Kuching Society for Community Leadership and Economic Development (PPKEK) is a non-profit organisation, providing experiential life-long education of leadership skills, life skills and personal values that enables everyone to become increasingly self-directing, productive and contributing citizens to the communities without any regard to race, colour, gender, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or disabilities.
The society is honoured to be appointed as an organiser to host Miss & Mrs Malaysia Kebaya 2018 at Sarawak level. On November 16, PPKEK had successfully organised the one of the biggest beauty pageant contest in the state. Held at the UCSI Hotel, Kuching, the Grand Final Charity Crowning Dinner was graced by Datuk Amar Hajah Jum’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang.
Kebaya is Malaysia’s national costume and PPKEK are on a mission to achieve the following objectives:
• to promote tourism through beauty and uniqueness of Malaysian heritage by showcasing cultural diversity overseas,
• to provide a platform for personal development to promote self-confidence, leadership, artistic skills, and family values in the appreciation of beauty, intelligent and cultural pride, and
• to foster community development, empower women to build high self-esteem to achieve social, economic and cultural goal.
This impactful event provided a platform to allow Sarawakian ladies the rare opportunity to display their talent, intelligence, confidence, cultural pride, family values and leadership skills. Inside every contestant lies something hidden; an unseen potential waiting to be discovered. It also opens opportunities for the contestants to participate in different meaningful activities and to be recognised. All the positive values and self-image that the contestants had learned during the pageantry will stay with them throughout their journey in life.
During beauty pageant week, the organiser carried out the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives by visiting the community-based special school, old folks home and residential care centre for children. By contributing time to care for the community, it is hoped that the beauty pageants will grow into well rounded, caring and kind individuals. During the visit, contestants had truly brightened up the day and left a lasting memory for everyone.
The winner will be the ambassador and as a role model to be involved in the community projects to educate, empower and inspire the underprivileged. Not only the titleholder, the winner will also volunteer her time on fundraising projects to make a real difference for the cause. It is actually intended to highlight the importance of charity, to create awareness and the giving spirit among the community. No matter how big or small the amount contributed by the public, it can help improve the lives of the needy and bring happiness to many lives.
The organiser is looking forward to gain more support from government agencies and private sectors for their next upcoming event. On a local level, the event will continue to support projects in the community. As a way of promoting tourism, the Crowned Winner will wear the Kebaya in overseas expos to showcase the cultural diversity and heritage , and at the same time to promote the authentic spirit of Sarawak. Hopefully, it will provide an experience that is unique and enriching for tourists in order for them to appreciate the cultural values which is truly Sarawak.
