By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 25: Sekuau native Nani Saban fulfilled a lifelong dream on Saturday night (May 24) when she was crowned Kumang Gawai Dayak Sibu 2025 during a ceremony in Sibu.
“Since I was young, I have watched such pageants and asked myself when a woman from a small longhouse like me will stand on that stage.
“Now I know that with hard work and motivation, anything is possible,” she said in a TVS news report.
Nani triumphed over ten other contestants with her captivating presence in full traditional attire, eloquence in the Iban language, and deep understanding of Dayak customs.
As the first-place winner, Nani took home RM4,000 in cash, a crown, a sash, a trophy, a hamper, and a certificate of participation.
With this victory, Nani not only elevated the Sekuau community but also became an inspiration to other longhouse girls to continue pursuing their dreams, and that being a Kumang is about loving one’s own culture and daring to showcase one’s identity.
Since the days of our ancestors, the title of ‘Kumang’ in the Dayak community is not just a symbol of beauty but also wisdom, modesty, and the dignity of women in customs and culture.
The title, which comes from ancient Iban myths, refers to the ideal woman in the heavenly world who is beautiful, possesses a high sense of morality, and is eloquent.
Second place or the title ‘Lulong’ was won by Nelly Mujan Rogelio from Sungai Asap, Belaga, who took home RM3,000, followed by Amenda Alannie Ambrose Luta from Pasai Siong, Sibu, who took home the title ‘Selinggar Matahari’ along with a cash prize of RM2,000.
Seven other participants, namely Natasha Malviana Nyandang, Fravelian Jelika Radi, Adreana Filsie Sanau Anselm, Manisha Vyonnie Gelebat, Juliana Ungan Merayang, Olivia Ceilo Oliver, and Anesonia Aking, also received cash prizes of RM800 and certificates of participation, respectively.
The prizes for the winners were presented by Sri Aman MP, Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie, who also expressed pride in the high spirit and confidence shown by the young participants in uplifting the dignity of Dayak women. — DayakDaily
