Unduk Ngadau Explained

Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan is a beauty pageant held annually during the Kaamatan cultural event in Sabah, Malaysia.[1] The reigning Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan is Hyellene Danius of Inanam who was crowned by Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2023, Carol Abbey Gail Grimaldi of Papar, on 31 May 2024 at KDCA Hall, Penampang, Sabah.

Profile

The Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant is held to commemorate the spirit of Huminodun, the mythological maiden who was of total beauty of the heart, mind and soul. The title is derived from the phrase runduk tadau which means "the girl crowned by the sunlight". Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan is one of the most recognisable cultural events in Sabah and is unique to the state. The state-level beauty pageant is the highlight and ending point of the month-long Kaamatan celebrations.

Background

The contestants of the state-level beauty pageant generally represent their district. Some districts hold joint pageants, producing more than one representative.

Beginning in 1995, Sabahans residing in Peninsular Malaysia who celebrate Kaamatan have been acknowledged by the organisation. Since then, many other states in Malaysia started to send their delegates to the pageant such as Johor in 2014, Penang in 2018, Putrajaya in 2019, Melaka and Perak in 2021. The first ever representative from Klang Valley was Angeline Ongkunik and the first Klang Valley's or Kuala Lumpur's representative who won the state-level crown was Daphne Iking in 2003. In the following year, Janeitha Stephen of Klang Valley was placed as the first runner-up to Tamparuli's Fharelynne Ivonne Henry. Many of the Klang Valley representatives have had their best placements in the state-level competition; 2001's Ryna Rychie James (second runner-up), 2005's Susanna James Kenson (fourth runner-up), 2007's Jaslinder Kaur (sixth runner-up), 2008's Anne Marie Tauriq Khan (sixth runner-up), 2013's Ledesma Steven (fifth runner-up), 2014's Maylesthelyn Ley Matius (sixth runner-up), 2016's Patricia Elsa Jimy (fifth runner-up), 2017's Sharlina Gilbert Mojinun (fifth runner-up) and 2019's Vinnie Alvionitta Sasising (sixth runner-up).

Since 2012, the question-and-answer round has been using the format through which the contestants must answer the question in their ethnic language. Melinda Louis was one of the first to have succeeded in the particular question-and-answer, and she eventually won.

In 2014, the state of Johor in Peninsular Malaysia made its debut in the competition. The first winner for Johor was Liz Lorena Rayner who was placed as the second runner-up in the competition. In 2023, the state of Sarawak joined the pageant for the first time. The first representative of Sarawak was Marylyn Velarie Bolovin.[2]

Titleholders

2024Hyellene Danius [3] Inanam
2023Carol Abbey Gail Grimaldi[4] Papar
2022Frenerietta Sobitun[5] [6] Sandakan
2021Maya Hejnowska[7] [8] Api-Api
2019Francisca Ester Nain[9] Karambunai
2018Hosiani James Jaimis[10] Inanam
2017Kerinah Mah[11] Kota Kinabalu
2016Sherry Anne Laujang[12] Penampang
2015Ryannie Neils Yong[13] Tanjung Aru
2014Cheryl Lynn Pinsius[14] Kota Kinabalu
2013Immaculate Lojuki[15] Kota Kinabalu
2012Melinda Louis[16] Telupid
2011Botiza Arthur S. Disimond[17] Penampang
2010Crystal Eve HuminodunTanjung Aru
2009Appey Rowenna Januin[18] Papar
2008Leonie Lawrence GontuniPenampang
2007Joanna Sue Henley RampasTuaran
2006Devenna JaikobSulaman
2005Madelyne M. NanduPenampang
2004Fharelynne Ivonne HenryTamparuli
2003Daphne M. IkingKuala Lumpur
2002Patrecia RaymondKiulu
2001Nicolita Sanseh MasiPetagas
2000Regina IntangMelalap
1999Kathie RenjusInanam
1998Jeremiah GinajilInanam
1997Jan Lisamarrie WilliamBongawan
1996Lynnefra @ Lynn Alfera WongElopura
1995Justinah ManiusKawang
1994Agatha Nora LojiminPenampang
1993Luzie ThamInanam
1992Anita PudinPutatan
1991Sylvia Sandralisa OrowTuaran
1990Julia AugustineTanjung Aru
1989Deidre Peter MojuntinPenampang
1988Jenny AlasaPenampang
1987Joan Gloria TommyTanjung Aru
1986Johanna Sybil S.DisimondPenampang
1985Florence JipiuPenampang
1984Esther SikayunPenampang
1983Mary Janet KinjauPenampang
1982Margaret Dolly JimayolBeaufort
1981Janet Anthony DabiPenampang
1980Roslina AmitTuaran
1979Mary SollyTanjung Aru
1978Veronica JefferinPenampang
1977Mary Marjorie KinjauPenampang
1976Edwina TotuPenampang
1975Rita SikawahPenampang
1974Susanna JipanisPenampang
1973Prisca TikohPenampang
1972Evelyn SinidolPenampang
1971Mary @ Mili Jaikoh ImbayanTamparuli
1970Helen MojiniuPenampang
1969Sylvia TotuPenampang
1968Rita MojilisPenampang
1967Florence BibiPapar
1966Patricia SinidolPenampang
1965Molina DanielPapar
1964Rita BagongTuaran
1963Mary BadakPutatan
1962Marcella TiansimPapar
1961Talian BunalPapar
1960Yong Mee Lan @ Mui LanPenampang

