11 Dayak maidens vie for SDNU Kumang Gawai Dayak glory

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The Kumang finalists in a photocall with the organisers after the semi-final round of the competition.

Eleven young women between 19 and 24 years old will be vying for the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Kumang Gawai Dayak 2019 crown during the grand final on May 24.

They are Jesse Diana Jantai, Felicia Merai Andrew, Jasmine Sha-Sha Salleh, Lovieana Jin alias Mili, Muna Lassandra King Robert Tira, Gloria Malong, Claudia Michelle Sena Billy Isang, Clara Dukau Augustine Merikan, Phoebe Ivory Siew, Claudia Jara Luke and Noryshea Nala Lexline Alexander.

The competition, opened to Dayak maidens, will be held at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre (CEWC) in Jalan Stampin here.

Jesse, 21, is a general clerk and an Iban from Kuching. Felicia, 21, is a Diploma in Civil Engineering Kuching Polytechnic student and an Iban from Kuching. Jasmine, 22, is a Diploma in Office Management UiTM Samarahan student and an Iban from Kuching. Lovieana, 19, is a beauty consultant and is an Iban from Sibu. Muna Lassandra, 21, is a Diploma in Civil Engineering UiTM Samarahan student and a Bidayuh from Kuching. Gloria, 20, is a Diploma in Accountancy Sibu Vocational student and an Iban from Sibu. Claudia Michelle, 21, is a Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Kuching Polytechnic student and an Iban from Betong. Clara, 24, is a Statistic Department personnel and an Iban from Sibu. Phoebe, 19, is a Form 6 (Human Science) student and an Iban from Kuching. Claudia Jara, 22, is a beauty consultant and an Iban from Sibu. Noryshea, 18, is a Form 5 student and an Iban from Sibu.

The prizes are RM3,000 for the champion, RM2,500 (first runner up), RM1,500 (second runner up) and RM300 consolation prize each.

The beauty pageant is held in conjunction with the six-day SDNU Gawai Dayak Carnival 2019 starting May 19 with SDNU Gawai Dayak Bazaar from 3pm to 11pm daily.

The evening of May 24 is also fixed for the carnival closing and thanksgiving dinner to be officiated at by Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi representing Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

SDNU president who is also Pakan assemblyman Tan Sri William Mawan will declare open the SDNU Gawai Dayak Bazaar at 4pm on May 20, also at the CEWC.

Apart from the beauty pageant, a Tuak tasting competition and cultural performances will also be featured during the dinner.

Booths for the bazaar are still available at RM100 per booth for six days.

Members of the public are invited to support this carnival held in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak celebration which falls on June 1 each year.

For more information, clarification and purchase of dinner tables and sale booths, members of the public can call Diana Lang at 016-5774562, Spencer Birai (0115-5029376) or Susana Koh (019-4685916).