BELURAN: Kadazan language teacher Raraa Rini Aswanda Jukilin was crowned as the Beluran Unduk Ngadau 2025.
The 25-year-old lass took home a trophy, crown, bouquet, cash prize of RM5,000, Gosing Art products, a Labuk patterned bag and certificate.
She will represent Beluran at the National Unduk Ngadau Competition in Hongkod KDCA Hall, Kota Kinabalu from May 25-31, 2025.
Organised by KDCA Labuk branch, the Beluran district level Unduk Ngadau was held at the Beluran multi-purpose hall on May 10.
In her victory speech, Raraa Rini expressed: “I am deeply grateful for this extraordinary opportunity. This victory is not mine alone—it belongs to everyone who supported me. This is not the end, but the beginning of a greater responsibility to elevate the voice and spirit of the Dusun Labuk Beluran community.”
Research Assistant Caesyzizi Liakim, 24, finished as first runner-up. She won a trophy, crown, bouquet, cash prize of RM3,000, Gosing Art products and certificate.
The 2nd runner-up was 28-year-old clerk Paula Kristine Babango. She walked away with a trophy, crown, bouquet, cash prize of RM2,000, Gosing Art products and certificate.
The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan is a centrepiece of the Kaamatan Festival, celebrating not just beauty but the cultural heritage and spirit of the Kadazandusun people. Contestants are judged on cultural knowledge, character, and communication skills. – James Leong
