The lot from Kota Kinabalu.
The batch from the Kota Marudu audition.
MIRI: Sabah and Sarawak natives can try their luck at the final round of the ‘Eighth Borneo Hornbill Festival 2016 — Road to London’ audition today at the Malaysian Tourism Centre, near Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur.
The annual competition, organised by the Sarawak/Sabah Heritage Associations of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, is open to all non-Malay natives from the two states.
Association’s advisor Dr Laurence John said the audition would run from 3pm to 8pm.
“Don’t miss this opportunity as you stand the chance to become among the finalists vying for Miss Sabah Open, Miss Kadazandusun, Miss Iban, Miss Bidayuh, Miss Orang Ulu, Mister Sabah and Mister Sarawak titles.
“The finalists will be flown to London, England, for the grand finale, where they would become the ambassadors of their respective ethnic communities.
“Prizes worth RM100,000 await winners,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.
Forty-five aspirants came for the audition sessions in Sabah last week, namely in Kota Marudu, Kota Kinabalu and Keningau.
The majority of the contestants were above 21, with some having pageant experience.
“They were excited to be a part this festival because it’s something different compared to others. We have the opportunity to witness the cultures of diverse ethnics from Sabah and Sarawak.
“It’s a dream for most of us. This year, we have a participant from Perth, Australia. Her audition will be conducted via Viber (a social media platform). She said she’d be willing to bear all costs should she make it to the semi-finals in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
The Sarawak audition hosted 84 aspirants during the sessions here, in Bintulu, Sibu and Kuching that ran from Feb 5 to 7.
More details about the programme can be obtained from Laurence by calling 013-3920870, Agustus Sapen (016-2811631), or Munica Liwan (016-6221760).