SIBU: Deirdre Serena Sendi Michael Remy was crowned Kumang Gawai Dayak Sibu 2024 at the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Pre Gawai Celebration 2024 here, last night (May 25).
She took home RM4,000 along with a crown, sash, trophy, hamper and participation certificate.
The title of ‘Lulong’ (first runner-up) was awarded to Clarissa Rinya Setian, who received RM3,000 along with a sash, trophy, hamper and participation certificate.
Nelly Mujan Rogelio secured the title of ‘Selinggar Matahari’ (second runner-up), winning RM2,000 along with a sash, trophy, hamper and participation certificate.
Six other participants each received RM800 and a participation certificate as consolation prizes.
The prizes were presented by Datin Seri Angelina Ujang, the wife of Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
Accompanying her was the Chairperson of Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Sibu, Angelyn Uchi Maseng.
In his speech, Nanta said the Kumang competition evaluates not only the contestants’ beauty but also their ability to showcase their costumes.
“Beauty pageants are a platform to display our traditional costumes, something we are proud of and want to encourage our younger generation to participate in.
“We aim to increase awareness of our traditional heritage, and there is nothing wrong with showcasing it for both the Dayak community and others,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu Chairman Chambai Lindong said the Kumang competition is not about the prizes.
“It’s a competition we eagerly await during Gawai. We want to see the finalists demonstrate their ‘Ngepan’ (Iban traditional costume),” he said.
