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By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 11: Betong-born John Watson Tamin has made history by being named ‘The First Malaysian Pure Iban Dayak Ethnic to Represent Borneo in an International Pageant Competition’ by the Amazing Malaysian Book of Records (AMBR).
According to several media outlets, the 31-year-old from Ulu Layar, Betong is the only Sarawakian to receive such a prestigious award from AMBR.
John accomplished a remarkable feat in 2022, when he was crowned ‘Mister Glam Borneo’ in Sabah. This victory marked his debut as Malaysia’s representative in an international competition finale.
John then travelled to Manila, Philippines, to compete in the ‘Mr Glam International 2022’ competition, in which he placed fourth runner-up. During the event, he also achieved the prestigious titles of ‘Mr Eco Tourism’, ‘Mr Elegance’, and ‘Mr Face of Asia’.
He recently emerged as the winner of the ‘Mr Heritage International 2023’ competition held in Manila, Philippines. This achievement is another notable accomplishment for Sarawak.
John bested 30 other contestants to win the crown and US$5,000 (approximately RM22,000) at the event held on April 28.
John posted a photo of himself on Instagram, posing with pride in full Iban regalia, with the caption: “I will show the whole world what my traditional costume looks like. I may not be the first to show it to the world, but I will carry on the legacy of showing the world what the Ngepan Iban is. My culture has made me who I am today.”
In a second Instagram post following his victory, John wrote: “It’s not easy but I did it.. Malaysia, we did it.. Malaysia boleh! I am more than proud to represent my beloved unique country Malaysia in this international pageant, Mister Heritage 2023.”
He firmly believes in the guiding principle of ‘enti urang bukai ulih, nadai kebuah diri empu enda ulih’ – a powerful phrase in the Iban language that translates to ‘if others can, there’s no reason we cannot’.
Besides the crown, John also won the subsidiary titles of best spokesperson, best personality, and best grand arrival.
Based on multiple news reports, this was only his second time representing Malaysia at an international pageant.
Many internet users congratulated John for his impressive achievement of receiving the AMBR award, which recognises him as ‘The First Malaysian Pure Iban Dayak Ethnic to Represent Borneo in an International Pageant Competition’.
The 31-year-old is a personal trainer as well as an independent singer, song composer, producer, freelance male model, motivational speaker, and actor. — DayakDaily
