KOTA KINABALU: The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) is now recognised as a national competition, said Joanna Kitingan, chairperson of Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Women Council.
Joanna, who is also the National UNK organising chairperson, said the responsibility would become bigger for whoever is crowned as UNK this year.
"UNK is the longest cultural pageant in the country. It is 64 years old and still relevant today. From the humble beginning — kampung, district and state level — now the competition is recognised at the national level.
"Soon maybe (the competition) will become international level because our people (the Kadazandusun) are now everywhere in the world," she said during the registration of UNK finalists 2024 at a hotel here.
Joanna added that over the years, UNK has become a significant platform to empower women and the young generation to be more knowledgeable about their cultural heritage.
She urged every UNK finalist to proudly promote their cultures, including traditional attire and mother tongue.
"Be proud of yourself as a Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) woman. UNK goes beyond a beauty pageant. It shapes you into a woman who is proud of your culture.
"It's not about your name but your character, your life values. Valuing yourself, family, community, and those around you is essential. We always emphasise this principle, along with appreciating cultural heritage, including traditional attire and,mother tongue."
This year, 51 contestants from various districts and sub-districts in Sabah and KDCA branches in Peninsular Malaysia have come together, each carrying the hopes and dreams of their districts, sub-districts and KDCA branches they represent.
The winner of this year's national UNK will bring home prizes worth over RM100,000.
The first prize winner will take home cash RM12,000. The second and third-place winners will be awarded cash RM10,000 and RM8,000, respectively.
Additional prizes from the competition's main sponsors will also be awarded to the winners.
