Unduk Ngadau

Last updated

Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan
Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Official Logo.png
State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan crowning.jpg
The crowning of the next Unduk Ngadau held annually at the Hongkod Koisaan Kadazan Dusun Cultural Organisation (KDCA) Hall in Penampang District during the Kaamatan festival
Type Kadazan-Dusun-Murut-Rungus (KDMR) beauty pageant [notes 1]
Parent organizationKadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA)
Headquarters
First edition1960(65 years)
Most recent edition 2025
Current titleholderAtitih Yati Robert
Tamparuli
Chairwoman
Language
Website kdca.org.my

Unduk Ngadau or Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan is a beauty pageant held annually during the Kaamatan cultural event in Sabah, Malaysia. [4] [5] The pageant competition is originally held between different districts in Sabah (district level) and have since been expanded between different states and federal territories (state level) of Malaysia. [6] [7] Currently, the pageant is contested between sumandaks (Kadazan-Dusun), ralaa (Murut) and sumuni/suni (Rungus) from each of participating Sabah's districts and territory as well as Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) branches outside Sabah who registered. [8]

Contents

It has been around for 65 years since its first inception in 1960, with Penampang District becoming the leading with the most titles of 24, followed by Papar District with six and Tanjung Aru and Inanam with five along with Tuaran District with four and Kota Kinabalu District and Tamparuli with three titles respectively. The participants is usually either with both parentage of Kadazan-Dusun-Murut-Rungus (KDMR) descent or one of their parents; with the participants fluency on the native language is the major requirements along with the knowledge in recent events.

The reigning Unduk Ngadau is Atitih Yati Robert of Tamparuli who was crowned by 2024 Unduk Ngadau, Hyellene Danius of Inanam, on 31 May 2025 at the Hongkod Koisaan Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Hall in Penampang, Sabah. [9]

Etymology

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

From its first inception in 1960, the beauty pageant has been named Miss Kadazan (1960–1970), Miss Harvest Festival (1971–1980), Ratu Kaamatan/Pesta Menuai (1981–1990) and currently Unduk Ngadau (1991–present). [10] [11] The term "Unduk Ngadau" carries the meaning "the emerging/rising sun"; the word "Unduk" means "to emerge and to spring out," like a new plant sprouting out from the ground, while the word "Tadau" means the sun. [12] The current title is derived from the Dusun phrase "runduk tadau," which means "the girl/woman crowned by the sunlight". [13] [14] The current naming term of Unduk Ngadau alongside Kaamatan has been registered since the 2010s with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), the country registrar trademarks to protect the traditional cultural pageant from being misused by other organisations without connection to the official source. [15] [16]

Cultural background

Huminodun is revered as the maiden who sacrificed herself to save her people from famine, and her spirit is believed to reside within the rice, often referred to as Bambarayon (paddy spirit). The Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant is held to commemorate her Parai id KDCA.jpg
Huminodun is revered as the maiden who sacrificed herself to save her people from famine, and her spirit is believed to reside within the rice, often referred to as Bambarayon (paddy spirit). The Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant is held to commemorate her

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, [6] [18] where her willingness to sacrificing herself for her people from a worse famine symbolising "loyalty, willingness and sacrifice" which are several of the essential qualities every participants of the Unduk Ngadau pageant must possess. [19] [20] The cultural event subsequently empowers women, giving them the confidence to speak about their culture, [21] heritage and life in their native language (mother tongue), while at the same time showcasing the heritage and culture of their ethnicity to the broader society nationwide and even to the world. [19] [20] [22] Unduk Ngadau 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. [14]

History

1968 Kadazan-Dusun languages Sabah Times frontpage newspaper clippings, featuring the winners of Unduk Ngadau (Miss Kadazan) from 1960 until 1967 1968 Sabah Times newspaper clippings.jpg
1968 Kadazan-Dusun languages Sabah Times frontpage newspaper clippings, featuring the winners of Unduk Ngadau (Miss Kadazan) from 1960 until 1967

