Bau Man Sweeps Almost All Titles at Bidayuh Ethnic Pageant in Siburan
SIBURAN (June 9) – In an unexpected yet thrilling turn of events, Samson Kidau Dzrandidi Desson from Kampung Sudoh Singai in Bau District, clinched five prestigious awards, including the main title, at the inaugural ‘Dayung Sangon Dari Pogan 2024’ pageant. The event took place at Dewan Manggeng of Kampung Sungai Du’uh last night.
The 26-year-old assistant manager in performing arts at the Dayak Cultural Foundation in Kuching emerged victorious, taking home the ‘Mr Global’, ‘Mr Talent’, ‘Mr Photogenic’, and ‘Best Costume’ subsidiary awards. Ultimately, he was crowned the grand winner of the ‘Dari Pogan’ (Brave Warrior) category in the ethnic Bidayuh pageant, organized by the Women’s Section of Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA).
“It’s a shock, actually, because this was my very first time taking part in this kind of competition. Nevertheless, I’m so happy, and I share this win with all my supporters tonight – my family, friends, and fellow villagers. They kept on cheering for me, and that really uplifted my spirit and boosted my confidence,” Samson told The Borneo Post after the prize presentation.
Samson, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) in Performing Arts from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), walked away with prizes worth close to RM5,000. Micheal Duya Aten, a 20-year-old from Kampung Bugu Mawang in Tebakang, secured the first runner-up position, winning RM2,000. Andrew Asem, 25, a project coordinator assistant from Kampung Semeba in Kuching, placed third and was also awarded the ‘Mr Popular’ title, earning a total of RM1,500.
In the ‘Dayung Sangon’ (Fair Maiden) category, Joanna Eve Presley, an accounting and finance degree student at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, emerged as the big winner. Representing Kampung Simpok in Padawan, the 22-year-old was crowned the fairest of them all, winning the ‘Miss Popular’, ‘Miss Photogenic’, and ‘Best Costume’ subsidiary awards.
“I’m very happy, but I’m also relieved that the pageant has concluded. Now, I can concentrate on preparing for my final exams,” said Joanna, who also took home prizes worth close to RM5,000.
Julie Christ Ivy Senele from Kampung Serayan Hilir in Lundu, a 22-year-old Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) diploma graduate, secured the first runner-up position, along with the ‘Miss Talent’ subsidiary title, earning an overall RM2,500. Paula Issabell Sow, 18, from Kampung Mundai in Padawan, claimed the third spot and the ‘Miss Global’ subsidiary title, receiving an overall RM1,500.
The ethnic pageant featured eight women and eight men finalists representing the Bidayuh communities in Kuching, Padawan, Serian, Bau, and Lundu. It was one of the highlights of the three-day Gawai Dayak Carnival 2024, which concluded last night.
Organized by the Ministry for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) in collaboration with the DBNA, the carnival also hosted an education fair, upskilling workshop, food and handicrafts bazaar, ‘sukan rakyat’ (folk games), and a concert.
The event was officiated by Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. Among the attendees at the carnival’s finale were Deputy Minister of Transport Sarawak Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development II Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin, and Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh.
