By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan (BTK) competition will undergo a significant rebranding next year, said Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan,
“It will be known as Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan beginning in 2026,” he said at the grand finale of the state-level contest held at KDCA.
“The rebranding reflects the cultural diversity and youth leadership inspired by the competition, which forms an integral part of Sabah’s annual Kaamatan festival,” he said.
“This rebranding is more than a name change. It marks a deeper transformation of breathing new life into the event to ensure its continued relevance in our cultural celebrations,” he said.
He explained that ‘Randawi’ symbolises the soul of young men who are not only physically strong but also deeply rooted in values and cultural pride.
The new identity aims to reinforce the role of male youths as cultural ambassadors and community leaders.
He praised the competition’s chairman, Casey Jovial, for his unwavering commitment in transforming the event over the past eight years from a casual contest into a prestigious cultural platform.
“Each finalist is not just competing, but carrying the responsibility of becoming a young cultural ambassador or Susumangod,” he said, adding that this aligns with this year’s Kaamatan theme, “Kaamatan For All.”
Dr Jeffrey also highlighted BTK’s growing international presence, noting that since 2023, the contest has represented Malaysia at cultural events in Indonesia, where it competed alongside over 200 participants from 40 countries.
A former participant was even named the most Influencer a testament, he said, to the global appeal of Sabah’s youth and traditions.
Underscoring the importance of both male and female roles in preserving heritage, he drew parallels between Unduk Ngadau, which honours the grace and dignity of women, and Randawi Tavantang, which now seeks to celebrate strength, responsibility, and leadership among young men.
“This is not just a contest. It is a unifying platform, a rallying call for our youth to take pride in their roots and work together to protect and promote our cultural legacy,” said Dr Jeffrey.