Following the approval and subsequent gazetted of the Kaamatan celebration proposal by the native chief of the Interior Dusuns, OKK Sedomon Gunsanad Kina during "Conference of the District Chiefs and Native Chiefs" of the Crown colony of North Borneo in 1956 as the region official public holiday by the British colonial authorities on 9 May 1960, [notes 2] [23] [24] [25] the Unduk Ngadau event was firstly held on the same year in Penampang District of North Borneo among ethnic Kadazan-Dusun and Sino-Native women, who vie for the title of "Unduk Ngadau". [23] [26]

Firstly introduced at district level in 1958, [21] the contestants of the state-level beauty pageant generally represent their district. [27] Some districts hold joint pageants, producing more than one representative. The first Unduk Ngadau winner (known at the time as Miss Kadazan) was a Sino-Native named Yong Mee Lan @ Mui Lan from Penampang District. [10] [23] [28] Since her crowning, more than 20 representatives from her district had also won the title over the years, with Penampang District holding the most titles. [28] The Papar District came in second, with pageants winners such as Talian Bunal in 1961, Marcella Tiansim @ Toinsim in 1962, Molina Daniel in 1965, Florence Bibi in 1967 and further modern pageant winners in the 2000s and 2010s. [29] This was followed by Tanjung Aru with Mary Solly in 1979, Joan Gloria Tommy in 1987, Julia Augustine in 1990 and recently Crystel Eve Huminodun in 2010 and Ryannie Neils Yong in 2015 along with Inanam with Luzie Tham in 1993, Jeremiah Ginajil in 1998, Kathie Renjus in 1999 and recently Hosiani James Jaimis in 2018 and Hyellene Danius in 2024; both areas with five titles. [30] [31] [32] Tuaran District came in the fourth with Rita Bagong in 1964, Roslina Amit in 1980 and the recent Sylvia Sandralisa Orow in 1991 and Joanna Sue Henley Rampas in 2007. [33]

Putatan District won their first title with Mary Badak in 1963 and Anita Pudin in 1992; placing them in the sixth place while Tamparuli with Mary @ Mili Jaikoh Imbayan in 1971, the recent Fharelynne Ivonne Henry in 2004 and Atitih Yati Robert in 2025 along with Kota Kinabalu District recently won three titles in the 2010s with Immaculate Lojuki in 2013, Cheryl Lynn Pinsius in 2014 and Kerinah Mah in 2017 which placing the district and sub-district in the fifth place respectively. [34] [35] [36]

1995: expansion of participants from the states in West Malaysia

Penampang Sabah Unduk-Ngadau-2014-Candidates-04.jpg
Penampang Sabah Unduk-Ngadau-2014-Candidates-01.jpg
Penampang Sabah Unduk-Ngadau-2014-Candidates-14a.jpg
Ms. Maylesthelyn Matius (front from left), an Unduk Ngadau contestant from the Klang Valley KDCA together with other contestants in 2014 [37]

Beginning in 1995, Sabahans residing and working in West Malaysia who celebrate Kaamatan have been acknowledged by the organisation despite the competition are originally between participants from different districts in Sabah. [38] The Unduk Ngadau contest in West Malaysia is organised to provide an avenue for Sabahans, specifically Kadazan-Dusun descent living outside Sabah to participate even after they are born from a mixture of various cultural backgrounds in Malaysia, such as Chinese and Indians; for these individuals to cherish their Sabah's heritage with the most requirements is able to speak the native language in their respective Kadazan-Dusun parentage sub-group dialects. [1] [39] Since then, several states in West Malaysia started to send their delegates to the pageant and starting from 2003, the Klang Valley KDCA branch also began to held local Unduk Ngadau competition. [1] [40] The first ever representative from the Klang Valley area was Angeline Ongkunik and their first representative to won the state-level Unduk Ngadau crown was Daphne Iking in 2003. [40]

The winner of 2014 Unduk Ngadau, Ms. Cheryl Lynn Pinsius of Kota Kinabalu District (sitting middle), together with 1st runner-up Ms. Scarlett Megan of Kota Marudu District (sitting left) and 2nd runner-up Ms. Liz Lorena Rayner of KDCA Johor (sitting right) along with other finalists Penampang Sabah Unduk-Ngadau-2014-Finale-01.jpg
The winner of 2014 Unduk Ngadau, Ms. Cheryl Lynn Pinsius of Kota Kinabalu District (sitting middle), together with 1st runner-up Ms. Scarlett Megan of Kota Marudu District (sitting left) and 2nd runner-up Ms. Liz Lorena Rayner of KDCA Johor (sitting right) along with other finalists