List of runners-up (2006–present)

Ref.
2024Elldiwirna Saimen
Kiulu
Monicka Majin
Keningau
Romandawi Gapari
Johor
Liane Melve Grace Lias
Tenom
Elviana Gunong
Tongod
Richella Kan Siang Feng
Kemabong
[19]
2023Calby Floresa Dolinting
Kota Marudu
Clerice Olvia Augustine @ Justin
Tambunan
Galedine Lind Mosuyun
Penampang
Florina Wileh
Tuaran
Melni Dihal
Kiulu
Rannysa Rachel Lee
Tamparuli
[20]
2022Esther Rayner Marius
Papar
Deedee Cassandra Dallius
Ranau
Carolyn Tony
Penampang
Allveanna Loimin
Kiulu
Evanatie Sannie
Kota Marudu
Sylvernie Belinda Engelbert
Inanam
[21]
2021Dianarin Vahidin
Paginatan
Febby Angelica Richard
Kundasang
Lisa Christie Deminic
Tulid
Avrill Alvira Roger Anthony
Tanjung Keramat
Sharon Stephen
Kawang
Carrey Evanne Kim Lee
Moyog
[22]
2019Annette Rabecca Januin
Pantai Manis
Leticia Casianus Bansin
Penampang
Skye Judith Harding
Tamparuli
Conne Juenin
Kundasang
Nurul Yanadido
Tandek
Vinny Alvionitta Sasising
Klang Valley
[23]
2018Sherrylyn Jane Rannytho Pailus
Penampang
Vanessa Audrey Sylvester Gilbert
Putatan
Madeleine Sophie Benidip
Johor
Puang Hui Ling @ Arin Puang
Ranau
Mary Grace Lojuki
Kota Kinabalu
Tanessja Shanelle Mojitoh
Kepayan
[24]
2017Shareene Francis Loudin
Penampang
Arveyna Pamela Januin
Papar
Angel Suhangkadamai Marshal Motiung Linus
Likas
Bibiana Artecca James
Tambunan
Sharlina Gilbert Mojinun
Klang Valley
Vanessa Claria Luis
Tuaran
[25]
2016Claryssa Henry Ogodong
Kudat
Fenny Ester Joslin
Banggi
Vinny Alvionitta Sasising
Matunggong
Christine Joan Charles
Papar
Patricia Elsa Jimy
Klang Valley
Charmaine Bartholomew
Kepayan
2015Shirley Anthony Danggok
Tambunan
Evrina Masalan
Tenom
Valencia Ann Primus
Kota Kinabalu
Natasha Aprillia Jalius Benggon
Inanam
Sherrylyn Jane Rannytho Pailus
Putatan
Kimberly Vung
Likas
[26]
2014Scarlett Megan Liew Zhi Ling
Kota Marudu
Liz Lorena Rayner
Johor
Samantha Sharon Laujang
Putatan
Hemy Menjadi
Tuaran
Debbie Collette Christopher
Papar
Maylesthelyn Ley Matius
Klang Valley
[27]
2013Ritchel Andreas
Ranau
Nillsey Debbie Sening
Tuaran
Dianna Gilbert
Putatan
Dedie Phang
Penampang
Ledesma Steven
Klang Valley
Sarah Cleophas Gorotud
Tambunan
[28]
2012Fenney Doimis
Kota Kinabalu
Meryl Foster Paladius
Tambunan
Vanessa Samantha Manih
Tanjung Aru
Samantha Sharon Laujang
Penampang
Milviana Madrigal
Kota Belud
Raemma Justin
Tuaran
[29]
2011Jovenea Jim Lajim
Tamparuli
Caroline Anthony
Tuaran
Sophie Angela Kutam
Ranau
Rachel M.Alliun
Kota Kinabalu
Alvera Raymond Kisil
Sandakan
Adeline Joyce Masidah
Likas
[30]
2010Roychelle Fayrenie Juatin
Penampang
Lydia John Alai
Kota Kinabalu
Ledesma Steven
Tuaran
Hannevy Vivie Harry
Tambunan
Elforina Jolius
Pitas
Debra Fiona Alexius
Likas
[31]
2009Pearl Dianne Petrus
Kota Kinabalu
Joanne Kimberly J.Majalap
Penampang
Flina Rutum
Tamparuli
Jacqueline Joseph Kajangan
Keningau
Fredericka Camilla Richard Daut
Tuaran
Ellina Musuin
Likas
[32]
2008Florence Masimbin
Kinabatangan
Emily Majil
Tambunan
Petronella Cherry Bernard
Papar
Verone Lansu Manjin
Keningau
Aloysia Thecla Philip
Kota Belud
Anne Mary Tauriq Khan
Klang Valley
[33]
2007Brenda Mellonie Johnny Takom
Putatan
Cherrylanne Chok Binti Chok Kui Eng
Beluran
Dorinah Darick
Kota Kinabalu
Viola Fidelis
Inanam
Cassey V. Pilos
Tawau
Jaslinder Kaur A/P Harjit Singh
Klang Valley
[34]
2006Edith Malis
Petagas
Kay Marylyn Madonna Josuie Laison Masabal
Inanam
Juliana Stephen Jupiling
Sembulan
Dorothy Misir
Lahad Datu
Geraldine Grace Petrus Balandong
Klias
Trinna Joyce Dison
Penampang
[35]

