Clarissa (centre) being flanked by Tiffany (left) and Easter at the contest.
The age-old proverb “Where there is a will, there’s a way” rings true for a petite lass, Clarissa Rinya Setian.
After trying six times, Clarrisa, 20, finally won a beauty title at the 2024 Durin Cultural Carnival Kumang contest.
Clarrisa, 20, an Iban from Rumah Mary longhouse in Sungai Bidut, Sibu district in Sarawak, received prizes which included RM5,000, a trophy, crown, sash, flowers and participation certificate.
The first beauty contest she took part in was held during the Borneo Dayak Cultural Festival in 2022 when she came in third.After her win, Clarrisa, who aspired to be a teacher, advised kumang enthusiasts: “My advice is to keep trying if you want to achieve your dream, as losing and winning are part and parcel of the competition.
“Do not give up easily as long as your wishes and dreams have not been fulfilled.
“In any Kumang competition, one will not only be judged from the level of appearance but on character, wisdom and behaviour too.”
When her name was announced as the champion, Clarrisa said she felt very excited and moved, “because my efforts so far have not been in vain and I have finally won a title.”
On what she plans to do with the prize money, she was quick to say that she would save it for her university education.
Clarrisa is currently waiting for her STPM results.
Runner-up was Tiffany T.C., 22, an Iban-Chinese-Filipino from Sibu who won RM3,000, a trophy, crown, flowers and certificate of participation.
Third place went to Easter Jawai Paul, 27, an Iban from Betong who became RM1,500 richer.
Easter also received a trophy, crown, flowers and participation certificate.
The seven other finalists were Audrey Amara Bachok, 23, from Kuching, Astina Anabella Augustine, 21, (Song), Vanessa Grace Tali, 19, (Kanowit), Floveena Debra Ningkan, 23, (Betong), Nicolyn Kimberly Raymond, 17, (Sibu), Ranisha Ismail, 21, (Sibu) and Diyamirza Nantai David, 22, (Kanowit).
Prizes were presented by Sibu Rural District Council chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai’s wife, Stephanie Siaw.
The Durin Cultural Carnival was a three-day annual festival held in Durin town, about 43km from Sibu.