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, a question-and-answer round has been added to the competition on which the contestants must answer the question in their ethnic language. [41] Melinda Louis was one of the first to have succeeded in the particular question-and-answer, and she eventually won. [42]

West Malaysia's states such as Johor began sending their delegates in 2014 and made its first debut in the competition. [43] The best Unduk Ngadau achievement for Johor was Liz Lorena Rayner who was placed as the second runner-up in the overall competition on the year. [44] Other states such as Penang began to send their delegate in 2018, Putrajaya in 2019, Malacca and Perak in 2021. Since the 2019 edition, contestants are required to be knowledgeable about current issues since the crowned winner will be directly appointed as a cultural and tourism spokesperson for the state, with each contestant are compulsory to produce local culture research books aside from being fluent in their native language. [8] Maya Hejnowska, a Kadazan-Polish beauty was the first Asian-European to win the pageant in the 2021 edition. [45]

2020s: further expansion and recognition as a national competition

The Unduk Ngadau final in 2024 Pertandingan Akhir Unduk Ngadau Kebangsaan 2024 04.jpg
The Unduk Ngadau final in 2024

The pageant has since been expanded to include Murut and Rungus, which are part of the current KDMR term. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, paid voting system was introduced starting from the 2021 edition with those supporting their favourite contestants would have to pay 50¢ for each vote to get them to be in the top 21 spots. [46] [47] In 2023, the state of Sarawak joined the pageant for the first time. The first representative of Sarawak was Marylyn Velarie Bolovin. [48] By 2024, the Unduk Ngadau competition has been recognised as a national competition in Malaysia. [7] Following the upgrade, every contestants have a bigger role in promoting Sabah's culture, language and traditional costumes beyond the state while at the same time empowering themselves with skills and confidence. [2] [21] In the 2025 edition, the Miss Popular Vote – Video C.A.N. were awarded to Norasnih Madjalan of Klang Valley KDCA after garnering 2,247 likes while the event continues to be termed "state level" than "national level" since the current provisions of the KDCA constitution are yet to be amended. [35] The 2025 Unduk Ngadau saw a major upgrade in its scoring process through the system of "e-Unduk" developed by local Sabahan IT expert Ts. Aedeshie Daisy Rayner. [36]

