PENAMPANG: Hosiani James Jaimis has been crowned unduk ngadau in this year’s Kaamatan festival, outshining 45 other beauties in the prestigious beauty pageant.
The 25-year-old Dusun lass, who represented Inanam, took over the role of legendary figure Huminodun from former unduk ngadau Kerinah Mah.
She was crowned by Datin Seri Dr Jaina Sintian, the wife of Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.
During the question and answer session at Hongkod Koisaan here, the actress and TV presenter’s wowed the audience with her ability to speak Dusun fluently.
Speaking about this year’s Kaamatan theme, Culture foundation of Unity and Kinship, she said: “Through the Kaamatan festival, people of various ethnicities from other districts will convene to celebrate the festival. This is one way we can achieve the cultural foundation of unity and kinship,” she said.
Hosiani took home, a trophy, cash and other items worth a total of RM86,050, including educational scholarships from North Borneo University College and Asian Tourism International College, beauty products, and a return airticket to Mulu Caves in Sarawak.
Hosiani also won a Subaru car.
Sherrylyn Jane Rannytho, who represented Penampang, was the first runner-up, while Vanessa Audrey Gilbert of Putatan was the second runner-up.
The Unduk Ngadau pageant is one of the most important highlights of the Kaamatan festival, which celebrates Huminodun, a maiden who was sacrificed by her father, Kinoingan, to save the people from famine and bring about a bountiful harvest.
A newly-crowned unduk ngadau is expected to carry out social and charity work, as well as promote Sabah tourism for a year.