Unduk Ngadau

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.

The crowning of the next Unduk Ngadau held annually at the Hongkod Koisaan Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Hall in Penampang District during the Kaamatan festival.

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.^[2] The title is derived from the phrase runduk tadau which means "the girl crowned by the sunlight".^[3] 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.^[3]

Background

A winner of the 2013 Unduk Ngadau, during the 2014 Unduk Ngadau [ms] beauty pageant at the KDCA Unity Hall in Penampang.

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.

A group of Unduk Ngadau finalists with traditional kebaya and Malaysian batik sarong in 2024.

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.

The Unduk Ngadau final in 2024.

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.^[4]

Titleholders

Year	Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan	District/Territory
2024	Hyellene Danius [5]	Inanam
2023	Carol Abbey Gail Grimaldi[6]	Papar
2022	Frenerietta Sobitun[7][8]	Sandakan
2021	Maya Hejnowska[9][10]	Api-Api
2019	Francisca Ester Nain[11]	Karambunai
2018	Hosiani James Jaimis[12]	Inanam
2017	Kerinah Mah[13]	Kota Kinabalu
2016	Sherry Anne Laujang[14]	Penampang
2015	Ryannie Neils Yong[15]	Tanjung Aru
2014	Cheryl Lynn Pinsius[16]	Kota Kinabalu
2013	Immaculate Lojuki[17]	Kota Kinabalu
2012	Melinda Louis[18]	Telupid
2011	Botiza Arthur S. Disimond[19]	Penampang
2010	Crystal Eve Huminodun[20]	Tanjung Aru
2009	Appey Rowenna Januin[21]	Papar
2008	Leonie Lawrence Gontuni	Penampang
2007	Joanna Sue Henley Rampas	Tuaran
2006	Devenna Jaikob	Sulaman
2005	Madelyne M. Nandu	Penampang
2004	Fharelynne Ivonne Henry	Tamparuli
2003	Daphne M. Iking	Kuala Lumpur
2002	Patrecia Raymond	Kiulu
2001	Nicolita Sanseh Masi	Petagas
2000	Regina Intang	Melalap
1999	Kathie Renjus	Inanam
1998	Jeremiah Ginajil	Inanam
1997	Jan Lisamarrie William	Bongawan
1996	Lynnefra @ Lynn Alfera Wong	Elopura
1995	Justinah Manius	Kawang
1994	Agatha Nora Lojimin	Penampang
1993	Luzie Tham	Inanam
1992	Anita Pudin	Putatan
1991	Sylvia Sandralisa Orow	Tuaran
1990	Julia Augustine	Tanjung Aru
1989	Deidre Peter Mojuntin	Penampang
1988	Jenny Alasa	Penampang
1987	Joan Gloria Tommy	Tanjung Aru

Year	Ratu Pesta Menuai	District/Territory
1986	Johanna Sybil S.Disimond	Penampang
1985	Florence Jipiu	Penampang
1984	Esther Sikayun	Penampang
1983	Mary Janet Kinjau	Penampang
1982	Margaret Dolly Jimayol	Beaufort
1981	Janet Anthony Dabi	Penampang

Year	Miss Harvest Festival	District/Territory
1980	Roslina Amit[note 1]	Tuaran
1979	Mary Solly	Tanjung Aru
1978	Veronica Jefferin	Penampang
1977	Mary Marjorie Kinjau	Penampang
1976	Edwina Totu	Penampang
1975	Rita Sikawah	Penampang
1974	Susanna Jipanis	Penampang
1973	Prisca Tikoh	Penampang
1972	Evelyn Sinidol	Penampang
1971	Mary @ Mili Jaikoh Imbayan	Tamparuli

Year	Miss Kadazan	District/Territory
1970	Helen Mojiniu	Penampang
1969	Sylvia Totu	Penampang
1968	Rita Mojilis	Penampang
1967	Florence Bibi	Papar
1966	Patricia Sinidol	Penampang
1965	Molina Daniel	Papar
1964	Rita Bagong	Tuaran
1963	Mary Badak	Putatan
1962	Marcella Tiansim	Papar
1961	Talian Bunal	Papar
1960	Yong Mee Lan @ Mui Lan	Penampang

List of runners-up (2006–present)