Titleholders

Ms. Immaculate Lojuki of Kota Kinabalu District, the winner of the 2013 Unduk Ngadau, during the 2014 Unduk Ngadau ceremony Penampang Sabah Unduk-Ngadang-2013-01.jpg
Ms. Immaculate Lojuki of Kota Kinabalu District, the winner of the 2013 Unduk Ngadau, during the 2014 Unduk Ngadau ceremony
YearUnduk Ngadau/Unduk Ngadau KaamatanDistrict/Territory
2025 Atitih Yati Robert [9] [35] [36] Tamparuli
2024 Hyellene Danius [32] Inanam
2023 Carol Abbey Gail Grimaldi [29] [49] Papar
2022 Frenerietta Sobitun [50] [51] Sandakan
2021 Maya Hejnowska [45] [52] [53] Api-Api
2019Francisca Ester Nain [54] Karambunai
2018Hosiani James Jaimis [55] [56] [57] Inanam
2017Kerinah Mah [34] Kota Kinabalu
2016Sherry Anne Laujang [58] [59] Penampang
2015Ryannie Neils Yong [31] Tanjung Aru
2014Cheryl Lynn Pinsius [44] [60] Kota Kinabalu
2013Immaculate Lojuki [61] Kota Kinabalu
2012Melinda Louis [42] Telupid
2011Botiza Arthur S. Disimond [62] Penampang
2010Crystel Eve Huminodun [63] [64] Tanjung Aru
2009Appey Rowenna Januin [29] Papar
2008Leonie Lawrence Gontuni [65] Penampang
2007Joanna Sue Henley Rampas [33] Tuaran
2006Devenna Jaikob [66] Sulaman
2005Madelyne M. Nandu [65] Penampang
2004Fharelynne Ivonne Henry [65] [30] Tamparuli
2003 Daphne M. Iking [30] Kuala Lumpur
2002Patrecia Raymond [30] Kiulu
2001Nicolita Sanseh Masi [30] Petagas
2000Regina Intang [30] Melalap
1999Kathie Renjus [30] Inanam
1998Jeremiah Ginajil [30] Inanam
1997Jan Lisamarrie William [30] Bongawan
1996Lynnefra @ Lynn Alfera Wong [30] Elopura
1995Justinah Manius [30] Kawang
1994Agatha Nora Lojimin [30] Penampang
1993Luzie Tham [30] Inanam
1992Anita Pudin [30] Putatan
1991Sylvia Sandralisa Orow [30] Tuaran
YearRatu Kaamatan/Pesta MenuaiDistrict/Territory
1990Julia Augustine [30] Tanjung Aru
1989Deidre Peter Mojuntin [30] Penampang
1988Jenny Alasa [30] Penampang
1987Joan Gloria Tommy [30] Tanjung Aru
1986Johanna Sybil S. Disimond [30] Penampang
1985Florence Jipiu [30] Penampang
1984Esther Sikayun [30] Penampang
1983Mary Janet Kinjau [30] Penampang
1982Margaret Dolly Jimayol [30] Beaufort
1981Janet Anthony Dabi [30] Penampang
YearMiss Harvest FestivalDistrict/Territory
1980Roslina Amit [30] [notes 3] Tuaran
1979Mary Solly [30] Tanjung Aru
1978Veronica Jefferin [30] Penampang
1977Mary Marjorie Kinjau [30] Penampang
1976Edwina Totu [30] Penampang
1975Rita Sikawah [30] Penampang
1974Susanna Jipanis [30] Penampang
1973Prisca Tikoh [30] Penampang
1972Evelyn Sinidol [30] Penampang
1971Mary @ Mili Jaikoh Imbayan [30] Tamparuli
YearMiss KadazanDistrict/Territory
1970Helen Mojinil [30] Penampang
1969Sylvia Totu [30] Penampang
1968Rita Mojilis [30] Penampang
1967Florence Bibi [29] [30] Papar
1966Patricia Sinidol [30] Penampang
1965Molina Daniel [29] [30] Papar
1964Rita Bagong [30] Tuaran
1963Mary Badak [30] Putatan
1962Marcella Tiansim [29] [30] Papar
1961Talian Bunal [29] [30] Papar
1960Yong Mee Lan @ Mui Lan [10] [28] [30] Penampang

List of runners-up (2006–present)

