The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) 2024 beauty pageant, held in conjunction with the recent Kaamatan Festival, surprised audiences with a new format that placed a strong emphasis on the contestants’ native language proficiency and public speaking skills.
This innovative approach aimed to ensure the chosen Unduk Ngadau would not only be beautiful but also possess the communication skills necessary to effectively represent Sabah’s culture as an ambassador throughout the year.
New Format Tests Language and Communication Skills
Professor Madya Datuk Dr. Ramzah Dambul, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) Sabah, explained the new format on his Facebook page.
“As the contest was upgraded to the national level,” he said, “the Top 15 round became more challenging. Fifteen different keywords were announced two days in advance.” However, the twist was that the specific keyword each contestant would be required to speak about wouldn’t be revealed until the event day itself.
This innovative format ensured that only candidates who excelled in both native language fluency and on-the-spot communication skills could advance to the Top 7 round.
Unduk Ngadau Not Just About Beauty – Intelligence and Communication Key
Dr. Ramzah emphasized that being Unduk Ngadau requires more than just physical beauty. The ideal candidate, a “sumandak” (lady), should possess intelligence, a captivating aura, and strong communication skills. These qualities are essential for effectively fulfilling the role of a cultural ambassador throughout the year.
Hyellene Danius Crowned Unduk Ngadau 2024
Hyellene Danius, representing Inanam, impressed the judges with her language skills and communication abilities, ultimately being crowned the winner of UNK 2024. She takes over the prestigious title from UNK 2023 winner Carol Abbey Gail.
The competition was fierce, with Hyellene overcoming 50 other contestants. Elldiwirna Saimen (Kiulu) and Monicka Majin (Keningau) secured the second and third-place positions, respectively.
Rounding out the top placings were Romandawi Gapari (KDCA Johor) in fourth, Liane Melve Grace Lias (Inanam) in fifth, Elviana Gunong (Tongod) in sixth, and Richella Kan Siang Feng (Kemabong) in seventh.
This year’s Unduk Ngadau pageant marked the 64th edition of the event, a highlight of the annual Kaamatan harvest festival.