Kenyah beauty Daphne Baun David crowned Sarawak Gawai Queen 2025
Daphne, flanked by Olvin (left) and Mimi, posing for the camera. — Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo
MIRI (June 14): A 23-year-old Kenyah from Long Selawan in Baram, Daphne Baun David, was crowned the Sarawak Gawai Queen 2025 at the state-Level 'Gawai Tradisi Carnival' on Friday night.
The Miri Division Keligit Orang Ulu 2025 was up against 12 other finalists from across Sarawak vying for the prestigious title at the grand ceremony, held at the banquet hall of the Federation of Orang Ulu Malaysia (Forum) Cultural Centre here.
A Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) holder, Daphne walked away with a cash prize of RM15,000, a RM20,000 scholarship from Fajar International College, and two return flight tickets worth RM2,000 sponsored by MASwings.
The first runner-up was Olvin Alexandra Moses, a 20-year-old Iban from Kapit, who was Kumang Iban Betong 2025 titleholder.
A Bachelor in Civil Engineering student at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), she received RM12,000 in cash and a RM15,000 scholarship from Fajar International College.
At third-place was Mimi Wimplinger, a 21-year-old Bidayuh from Kampung Opar in Bau and this year's Miri Division Dayung Sangon, who received RM10,000 in cash and a RM10,000 scholarship from Fajar International College.
Mimi is currently pursuing her studies at Teachers Education Institute (IPG) Temenggong Ibrahim Campus in Johor.
The 'Best Contemporary Ethnic Dress Award' went to Clara Amanda Buyong, Miri Division's Kumang Iban 2025, who was given RM3,000.
The other finalists each received a consolation prize comprising RM3,000 cash and a RM5,000 scholarship from Fajar International College.
Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) and Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, also the chairman of the state-level Gawai Dayak Celebration Organising Committee 2025, officiated at the event.
In his remarks, he held the pageant as not only celebrating the festival, but also promoting the understanding, respect and appreciation for Dayak cultural heritage.
'It's more than just a beauty pageant, as it is also a platform to elevate the culture, heritage, and identity of the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, and other Dayak ethnic groups.'
He also pointed out the two-day carnival as the second major event in this year's state-level Gawai Dayak celebration, following the successful Gawai Dayak Bazaar held at the Batu Kawa Township in Kuching last month.
'The celebration will continue with the cultural parade, or 'Niti Daun', at Kuching Waterfront this June 21, followed by the Gawai Dayak Dinner Banquet on June 22 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).'
Among the dignitaries present were the carnival's joint chairmen, Baram MP Dato Anyie Ngau and Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau. Gawai Tradisi Carnival Kenyah miri Orang Ulu Sarawak Gawai Queen 2025
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