List of Districts/Territories by Number of Wins

District/TerritoryTotal of Win(s)Year(s)
Penampang241960, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1994, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2016
Papar61961, 1962, 1965, 1967, 2009, 2023
Tanjung Aru51979, 1987, 1990, 2010, 2015
Inanam1993, 1998, 1999, 2018, 2024
Tuaran41964, 1980, 1991, 2007
Kota Kinabalu32013, 2014, 2017
Tamparuli21971, 2004
Putatan1963, 1992
Sandakan12022
Api-Api2021
Karambunai2019
Telupid2012
Sulaman2006
Klang Valley2003
Kiulu2002
Petagas2001
Melalap2000
Bongawan1997
Elopura1996
Kawang1995
Beaufort1982

Notes

  1. Book: Barlocco, Fausto . 2013 . Identity and the State in Malaysia . . 126 . 9781317932390.
  2. Web site: 1 May 2023 . Marylyn Velarie Bolovin crowned winner of KDCA Sarawak's Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2023 - New Sarawak Tribune . 27 May 2023 . en-US.
  3. Web site: Primary school teacher Hyellene Danius National Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2024. 31 May 2024. The Borneo Post . 31 May 2024 . en.
  4. Web site: Papar's Carol Abbey Gail crowned as Unduk Ngadau 2023 winner . 31 May 2023 . The Star . en.
  5. Web site: Daily. Sabah. 31 May 2022. Sandakan Beauty Frenerietta Sobitun crowned 2022 Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan.
  6. Web site: Lajiun. Jenne. 31 May 2022. Sandakan's Freneritta Sobitun 2022 Unduk Ngadau.
  7. Web site: Zulkepli. Ruzaini. Mustadi. Abdul Hafiz. 31 May 2021. Maya Hejnowska dimahkota ratu Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2021. 5 December 2021. Astro Awani.
  8. Web site: Roslan. Suraidah. 31 May 2021. Maya Hejnowska dinobatkan Unduk Ngadau 2021. 5 December 2021. Utusan Malaysia.
  9. Web site: Miwil. Olivia. 31 May 2019. Karambunai beauty Francisca crowned 'unduk ngadau'. 3 June 2019. New Straits Times.
  10. Web site: 1 April 2021. Unduk Ngadau 2018: Hosiani Keewon (Inanam). 24 February 2022. -Berita tempatan, coretan orang Sabah. en-US.
  11. Web site: Geraldine. Avila. 31 May 2017. Kerinah Mah, crowned the new Unduk Ngadau queen. 19 May 2018. New Straits Times.
  12. Web site: 1 April 2021. Unduk Ngadau 2016: Sherry Anne Laujang (Penampang). 24 February 2022. -Berita tempatan, coretan orang Sabah. en-US.
  13. Web site: LEE . STEPHANIE . Aspiring teacher is harvest queen . 5 June 2023 . The Star . en.
  14. Web site: 1 June 2014 . KK's Cheryl is the Kaamatan Queen . 5 June 2023 . www.dailyexpress.com.my.
  15. Web site: 1 June 2013 . Hotel receptionist Immaculate crowned Unduk Ngadau . 5 June 2023 . Borneo Post Online . en-US.