Edition1st Runner-Up2nd Runner-Up3rd Runner-Up4th Runner-Up5th Runner-Up6th Runner-UpRef.
2025Elka Alika Pijeh
Tambunan 		Celarin Jenny
Kiulu 		Rini Aswanda Jukilin
Beluran 		Steavaynie Ginadus
Beaufort 		Jenylin Janis
Ranau 		Evanatie Sannie
Kota Kinabalu 		[35]
2024Elldiwirna Saimen
Kiulu 		Monicka Majin
Keningau 		Romandawi Gapari
Johor 		Liane Melve Grace Lias
Tenom 		Elviana Gunong
Tongod 		Richella Kan Siang Feng
Kemabong 		[32]
2023Calby Floresa Dolinting
Kota Marudu 		Clerice Olvia Augustine @ Justin
Tambunan 		Galedine Lind Mosuyun
Penampang 		Florina Wileh
Tuaran 		Melni Dihal
Kiulu 		Rannysa Rachel Lee
Tamparuli 		[49]
2022Esther Rayner Marius
Papar 		Deedee Cassandra Dallius
Ranau 		Carolyn Tony
Penampang 		Allveanna Loimin
Kiulu 		Evanatie Sannie
Kota Marudu 		Sylvernie Belinda Engelbert
Inanam 		[50]
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 		[52]
2019Annette Rabecca Januin
Pantai Manis 		Leticia Casianus Bansin
Penampang 		Skye Judith Harding
Tamparuli 		Conne Juenin
Kundasang 		Nurul Yanadido
Tandek 		Vinny Alvionitta Sasising
Klang Valley 		[54]
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 		[56]
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 		[34]
2016Claryssa Henry Ogodong
Kudat 		Fenny Ester Joslin
Banggi 		Vinny Alvionitta Sasising
Matunggong 		Christine Joan Charles
Papar 		Patricia Elsa Jimy
Klang Valley 		Charmaine Bartholomew
Kepayan 		[58]
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 		[31]
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 		[60]
2013Ritchel Andreas
Ranau 		Nillsey Debbie Sening
Tuaran 		Dianna Gilbert
Putatan 		Dedie Phang
Penampang 		Ledesma Steven
Klang Valley 		Sarah Cleophas Gorotud
Tambunan 		[61]
2012Fenney Doimis
Kota Kinabalu 		Meryl Foster Paladius
Tambunan 		Vanessa Samantha Manih
Tanjung Aru 		Samantha Sharon Laujang
Penampang 		Milviana Madrigal
Kota Belud 		Raemma Justin
Tuaran 		[42]
2011Jovenea Jim Lajim
Tamparuli 		Caroline Anthony
Tuaran 		Sophie Angela Kutam
Ranau 		Rachel M.Alliun
Kota Kinabalu 		Alvera Raymond Kisil
Sandakan 		Adeline Joyce Masidah
Likas 		[70]
2010Roychelle Fayrenie Juatin
Penampang 		Lydia John Alai
Kota Kinabalu 		Ledesma Steven
Tuaran 		Hannevy Vivie Harry
Tambunan 		Elforina Jolius
Pitas 		Debra Fiona Alexius
Likas 		[71]
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 		[72]
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 		[73]
2007Brenda Mellonie Johnny Takom
Putatan 		Cherrylanne Chok Kui Eng
Beluran 		Dorinah Darick
Kota Kinabalu 		Viola Fidelis
Inanam 		Cassey V. Pilos
Tawau 		Jaslinder Kaur A/P Harjit Singh
Klang Valley 		[74]
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 		[75]

List of Districts/Territories by Number of Wins

District/TerritoryTotal of Win(s)Year(s)
Penampang [28] 241960, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1994, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2016
Papar [29] 61961, 1962, 1965, 1967, 2009, 2023
Tanjung Aru51979, 1987, 1990, 2010, 2015
Inanam1993, 1998, 1999, 2018, 2024
Tuaran41964, 1980, 1991, 2007
Kota Kinabalu32013, 2014, 2017
Tamparuli1971, 2004, 2025
Putatan21963, 1992
Sandakan12022
Api-Api2021
Karambunai2019
Telupid2012
Sulaman2006
Klang Valley2003
Kiulu2002
Petagas2001
Melalap2000
Bongawan1997
Elopura1996
Kawang1995
Beaufort1982

