Kota Kinabalu: Fifty-one beauties nationwide will be competing in this year’s Unduk Ngadau in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival on May 30 and 31.
Chairperson of the Women’s Council of the Kadazandusun Murut Malaysia Organisation (KDCA), Tindarama Datuk Joanna Datuk Kitingan, said preparations are underway for the 65th edition of the contest.
She was speaking after paying a call on the wife of Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, Wednesday.
The visit was to introduce the organising committee members and extend a formal invitation to Toh Puan Faridah to attend the Sodop Pintutunan on May 28 , as well as the grand final on May 31.
Joanna said a variety of engaging programmes have been lined up for Unduk Ngadau Week that will begin on May 26.
“These include the traditional Sodop Pintutunan, where the symbolic chest will be handed over to the finalists by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
“On May 27, the finalists will visit Sabah Museum to explore the State’s cultural heritage and take part in traditional activities such as gong-beating and preparing ethnic dishes like ‘hinava’ and ‘tuhau’,” she said.
In the afternoon, participants will also attend a screening of the Culture, Agro-tourism and Nature (CAAN) competition, officiated by Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
The Sodop Unduk Ngadau banquet and the ethnic costume competition are scheduled for May 28, before the final crowning ceremony on May 31 at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, KDCA.
Co-Chairperson Dr Mary Gambidau said the competition has consistently served as a platform for young Sabahan women to develop their talents in various fields, including tourism, entrepreneurship, public speaking and performing arts.
“It has opened many doors for these women to pursue bigger opportunities and elevate Sabah’s name at national and international levels,” she said.
She also noted that 70 tables have been booked for the Sodop Unduk Ngadau dinner, but gallery tickets priced at RM30 are still available for the public.
