SERIAN: Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem has proposed organising a talent competition, ‘Serian Got Talent,’ aimed at showcasing the hidden talents of local youth in the constituency.
The Serian MP said this town has proven to be home to many talented individuals who have brought pride to Sarawak on the global stage, citing examples such as Paralympic gold medalist Bonnie Bunyau Gustin and Olympic diver Datuk Pandelela Rinong Pamg.
“Should Serian Got Talent be organised, these individuals will have the opportunity to pursue their respective talents to higher levels, further elevating the name of Sarawak and Malaysia.
“Such an event could serve as motivation for our young people. If the United Kingdom has ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and the United States of America has ‘America’s Got Talent’, I believe Serian can have its own ‘Serian Got Talent’,” he said.
He told the media this after attending the talent night of the annual Ratu Bilanting 2024 competition held at Pasar Tebakang Cina last night (Sept 28).
Touching on the event, Riot shared his thoughts on a performance that stood out to him, delivered by one of the 10 finalists of the beauty pageant.
He noted that the finalist successfully conveyed genuine emotion during an acting segment portraying the loss of her mother.
“She truly cried on stage. I was informed that it was based on a true story, and her mother had recently passed away.
“The other participants also gave commendable performances,” he added.
The talent night was judged by three well-known figures in the beauty pageant scene: 2023 Mrs. Petite Global (International) winner Joyce Nyupeh, Pimaguh Beauty owner Priscilla Hygnus, and the 2022/2023 Arts and Cultural Icon Award of the Institute of Teacher Education Malaysia (IPGM), Ministry of Education Malaysia Wagner John Sanggur.
The beauty pageant drew the interest of young people from various villages in Serian, with two finalists hailing from Sri Aman. The contestants ranged in age from 18 to 27 years old.
Winners of the talent night will be announced at the Grand Finale of Ratu Bilanting 2024, scheduled to take place on Saturday (Sept 28). The winner will take home a trophy, cash prize of RM500, a sash, a beauty hamper, and a certificate of participation.
