By William Isau
SIBU, May 26: Deirdre Serena Sendi Michael Remy was crowned Kumang Gawai Dayak Sibu 2024 last night (May 25).
Deirdre, 27, appeared stunned when her name was announced as the winner. The contest, which saw nine finalists, was the highlight of the Sibu Division Gawai Dayak Night.
Deirdre, a master’s degree holder in tourism, went home with RM4,000, a crown, a sash, a trophy, a hamper, and a certificate of participation. This was her second win. Her first was the 2019 Borneo Cultural Festival Kumang contest.
The title of ‘Lulong’ (first runner-up) went to Clarissa Rinya Setian, 20, who won RM3,000 along with a sash, trophy, hamper, and certificate of participation.
Meanwhile, Nelly Mujan Rogelio was elated to win the title of ‘Selinggar Matahari’ (second runner-up). She received RM2,000 along with a sash, trophy, hamper, and certificate of participation.
The other six finalists took home RM800 and a participation certificate each as consolation prizes. They included Sylviana Rinya Galing, Suriana Abas, Bernardette Sumbang, Vennellise Lee, Cynthia Runai Simond, and Manisha Vyonnie Gelebat.
The prizes were presented by Datin Sri Angelina Ujang, who is the wife of the Minister of Public Works, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
Accompanying her in the prize giving was Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) chairperson Angelyn Uchi Maseng. — DayakDaily