Edition	1st Runner-Up	2nd Runner-Up	3rd Runner-Up	4th Runner-Up	5th Runner-Up	6th Runner-Up	Ref.
2024	Elldiwirna Saimen Kiulu	Monicka Majin Keningau	Romandawi Gapari Johor	Liane Melve Grace Lias Tenom	Elviana Gunong Tongod	Richella Kan Siang Feng Kemabong	[22]
2023	Calby Floresa Dolinting Kota Marudu	Clerice Olvia Augustine @ Justin Tambunan	Galedine Lind Mosuyun Penampang	Florina Wileh Tuaran	Melni Dihal Kiulu	Rannysa Rachel Lee Tamparuli	[23]
2022	Esther Rayner Marius Papar	Deedee Cassandra Dallius Ranau	Carolyn Tony Penampang	Allveanna Loimin Kiulu	Evanatie Sannie Kota Marudu	Sylvernie Belinda Engelbert Inanam	[24]
2021	Dianarin Vahidin Paginatan	Febby Angelica Richard Kundasang	Lisa Christie Deminic Tulid	Avrill Alvira Roger Anthony Tanjung Keramat	Sharon Stephen Kawang	Carrey Evanne Kim Lee Moyog	[25]
2019	Annette Rabecca Januin Pantai Manis	Leticia Casianus Bansin Penampang	Skye Judith Harding Tamparuli	Conne Juenin Kundasang	Nurul Yanadido Tandek	Vinny Alvionitta Sasising Klang Valley	[26]
2018	Sherrylyn 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	[27]
2017	Shareene 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	[28]
2016	Claryssa Henry Ogodong Kudat	Fenny Ester Joslin Banggi	Vinny Alvionitta Sasising Matunggong	Christine Joan Charles Papar	Patricia Elsa Jimy Klang Valley	Charmaine Bartholomew Kepayan	[citation needed]
2015	Shirley Anthony Danggok Tambunan	Evrina Masalan Tenom	Valencia Ann Primus Kota Kinabalu	Natasha Aprillia Jalius Benggon Inanam	Sherrylyn Jane Rannytho Pailus Putatan	Kimberly Vung Likas	[29]
2014	Scarlett 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	[30]
2013	Ritchel Andreas Ranau	Nillsey Debbie Sening Tuaran	Dianna Gilbert Putatan	Dedie Phang Penampang	Ledesma Steven Klang Valley	Sarah Cleophas Gorotud Tambunan	[31]
2012	Fenney Doimis Kota Kinabalu	Meryl Foster Paladius Tambunan	Vanessa Samantha Manih Tanjung Aru	Samantha Sharon Laujang Penampang	Milviana Madrigal Kota Belud	Raemma Justin Tuaran	[32]
2011	Jovenea Jim Lajim Tamparuli	Caroline Anthony Tuaran	Sophie Angela Kutam Ranau	Rachel M.Alliun Kota Kinabalu	Alvera Raymond Kisil Sandakan	Adeline Joyce Masidah Likas	[33]
2010	Roychelle Fayrenie Juatin Penampang	Lydia John Alai Kota Kinabalu	Ledesma Steven Tuaran	Hannevy Vivie Harry Tambunan	Elforina Jolius Pitas	Debra Fiona Alexius Likas	[34]
2009	Pearl Dianne Petrus Kota Kinabalu	Joanne Kimberly J.Majalap Penampang	Flina Rutum Tamparuli	Jacqueline Joseph Kajangan Keningau	Fredericka Camilla Richard Daut Tuaran	Ellina Musuin Likas	[35]
2008	Florence Masimbin Kinabatangan	Emily Majil Tambunan	Petronella Cherry Bernard Papar	Verone Lansu Manjin Keningau	Aloysia Thecla Philip Kota Belud	Anne Mary Tauriq Khan Klang Valley	[36]
2007	Brenda 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	[37]
2006	Edith 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	[38]

List of Districts/Territories by Number of Wins

District/Territory	Total of Win(s)	Year(s)
Penampang	24	1960, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1994, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2016
Papar	6	1961, 1962, 1965, 1967, 2009, 2023
Tanjung Aru	5	1979, 1987, 1990, 2010, 2015
Inanam		1993, 1998, 1999, 2018, 2024
Tuaran	4	1964, 1980, 1991, 2007
Kota Kinabalu	3	2013, 2014, 2017
Tamparuli	2	1971, 2004
Putatan		1963, 1992
Sandakan	1	2022
Api-Api		2021
Karambunai		2019
Telupid		2012
Sulaman		2006
Klang Valley		2003
Kiulu		2002
Petagas		2001
Melalap		2000
Bongawan		1997
Elopura		1996
Kawang		1995
Beaufort		1982

Notes

1. Roslina was the only Muslim woman to ever win the title of Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan up to today. Muslim women were banned from competing in the competition due to the Sabah Sharia Criminal Offences Enactment in 1995.

