Kota Kinabalu: All 53 contestants representing districts, sub-districts and KDCA branches competing for this year’s State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) crown will undergo a new two-tier judging system.
State-level 2026 UNK Organising Chairman Mary Gambidau said the revised evaluation format was introduced to improve transparency, consistency and the overall judging process throughout the week-long competition.
Under the new system, contestants will first go through preliminary assessments starting May 26, involving internal evaluations, cultural interviews, presentations and official activities ahead of the finals night on May 31 at Hongkod Koisaan Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in Penampang.
She said the preliminary stage would include question-and-answer sessions conducted in the Ibunda language, while another segment would allow finalists to respond either in Ibunda or Malay.
Contestants will also be assessed on discipline, cultural knowledge, participation and overall presentation during Unduk Ngadau Week.
The preliminary stage will determine the top 25 finalists who will advance to the finals night. Previously, only 15 contestants progressed beyond the opening round.
Mary said the increase to 25 finalists was among improvements introduced this year to allow more participants to demonstrate their personality, confidence, knowledge and cultural understanding.
From the top 25, only seven finalists will proceed to the final question-and-answer segment to determine the winner.
She said organisers would continue using a rubric-based judging system to ensure fairness, professionalism and transparency in the selection process.
“The judges will give an evaluation using rubrics,” she said during a press conference here on Tuesday.
Mary added that translators would be provided where necessary, including for Murut and Lundayeh languages, to assist judges in evaluating contestants who choose to respond in their native tongues.
On the traditional costume segment, she said contestants must wear costumes registered during the initial submission process to avoid confusion and discrepancies during judging.
She said each district representative had been required to submit complete descriptions and images of their traditional attire to ensure accurate cultural references for judges.
Mary said the measure was introduced following issues raised during last year’s traditional costume segment.
Meanwhile, 2025 Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan winner Atitih Robert encouraged all finalists to embrace the experience and remain confident throughout the competition.
“You did not come this far just to give up halfway,” she said, adding that contestants should value every lesson, friendship and experience gained while maintaining humility and emotional strength.
This year’s winner will receive RM15,000 in cash, scholarships, health screening packages, beauty products and other prizes contributed by sponsors and strategic partners.
The 53 finalists are Gelvia Vanessa Binti Jenny (Papar), Mary-An P. Calica (Tungku), Natalia Jinui (Tambunan), Anne Theresse Justin Sentian (Tongod), Hyzlensiska Verron Johnny (Menumbok), Joyce Nia David (Tanjung Aru), Criszelbellkah Lorris (Matunggong), Lora Derlina Lisa Jusley (Banggi), Essmerrellda Cafry@Clemen (Inanam), Sahira Samson (Nabawan), Myra Evana Robert (Sook), Vrenda Joaan Deftenneay Taji@Paul (Kinabatangan), Elvyra Edna Robert (Tawau), Alysheron Maunsiong (Bingkor), Jeraahfinah Jonis (Penang), Natalie Ally Hepeni (Karambunai), Cyra Eva Bella Stephen (Telupid), Kerishine Danil (Pagalungan), Feyrashandy Hanlin Hanis (Kudat), Ally Denis (Sukau), Caesyizii Liakim (Lahad Datu), Dyann Dharlla Dominic (Beluran), Hilda Jaynissa Godwin Patin (Sipitang), Clarissa Jane Ahap Fred Michael (Melaka), Ceelecia Reeka Mosungin (Sandakan), Amber Weysha Walter John (Putatan), Valerieana Karen Aldrin (Perak), Liane Melve Grace Lias (Bandaraya KK), Fedelia Viviana Venchin (Beaufort), Christebell Masius (Ranau), Rachel Justin (Kunak), Dorna Mayra Michael (Membakut), Vivi Yana Jenny (Kapayan), Josephine Magdeline Joseph (Johor), Edreen Lynn Edward (Keningau), Felecity Chen Sing Yee (Bandaraya), Evyanarey Larry (Tamparuli), Christine Dionysius (Kalabakan), Lorna Breetney Johnny (Kuala Penyu), Aelvereny Vahidin@Yahidin (Kota Marudu), Sera-Vian Japrin (WP Labuan), Jean Christzabeth Yusevender (Pitas), Althea Tan Pin Yan (Kota Belud), Wendey Merrylen S. Jasmin (WP Putrajaya), Candycyci Liakim (Paitan), Venica Tuboh@Pauzin (Kemabong), Radila Ifa Yanie Meter (Tenom), Juje Elor@Francis (Tuaran), Adylee Arisen (Semporna), Gadrette Gregory (Penampang), Finafayena Primus (Klang Valley), Catsween Su Sun Ping (Kiulu) and Deanera Clarissa Jamdin (Sarawak).