Notes

  1. ↑ The annual Unduk Ngadau, originally known as the harvest festival queen, a heritage of the Kadazan-Dusun community, has evolved into a showcase of cultural diversity and heritage in Sabah, promoting unity. [1] The pageant is a platform where participants begin their journey of confidence, knowing not just their culture and tradition, but also their family background and their role as Kadazan-Dusun, Murut and Rungus women. [2]
  2. ↑ During the "Conference of the District Chiefs and Native Chiefs" of the Crown colony of North Borneo in 1956, the native chief of the Interior Dusuns, OKK Sedomon Gunsanad Kina, proposed for the Kaamatan celebration to be declared and gazetted as an official public holiday in North Borneo. [23] His request was agreed upon during the conference and officially gazetted by the British colonial authorities on 9 May 1960, about four years since the proposal was made during a meeting with British colonial officials. [23]
  3. ↑ Roslina was the only Muslim Kadazan-Dusun woman to ever win the title of Unduk Ngadau up to today. Due to the enactment of the Sabah Sharia Criminal Offences Enactment in 1995, Muslim women have since been completely banned from competing in the competition, and any Kadazan-Dusun women who have converted to Islam were also prevented from joining the competition. [21] [67] [68] [69]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Unduk Ngadau held in peninsula in past 21 years: Pageant head". Daily Express. 14 May 2014. Archived from the original on 2 May 2025. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  2. 1 2 Lajiun, Jenne (26 May 2024). "Unduk Ngadau contest upgraded to national level". The Borneo Post. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  3. 1 2 John, J. Evachel (19 February 2025). "Joanna Kitingan, Mary Gambidau dilantik pengerusi bersama Jawatankuasa UNK 2025" [Joanna Kitingan, Mary Gambidau appointed co-chairs of UNK 2025 Committee]. Sabah Media (in Malay). Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  4. ↑ Wilson & Osman 2024, p. 51.
  5. ↑ Chong, Rebecca (30 May 2021). "Questioning Unduk Ngadau as a platform for KDMR traditions". The Vibes. Archived from the original on 3 May 2025. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  6. 1 2 AN, Nazihah (2 June 2024). "Lagenda Huminodun, Ketahui Sejarah Menarik Di Sebalik Pertandingan Unduk Ngadau Sabah" [The Legend of Huminodun, Learn the Interesting History Behind the Sabah Unduk Ngadau Competition]. ILoveBorneo.my (in Malay). Archived from the original on 28 April 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  7. 1 2 Anjumin, Ersie (26 May 2024). "Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan now a national competition". New Straits Times. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  8. 1 2 Unto, Ricardo (29 May 2019). "64 to vie for State Unduk Ngadau title". Daily Express. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  9. 1 2 Unto, Ricardo (31 May 2025). "Tamparuli's Atitih crowned State Unduk Ngadau 2025". Daily Express. Archived from the original on 31 May 2025. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  10. 1 2 3 Doksil, Mariah (14 May 2016). "Sabah's unique beauty pageant". The Borneo Post. Retrieved 30 April 2025– via PressReader.
  11. ↑ "Sabah; Kaamatan and Unduk Ngadau". Watsons . 26 May 2022. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  12. ↑ Lajiun, Jenne (16 May 2022). "Unduk Ngadau contestants body shamed". The Borneo Post. Archived from the original on 3 May 2025. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  13. ↑ Martin, Maryanah (23 September 2015). "Legenda Huminodun" [Huminodun Legend]. Berita Harian (in Malay). Archived from the original on 25 April 2025. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  14. 1 2 "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.
  15. ↑ "MYIPO Certificate". Kadazan-Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA). Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  16. ↑ Lajiun, Jenne (30 March 2022). "'Unduk Ngadau' term misused by other private pageant organisers". The Borneo Post. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  17. ↑ "Huminodun – the virtuous 'goddess' that begets Kaamatan, Unduk Ngadau". Daily Express. 9 June 2024. Archived from the original on 26 April 2025. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  18. ↑ "Unduk Ngadau more than just a beauty pageant". Bernama. 26 May 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2025– via Astro Awani.
  19. 1 2 Ramli, Fadzli (28 May 2024). "'Unduk Ngadau' Empowers Women, Preserves Cultures And Traditions Of Sabah". Bernama. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  20. 1 2 "Unduk Ngadau not an ordinary pageant". Bernama. 1 June 2024. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025– via Daily Express.
  21. 1 2 3 4 Åsgård 2002, p. 32.