References

1. Barlocco, Fausto (2013). Identity and the State in Malaysia. Routledge. p. 126. ISBN 9781317932390.
2. "Unduk Ngadau more than just a beauty pageant". Bernama. 26 May 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2025 – via Astro Awani.
3. "Sejarah dan Keunikan disebalik Unduk Ngadau" [The History and Uniqueness behind Unduk Ngadau]. katamalaysia.my (in Malay). 6 July 2021. Archived from the original on 1 February 2025. Retrieved 1 February 2025.
4. "Marylyn Velarie Bolovin crowned winner of KDCA Sarawak's Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2023 - New Sarawak Tribune". 1 May 2023. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
5. "Primary school teacher Hyellene Danius National Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2024". The Borneo Post. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
6. "Papar's Carol Abbey Gail crowned as Unduk Ngadau 2023 winner". The Star. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
7. Daily, Sabah (31 May 2022). "Sandakan Beauty Frenerietta Sobitun crowned 2022 Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan".
8. Lajiun, Jenne (31 May 2022). "Sandakan's Freneritta Sobitun 2022 Unduk Ngadau".
9. Zulkepli, Ruzaini; Mustadi, Abdul Hafiz (31 May 2021). "Maya Hejnowska dimahkota ratu Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2021". Astro Awani. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
10. Roslan, Suraidah (31 May 2021). "Maya Hejnowska dinobatkan Unduk Ngadau 2021". Utusan Malaysia. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
11. Miwil, Olivia (31 May 2019). "Karambunai beauty Francisca crowned 'unduk ngadau'". New Straits Times. Retrieved 3 June 2019.
12. "Unduk Ngadau 2018: Hosiani Keewon (Inanam)". -Berita tempatan, coretan orang Sabah. 1 April 2021. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
13. Geraldine, Avila (31 May 2017). "Kerinah Mah, crowned the new Unduk Ngadau queen". New Straits Times. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
14. "Unduk Ngadau 2016: Sherry Anne Laujang (Penampang)". -Berita tempatan, coretan orang Sabah. 1 April 2021. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
15. LEE, STEPHANIE. "Aspiring teacher is harvest queen". The Star. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
16. "KK's Cheryl is the Kaamatan Queen". www.dailyexpress.com.my. 1 June 2014. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
17. "Hotel receptionist Immaculate crowned Unduk Ngadau". Borneo Post Online. 1 June 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
18. "Melinda first Unduk Ngadau winner from Telupid". Borneo Post Online. 1 June 2012. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
19. Fong, Durie Rainer (7 June 2011). "Bo Tiza is 'queen' for a year". The Star. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
20. Floyd JD (5 June 2010), 2010 Harvest Festival queen, retrieved 5 June 2023
21. "Sixth Unduk Ngadau from Papar crowned State Harvest Festival queen". Borneo Post Online. 1 June 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
22. Lajiun, Jenne (31 May 2023). "Primary school teacher Hyellene Danius National Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2024". The Borneo Post. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
23. Anjumin, Ersie (31 May 2023). "Carol Abbey Gail crowned this year's Unduk Ngadau". New Straits Times. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
24. Today, Borneo (31 May 2022). "Freneritta Sobitun Dinobat Sebagai Unduk Ngadau 2022". Borneo Today. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
25. Today, Borneo (31 May 2021). "Maya Hejnowska, Unduk Ngadau 2021". Borneo Today. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
26. Miwil, Olivia (31 May 2019). "Karambunai beauty Francisca crowned 'unduk ngadau'". New Straits Times. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
27. Lajiun, Jenne (31 May 2018). "Hosiani crowned as 2018 Unduk Ngadau". Borneo Post. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
28. Tham, Thomas (June 2017). "Kerinah Mah Crowned Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan At Hongkod Koisaan". Borneo Today. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
29. Lee, Stephanie (5 June 2015). "Aspiring Teacher is harvest queen". The Star. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
30. Lee, Stephanie (1 June 2014). "Cheryl Lyn of Kota Kinabalu crowned Harvest Queen". The Star. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
31. Post, Borneo (1 June 2013). "Hotel Receiptionist Immaculate crowned Unduk Ngadau". Borneo Post. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
32. Post, Borneo (1 June 2012). "Melinda first Unduk Ngadau winner from Telupid". Borneo Post. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
33. Rungitom, Tom (31 May 2011). "Unduk Ngadau 2011: Here are the winners!". Rungitom. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
34. Adleyadrian (24 February 2011). "JOURNEY AND DESTINY: UNDUK NGADAU (SABAH BEAUTY PAGEANT)". JOURNEY AND DESTINY. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
35. Roy2lips (31 May 2009). "Unduk Ngadau State Level 2009". The image artist. Retrieved 24 February 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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37. MySabah.com (5 June 2007). "Unduk Ngadau 2007 (Final Result)". My Sabah. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
38. MySabah.com (7 June 2006). "State-Level Unduk Ngadau Beauty Pageant 2006". My Sabah. Retrieved 2 June 2022.

External links

• Media related to Unduk Ngadau at Wikimedia Commons
• Who is Huminodun?
• UNDUK NGADAU 1960 - 2004