By William Isau
SIBU, Oct 29: Two siblings did their family proud by winning top prizes at the M.O Sarawak Gala Night 2023 beauty contest last night.
A 22-year-old student of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Clara Amanda Buyong won the ‘Kumang’ title, while her younger sister, Cindy Claudia Buyong, 19, secured third place and was crowned ‘Selinggar Matahari.’
Clara beat the eight other finalists for the title which came with RM3,000 in cash, a crown, sash, and trophy.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank my family, friends, and everyone who contributed and supported me up to this point. I am truly honoured to have won the title tonight; I did not expect it.
“My biggest challenge was dealing with myself, specifically managing my emotions and negative thoughts. Thanks to God, I managed to control them,” she said later.
Meanwhile, Cindy received a cash prize of RM1,000 along with a crown, sash, and trophy.
Cindy also won the ‘Dara Dikerindu’ (Favorite Contestant) and ‘Pemanah Ngepan’ (Most Beautiful Iban Traditional Attire) categories.
“This was my first time participating in Kumang contest, and I am proud of my accomplishments. It was all made possible through the unwavering support of my family.
“Actually, I was quite nervous about winning multiple titles as this contest is my first,” said Cindy, who is studying in Kuala Lumpur.
Second place went to Priscilla Sidi, 20, who was given the title of ‘lulong’ and received RM2,000 along with a crown, sash, and trophy.
Among those present were State Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan and his wife Datin Melinda Claudia Bucking-Lawan, Borneo MA Smart Vendors Sdn Bhd chairman Alexander Kadir Dato, Sarawak M.O founder Asat Nawin and others. — DayakDaily