  22. ↑ "Association of Beauty Queens Sabah: Empowering Women and Upholding Tradition". Nabalu News. 21 December 2023. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 Thien, David (3 June 2022). "Sedomon first to request the Kaamatan holiday" . Daily Express. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  24. ↑ Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage Malaysia 2006, p. 72.
  25. ↑ Gin 2017, p. 358.
  26. ↑ Iman, Kyle (31 May 2023). "Since 1960, Sabah has been holding its own traditional beauty pageant: Unduk Ngadau". cilisos.my. Archived from the original on 28 April 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  27. ↑ "Districts select winners for state-level Unduk Ngadau". The Borneo Post. 16 May 2022. Archived from the original on 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  28. 1 2 3 4 Lee, Stephanie (30 May 2017). "44 to vie for Harvest Queen title". The Star. Retrieved 30 April 2025– via PressReader. Yong Mee Lan @ Mui Lan from Penampang was the first Unduk Ngadau to be crowned, while more than 20 representatives from Penampang had also won the Unduk Ngadau title over the years. Other beauties who have won are from Papar, Putatan, Tuaran, Tamparuli, Beaufort, Tanjung Aru, Inanam, Kawang, Sandakan, Bongawan, Tenom, Kiulu, the Klang Valley, Sulaman and Telupid.
  29. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Lajiun, Jenne (1 June 2023). "Sixth Unduk Ngadau from Papar crowned State Harvest Festival queen". The Borneo Post. Archived from the original on 2 May 2025. Retrieved 2 May 2025. Carol Abbey Gail is the sixth Unduk Ngadau from Papar crowned the State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan. The five other Unduk Ngadau who won the title were Talian Bunal in 1961, Marcella Toinsim in 1962, Molina Daniel in 1965, Florence Bibi in 1967, and Appey Rowena Januin in 2009.
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 Sagundam 2004.
  31. 1 2 3 Lee, Stephanie (4 June 2015). "Aspiring teacher is harvest queen". The Star. Archived from the original on 31 July 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  32. 1 2 3 Lajiun, Jenne (31 May 2024). "Primary school teacher Hyellene Danius National Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2024". The Borneo Post. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  33. 1 2 "Unduk Ngadau 2007, Sabah State Level, Malaysia". MySabah.com. 2007. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  34. 1 2 3 Geraldine, Avila (31 May 2017). "Kerinah Mah, crowned the new Unduk Ngadau queen". New Straits Times. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  35. 1 2 3 4 Lajiun, Jenne (31 May 2025). "Tamparuli's Atitih Yatie Robert 2025 Sabah State Level Unduk Ngadau". The Borneo Post. Archived from the original on 31 May 2025. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  36. 1 2 3 Chong, Rebecca (31 May 2025). "Tamparuli's Atitih Yatih Robert crowned Unduk Ngadau 2025". The Star. Archived from the original on 31 May 2025. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  37. ↑ "Flight stewardess is Klang Valley Unduk Ngadau". The Borneo Post. 5 May 2014. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  38. ↑ Ismail, Melissa Suraya (1 June 2022). "Unduk Ngadau, The Beauty Pageant Of The Sabahans". The Rakyat Post. Archived from the original on 1 June 2022. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  39. ↑ "6 Unduk Ngadau dimahkotakan di Semenanjung Malaysia" [6 Unduk Ngadau crowned in Peninsular Malaysia] (in Malay). Bernama. 12 May 2024. Archived from the original on 2 May 2025. Retrieved 2 May 2025– via Harian Metro.
  40. 1 2 "Kaamatan Festival: Unduk Ngadau Is Also Held in Peninsula Malaysia". Bernama. 12 May 2024. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  41. ↑ Sokial, Sandra (23 May 2012). "RM45,000 jewelry boost for Unduk Ngadau". The Borneo Post. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  42. 1 2 3 Doksil, Mariah (1 June 2012). "Melinda first Unduk Ngadau winner from Telupid". The Borneo Post. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  43. ↑ Lajiun, Jenne (22 May 2014). "Johor Unduk Ngadau's entry questioned". The Borneo Post. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  44. 1 2 "KK's Cheryl is the Kaamatan Queen". Daily Express. 1 June 2014. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  45. 1 2 Chong, Rebecca (31 May 2021). "Kadazan-Polish beauty takes Unduk Ngadau 2021 crown". The Vibes. Archived from the original on 2 May 2025. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