  16. Web site: 1 June 2012 . Melinda first Unduk Ngadau winner from Telupid . 5 June 2023 . Borneo Post Online . en-US.
  17. Web site: Fong . Durie Rainer . 7 June 2011 . Bo Tiza is 'queen' for a year . 5 June 2023 . The Star . en.
  18. Web site: 1 June 2023 . Sixth Unduk Ngadau from Papar crowned State Harvest Festival queen . 5 June 2023 . Borneo Post Online . en-US.
  19. Web site: Lajiun. Jenne. 31 May 2023. Primary school teacher Hyellene Danius National Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2024. 31 May 2024. The Borneo Post.
  20. Web site: Anjumin. Ersie. 31 May 2023. Carol Abbey Gail crowned this year's Unduk Ngadau. 1 June 2023. New Straits Times.
  21. Web site: Today. Borneo. 31 May 2022. Freneritta Sobitun Dinobat Sebagai Unduk Ngadau 2022. 1 June 2022. Borneo Today.
  22. Web site: Today. Borneo. 31 May 2021. Maya Hejnowska, Unduk Ngadau 2021. 6 December 2021. Borneo Today.
  23. Web site: Miwil. Olivia. 31 May 2019. Karambunai beauty Francisca crowned 'unduk ngadau'. 6 December 2021. New Straits Times.
  24. Web site: Lajiun. Jenne. 31 May 2018. Hosiani crowned as 2018 Unduk Ngadau. 6 December 2021. Borneo Post.
  25. Web site: Tham. Thomas. June 2017. Kerinah Mah Crowned Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan At Hongkod Koisaan. 5 December 2021. Borneo Today.
  26. Web site: Lee. Stephanie. 5 June 2015. Aspiring Teacher is harvest queen. 5 December 2021. The Star.
  27. Web site: Lee. Stephanie. 1 June 2014. Cheryl Lyn of Kota Kinabalu crowned Harvest Queen. 5 December 2021. The Star.
  28. Web site: Post. Borneo. 1 June 2013. Hotel Receiptionist Immaculate crowned Unduk Ngadau. 8 December 2021. Borneo Post.
  29. Web site: Post. Borneo. 1 June 2012. Melinda first Unduk Ngadau winner from Telupid. 8 December 2021. Borneo Post.
  30. Web site: Rungitom. Tom. 31 May 2011. Unduk Ngadau 2011: Here are the winners!. 24 February 2022. Rungitom. en-US.
  31. Web site: Adleyadrian. 24 February 2011. JOURNEY AND DESTINY: UNDUK NGADAU (SABAH BEAUTY PAGEANT). 24 February 2022. JOURNEY AND DESTINY.
  32. Web site: Roy2lips. 31 May 2009. Unduk Ngadau State Level 2009. 24 February 2022. The image artist.
  33. Web site: O'Deen. 2 June 2008. Unduk Ngadau 2008. 2 June 2022. Sabah, North Borneo, Travel & Photos.
  34. Web site: MySabah.com. 5 June 2007. Unduk Ngadau 2007 (Final Result). 2 June 2022. My Sabah.
  35. Web site: MySabah.com. 7 June 2006. State-Level Unduk Ngadau Beauty Pageant 2006. 2 June 2022. My Sabah.

External links