PENAMPANG: Penampang representative Jovita Ibin was crowned State Zandi Tavanus 2026 at the finals on Saturday, emerging as the winner from a field of 51 finalists.
The 41-year-old kindergarten teacher received a prize package worth RM20,500, comprising RM6,000 in cash, a crown and other sponsored goods and services.
The first runner-up was Samsiah Ani, representing Keningau, while Martina Gadamin of Nabawan was named second runner-up.
Jovita said winning the title was her first experience competing in the Zandi Tavanus pageant and described it as an opportunity to expand her work while contributing to the empowerment of women.
"I joined because I wanted to develop my work further after seeing the pageant's mission of uplifting women, and I also wanted to build my own confidence while helping empower other women," said the mother of three.
She said the victory was not a personal achievement alone but carried greater responsibility towards women who had supported and believed in her.
"This victory is not just for me, but for all the women out there and everyone who supported me, and I hope to carry out my manifesto in the future," she said.
Jovita said her manifesto focuses on empowering women through music while preserving and promoting the traditional songs and cultural heritage of the Kadazan, Dusun and Murut communities in Sabah.
"I have been involved in singing for more than 10 years, and I want to use this platform to preserve our cultural songs while helping women become more confident," she said.
She said she has released numerous songs on YouTube, including Dusun-language recordings, and has collaborated with several recording studios over the years.
Jovita also disclosed that she is preparing a new song titled "Zandi Tavanus", which she intends to dedicate to her supporters.
"My focus is on singing, but the objective is much broader because I want to build confidence among women and create opportunities for those with talent," she said.
She said many women in Sabah possess singing talent but often lack opportunities and exposure to develop their potential.
"I want to use this platform to help discover and nurture their talents because women need not only self-confidence but also emotional and moral support," she said.
Earlier, the event was officiated by Inanam Assemblywoman Edna Majimbun, who said the competition provides women with a platform to showcase their confidence, abilities and leadership while helping preserve Sabah's cultural heritage.
