Penampang: Fifty-three Unduk Ngadau finalists have been chosen to represent their districts and the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) branches, including from the Peninsula, this year. Sabah Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Committee chairman Dr. Mary Gambidau announced that all participants will be accommodated at a hotel from today until the competition night on Sunday, May 31.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, of the total participants, the top 25 finalists will advance to the next round, an increase from only 15 previously. Dr. Gambidau stated, "This is to give more space and opportunities for participants to highlight their respective potential, personality and capability," during a press conference held in conjunction with the competition.
The Unduk Ngadau is a traditional beauty pageant held as part of the Kaamatan Festival. It judges not only physical beauty but also acknowledges the participants' wisdom, personality, and knowledge of the culture and legends of the Huminodun. The organisers have introduced a two-tier evaluation system, with preliminary assessment through various internal sessions starting today, followed by the final judging on Sunday, May 31, at the KDCA Hongkod Koisaan Hall in Penampang.
Throughout the period, participants will engage in various official sessions, including cultural and customary knowledge interviews, and participate in a Short Film Competition themed "Kaamatan: Menuai Perpaduan, Meraikan Keharmonian" (Kaamatan: Harvesting Unity, Celebrating Harmony). To ensure fairness and transparency, the organisers have devised a specific scoring rubric and are providing skilled translation services in languages such as Murut to facilitate the jury.
Dr. Gambidau emphasized, "Through this rubric, judging will be fairer, more professional and transparent, with attention fully focused on the stipulated judging criteria." This year's Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan winner is set to receive RM15,000 in cash, an educational scholarship sponsorship, health screening packages, beauty products, and various accompanying prizes from sponsors.