PENAMPANG: Determined to elevate Sabah’s traditional dance and cultural heritage, Dyeneley Daud from Nabawan emerged as champion of the state-level Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan (RTK) 2026 held at Hongkod Koisaan, Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA).
Dyeneley, 19, beat 49 contestants from districts across Sabah on Wednesday to win cash and gifts worth RM114,958.
First runner-up and second runner-up went to Bryan Niccolson Jacob representing Keningau and Daniel Chrionie Taning from Tamparuli, respectively.
Currently pursuing Primary Music Education at the Institute of Teacher Education, Dyeneley said the victory was made possible through the support and encouragement he received from his family throughout the competition.
“The RTK competition is a platform for me to elevate Sabah’s culture and make it better known beyond the state. I have always believed that the Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan platform carries a strong influence.
“I am using this opportunity to realise my dream as a dancer, which is to further uphold and strengthen traditional dance in Sabah,” he said when met after the competition, Bernama reported.
Dyeneley also expressed appreciation to the Nabawan KDCA committee for assisting him in the early preparations for the competition, while he personally handled his costumes and makeup before the event.
“The main challenge was balancing my studies and preparing for the competition,” he said.
Dyeneley hopes youths taking part in next year’s RTK competition will set clear goals and vision while understanding the responsibility they carry as icons of culture and heritage.
RTK is a cultural competition for Sabah youths aimed at promoting the uniqueness of the culture, customs and traditional attire of the Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus communities, and it remains one of the annual highlights of the Kaamatan celebration.