  46. ↑ Anjumin, Ersie (23 May 2021). "Paid voting system draws mixed reactions from Unduk Ngadau finalists". New Straits Times. Archived from the original on 4 May 2025. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  47. ↑ Lai, Nancy (23 May 2021). "Online petition against monetizing Unduk Ngadau pageant". The Borneo Post. Archived from the original on 4 May 2025. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  48. ↑ Jee, Natasha (1 May 2023). "Marylyn Velarie Bolovin crowned winner of KDCA Sarawak's Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2023". Sarawak Tribune. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  49. 1 2 Inus, Kristy (31 May 2023). "Papar's Carol Abbey Gail crowned as Unduk Ngadau 2023 winner". The Star. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  50. 1 2 "Sandakan beauty Frenerietta Sobitun crowned 2022 Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan". Daily Express. 31 May 2022. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  51. ↑ Lajiun, Jenne (31 May 2022). "Sandakan's Frenerietta Sobitun 2022 Sabah Unduk Ngadau". The Borneo Post. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  52. 1 2 Zulkepli, Ruzaini; Mustadi, Abdul Hafiz (31 May 2021). "Maya Hejnowska dimahkota ratu Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2021" [Maya Hejnowska crowned queen of 2021 Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan]. Astro Awani (in Malay). Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
  53. ↑ Roslan, Suraidah (31 May 2021). "Maya Hejnowska dinobatkan Unduk Ngadau 2021" [Maya Hejnowska crowned 2021 Unduk Ngadau]. Utusan Malaysia (in Malay). Retrieved 5 December 2021.
  54. 1 2 Miwil, Olivia (31 May 2019). "Karambunai beauty Francisca crowned 'unduk ngadau'". New Straits Times. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 3 June 2019.
  55. ↑ Edris, Saddam (31 May 2018). "Hosiani Unduk Ngadau 2018" [Hosiani 2018 Unduk Ngadau]. Utusan Borneo (in Malay). Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  56. 1 2 Lajiun, Jenne (31 May 2018). "Hosiani crowned as 2018 Unduk Ngadau". The Borneo Post. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  57. ↑ "Unduk Ngadau 2018 winner: Not easy". Daily Express. 19 May 2019. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  58. 1 2 "Penampang lass is Harvest Queen". Daily Express. 1 June 2016. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  59. ↑ Doksil, Mariah (13 May 2017). "'Unduk Ngadau has changed me for the better'". The Borneo Post. Retrieved 25 February 2022– via PressReader.
  60. 1 2 Lee, Stephanie (1 June 2014). "Cheryl Lyn of Kota Kinabalu crowned Harvest Queen" . The Star. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
  61. 1 2 Doksil, Mariah (1 June 2013). "Hotel receptionist Immaculate crowned Unduk Ngadau". The Borneo Post. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
  62. ↑ Fong, Durie Rainer (7 June 2011). "Bo Tiza is 'queen' for a year" . The Star. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  63. ↑ JD, Floyd (5 June 2010). "2010 Harvest Festival queen" . Retrieved 5 June 2023– via Flickr.
  64. ↑ Doksil, Mariah (3 June 2011). "Ex-Harvest Queen Crystel joins 'green' pageant". The Borneo Post. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  65. 1 2 3 "'District Council inhouse Kaamatan necessary'". Daily Express. 23 June 2019. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025. See "A crowd of top former Unduk Ngadau" section
  66. ↑ "Unduk Ngadau 2006, Sabah State Level, Malaysia". MySabah.com. 2006. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  67. ↑ "Wanita Muslim tidak boleh sertai Unduk Ngadau" [Muslim women are not allowed to participate in Unduk Ngadau] (in Malay). Bernama. 24 December 2018. Archived from the original on 28 April 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2025– via Sabah Post.
  68. ↑ Rahman, Azwa (8 May 2019). "Gara-Gara Nama 'Nurul', Peserta Ratu Cantik Ini Terpaksa Bawa Surat Pembaptisan" [Because of the name 'Nurul', this beauty pageant had to bring a baptismal certificate]. Gempak (in Malay). Archived from the original on 28 April 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  69. ↑ "Due to requests by Muslim women: KDCA". Daily Express. 30 December 2018. Archived from the original on 3 May 2025. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  70. ↑ Rungitom (31 May 2011). "Unduk Ngadau 2011: Here are the winners!". Archived from the original on 11 June 2012. Retrieved 24 February 2022– via Rungitom Blog.
  71. ↑ adleyadrian (24 February 2011). "UNDUK NGADAU (SABAH BEAUTY PAGEANT)". Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 24 February 2022– via bulilakampung² Blog.
  72. ↑ roytwolips (31 May 2009). "Unduk Ngadau State Level 2009". Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 24 February 2022– via roy2lips Blog.
  73. ↑ O'Deen (2 June 2008). "Unduk Ngadau 2008". Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 2 June 2022– via SoGood Blog.
  74. ↑ "Unduk Ngadau 2007 (Final Result)". MySabah.com. 5 June 2007. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  75. ↑ "State-Level Unduk Ngadau Beauty Pageant 2006". MySabah.com. 7 June 2006. Archived from the original on 1 May 2025. Retrieved 2 June 2022.

Bibliography

Websites

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.