Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

Kota Kinabalu: Fashion designers are urged to maintain original materials and weaving in Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan designs.

Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Women’s Council Chairperson, Joanna Kitingan, said the move was to raise the authentic dignity of the art of weaving in several districts, indirectly improving the economy of weaving entrepreneurs in the state.

“This year, we are calling on designers to use original material in weaving and ‘linangkit’ because these motifs have become easy to obtain from machines.

“We want to help women who have weaving skills so that creativity is used in contemporary designs and improve their economy.

“This is done so that their skills don’t just disappear because now the motifs can be found in machine prints.

“So, this is our effort as the Unduk Ngadau Committee so that all 50 finalists give clothing designers the opportunity to apply native weaving such as from Matunggong, Kudat, Tambunan and Tuaran.

“In Rungus clothing, the most expensive weave is called Tinongkupan. Apply it in contemporary clothing, not something printed and pasted.

“In addition, on May 31, the finalists must wear full traditional clothing and must be authentic as well,” she said after paying a courtesy visit to the Sabah Governor's consort Toh Puan Norlidah R.M.Jasni, on Tuesday.

According to Joanna, the visit was to invite Toh Puan Norlidah to grace the Sodop Unduk Ngadau 2024 event at Hongkod Koisaan KDCA on May 29.

Meanwhile, Joana said that this year, the competition committee invited a special panel to prepare judging questions during the Unduk Ngadau 2024 crowning event.

“A special briefing for the Unduk Ngadau 2024 finalists will also be held on May 26 to 27 regarding public speaking, customs, the Native Court and also women’s wisdom. 

“Unduk Ngadau 2024 will receive RM12,000 in cash in addition to scholarships from Asian Tourism International College (ATI College) and North Borneo University College,” he said.

Also present in the courtesy visit were Unduk Ngadau 2023 Carol Abbey Gail Grimaldi and State Level UNK Committee Member 2024 Philomena Engsun.