By Shikin Louis
SERIAN, June 1: For Elly Eugenia Gavin, being crowned first runner-up in the Kumau Gawai Taee 2024 pageant is not just a personal milestone—it’s the beginning of a bigger mission to showcase Bidayuh heritage to the world.
The 23-year-old final-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Administrative Science at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) described the pageant as her first-ever experience on such a stage.
“Kumau Gawai Taee 2024 was my first pageant, and last year we were proudly sponsored by HWC Coffee,” she told DayakDaily during the Gawai Dayak celebration in Kampung Taee today.
In preparation for future competitions, Elly said she has to be more disciplined with her health and skincare routine.
“I need to rest more, reduce spicy food, and drink plenty of plain water. I also make sure to take care of my skin every morning and night to keep it healthy and glowing,” she shared.
Elly’s motivation to join the pageant came from her own family and close friends.
“My parents, family members, and school friends encouraged me to take this step. Their support made me believe in myself,” she said.
Beyond the glitz of the stage, Elly believes her role as a Kumau finalist carries a responsibility to promote and preserve Bidayuh traditions, especially those from her home district of Serian.
“I joined this pageant because I want to introduce Bidayuh culture particularly from Serian, not just across Sarawak, but to the international stage,” she added.
“I see this as a way to attract more tourists to Kampung Taee and highlight our vibrant traditions. As youths, we can use social media platforms to raise awareness and appreciation for our unique ethnic identity,” she emphasised.
Elly Eugenia was one of the nearly 20 beauty queens donning exquisite traditional attire during the Taee Gawai Parade 2025, capturing the admiration of spectators with her poise and cultural pride. — DayakDaily
