the grand finale of the Kumang Gawai Dayak Sibu 2025 pageant will see a keen contest among 10 finalists.
To be held in Sibu on May 24, the event is part of the pre- Gawai Dayak Sibu 2025 Dinner that is being organised by the Sibu Gawai Dayak Committee.
The 10 finalists are among 16 participants who took part in the preliminary selection round.
The finalists are Natasha Malviana Nyandang, Fravelian Jelika Radi, Adreana Filsie Sanau Anselm, Manisha Vyonnie Gelebat, Amenda Alannie Ambrose Luta, Juliana Ungan Merayang, Nelly Mujan Rogelio, Nani Saban, Olivia Ceilo Oliver, and Anesonia Aking.
The top 10 contestants will vie for the 2025 Sibu Kumang Gawai Dayak crown.
The winner of Kumang Gawai Dayak Sibu 2025 will receive RM4,000 along with a crown.
The first runner-up (Lulong) will be awarded RM3,000 while the second runner-up (Selinggar Matahari) will receive RM2,000.
All three winners will take home a sash, trophy, hamper, and certificate of participation each.
Contestants who are placed fourth to 10th will each receive RM800 plus a certificate of participation.
During the finals, contestants will wear the traditional Iban attire called Ngepan.
Under the judging criteria, half of the marks will be awarded for overall beauty, 30% for Iban Ngepan attire, and 20% for physique and self-confidence.
The event has also been made possible through collaboration with the Sarawak Dayak National Union Sibu, Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Sibu, Orang Ulu National Association Sibu, and the Dayak Bidayuh National Association Sibu.
Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai is expected to attend the event.
Present at the screening stage were SIDS Sibu chairman Angelyn Uchi Maseng, who also heads the Sibu Gawai Dayak committee, and Kumang Gawai Dayak Sibu 2025 organising committee chairman Senorita Salleh. – ANDY CHUA
