The Kumang Gawai Dayak Sibu 2024 finalists (back row) in a group photo with Uchi (seated, fourth left) and other committee members on Wednesday.
SIBU (May 24): Ten finalists were selected to the final round of the ‘Kumang Gawai Dayak Sibu 2024’, which will be held in conjunction with the Sibu Division ‘Malam Mantar Gawai Dayak’ tomorrow (May 25).
The selection round took place at a hotel here on Wednesday saw the participation of 15 women.
The selected finalists were Sylviana Rinya Galing, Suriana Abas, Nelly Mujan Rogelio, Clarissa Rinya Setian, Deirdre Serena Sendi Michael Remy, Bernardette Sumbang, Venneillise Lee, Cynthia Runai Simond, Manisha Vyonnie Gelebat and Kartina Bagan.
During the selection round, participants were judged on three criteria – beauty (50 per cent), talent (30 per cent) and self-confidence (20 per cent).
The selection was handled by three judges, namely Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) chairperson Angelyn Uchi Maseng, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu deputy chairman Johnady Janton and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) councillor Donna Petrus Ngelai.
The winner of Kumang Gawai Dayak Sibu 2024 will take home RM4,000, a crown, sash, trophy, hamper and a certificate of participation, while the ‘Lulong’ (first runner-up) will receive RM3,000, a sash, trophy, hamper and a certificate of participation.
The ‘Selinggar Matahari’ (second runner-up) will win RM2,000, a sash, trophy, hamper and a certificate of participation.
The fourth to tenth winners will each take home RM800 and a certificate of participation as consolation prizes.
Public Works Minister and Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi will be the ‘Tuai Pengabang’ at the event, scheduled to start at 7pm.
The event is jointly organised by SDNU Sibu, SIDS Sibu, the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Sibu and the Orang Ulu National Association (OUNA) Sibu.