SIBU, Sept 4: Deirdre Serena Sendi Michael Remy won the hearts of the judges with her poise and elegance to claim the Kumang title at the Face of M.O Sarawak 12th Gala Dinner last night.
Deirdre, 25, beat eight other finalists to walk away with various prizes including RM3,000, a trophy, a bouquet of flowers and a Borneo Medispa voucher worth RM1,000.
Second place went to Mesha Carlynie Jesse who won the title of “Lulong” while Clarissa Rinya Setian placed third and won the title of “Selinggar Tatahari”.
When met after her crowning, Deirdre said she was surprised to win the title.
“I didn’t expect to win anything because I only decided to participate in this event to keep myself busy during my semester break. I’m incredibly grateful for the chance M.O. Sarawak gave me. I can use this platform to serve as a role model or example for young people and to demonstrate the excellence of indu kumang,” she declared.
She revealed she wanted to be a model of indu Iban and believed it was not just her physical characteristics but also her educational background which secured her the victory.
Deirdre said she owed her victory to her family and friends, particularly her grandmother, who is an active weaver of pua kumbu.
She will use the prize money to fund her Master’s degree studies, of which she is in her final year of study.
The middle child in a family of three siblings, Deirdre is doing a Masters in Tourism Management at Uitm Puncak Alam.
“I am currenty on semester break and took this opportunity to join in the contest. The final year (of her studies) will be from October to February of 2023,” she said.
Meanwhile Edward Anum Landa was crowned the champion in the Keling category, followed by Rochester Lennox and Patrick Yong in second and third positions respectively.
Both the second place winners for the female and male category received RM1,500, a trophy, and a bouquet of flowers while third place winners for both categories won RM1,000, a trophy, and also a bouquet of flowers.
The prizes were presented to the respective winners by Ngemah assemblyman, Anyi Jana on behalf of Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
Among those present at the event were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Ukas), Datuk Abdullah Saidol and political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie. — DayakDaily
