By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 22: The stage is set for a night of glamour and elegance as 10 stunning finalists prepare to compete for the coveted title of The Face of M.O Sarawak – Cycle 9 during the 15th Gala M.O Sarawak on Sept 15 at the Grand Ballroom, Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club in Miri.
Carrying the theme ‘Elegant and Prestigious’, this year’s edition marks a significant milestone as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of Miri being declared a city, making the event even more memorable.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts II (Creative Industry and Performing Arts) Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the gala has become an iconic platform to celebrate Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage, fashion and creative industry while providing opportunities for young talents to shine at both national and international levels.
“This edition will feature collaborations with local fashion designers, nationally acclaimed artistes, international beauty queens and performances that showcase the beauty of our culture in a modern breath.
“As the Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts, I strongly support such initiatives that provide space for young talents to express creativity, promote heritage textiles such as pua kumbu and strengthen Sarawak’s image globally,” he said at a press conference held at Baitulmakmur 2 today.
Meanwhile, the Gala M.O Sarawak 2025 patron and Persatuan Bakat Dayak Sarikei chairman, Asat Nawin @ Mizta, revealed that all 80 tables have been sold out, with more than 800 guests expected to attend.
“This year, we are collaborating with international brands and designers as well as beauty queens to make the event bigger and more impactful. Our vision has always been to showcase Sarawak’s talents to the world,” he said, adding that major sponsors include Tomei Malaysia, which is sponsoring prizes worth over RM10,000 for the winners.
The grand prize winner of The Face M.O Sarawak 2025 will receive RM3,000 in cash, a sash, crown, trophy and certificate, along with products and services worth RM5,000 sponsored by Tomei, a four-day, three-night holiday package to Ho Chi Minh sponsored by Janjie Transportation (subject to terms and conditions), and a Borneo Medispa service voucher worth RM3,000.
The first runner-up will take home RM2,000 in cash, a sash, crown, trophy and certificate, in addition to products worth RM4,000 from Tomei and a Borneo Medispa voucher worth RM2,000.
Meanwhile, the second runner-up will win RM1,000 in cash, a sash, crown, trophy and certificate, products worth RM3,000 from Tomei and a Borneo Medispa voucher worth RM1,000.
Eight consolation prize winners will each receive RM200 in cash and a certificate, while special subsidiary titles such as Pemanah Ngepan – The Face M.O Sarawak 2025 and Dara Kerindu (Voting Category) will each come with RM300 in cash, a trophy and a sash. The Miss Borneo Medispa title will also be awarded, accompanied by a Borneo Medispa voucher worth RM1,000.
The glittering evening will feature international beauty icons including Sandra Lim (Miss Universe Malaysia 2024), Melisha Lin (Miss Grand Malaysia 2024), Taanusiya Chetty (Miss World Malaysia 2024/2025), Joshua Lennet (Mister Tourism World 2017) and Viviana Lin Winston (Miss Grand Malaysia 2025).
Adding to the star power, the gala will showcase performances by Atilia Haron and Mimi Fly, alongside Sarawak’s very own talents, Rickie Andrewson and Phoebe Chole.
The event is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), with TVS as the official media partner. Key sponsors making this prestigious event possible include Tomei Malaysia, Donny Holding Sdn Bhd, Mercure Hotel Miri City Centre, Parfumerie, Borneo Medispa, Janjie Transportation Service, Jamu Ratu Babe, Richly Event, Choose Confident, Jayvee Street, Naomi Handicraft, Brenda’s Art Paradise Management and Busang Jelini Cafe, as well as official photography partners Ulysses Photography and Henry Studio Photographer.
Also present at the press conference were MTCP permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini and MTCP principal assistant secretary Dr Elena Chai. — DayakDaily
