawak. We must stand firm, united, and unshaken,' he stressed. Organised by the Miri Division Gawai Celebration Committee and hosted by the Miri Dayak Association (DAM), the event also had Penguang announcing allocations totalling RM105,000, with contributions from various leaders including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas who pledged RM30,000, and himself with RM15,000; Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin (RM15,000); Aaron (RM10,000); Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Gerawat Gala (RM10,000), Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting (RM10,000); Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau (RM10,000); and Datuk Dr Nuing Jeluing (RM5,000). The evening featured cultural performances from the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities, with highlights including the Kumang, Dayung Sagon and Keligit Orang Ulu contests, as well as Keling and Belawan competitions for Gawai 2025. community Gawai Dayak lead Penguang Manggil
