KUCHING: Fifteen finalists out of 30 applications statewide have been selected to participate in the inaugural Dayung Bidayuh Sarawak (DBS) competition.
Dayung Bidayuh Sarawak Organisation (DBS) chairman and Dayung Bidayuh Sarawak 2023 competition programme director Arnold Grigarick said the finalists were selected after a two-month screening and registration process held at the end of July.
“This selection process was conducted virtually across the Sarawak region, followed by a physical registration,” he said in a press statement.
“The event is to promote and elevate the reputation of the Bidayuh community, especially Bidayuh girls, in the field of female pageantry on both the Malaysian and international stages.”
Arnold pointed out that this competition marks the first time his organisation has organised a competition involving Bidayuh girls throughout Sarawak.
“We always see and hear about pageants such as Pekit Kumang that focuses on the Iban people.
“For the Bidayuh community, such events have been held but on a small scale, confined to the village level.
“So, with the existence of platforms like DBS, Bidayuh girls can move forward and promote both themselves and the Bidayuh heritage worldwide.
“I believe that many Bidayuh girls are beautiful, but they are less exposed to the world of pageantry on a large scale,” he said.
The final showdown is scheduled to take place at the Auditorium Hall, Borneo Cultures Museum on Nov 12, from 10am to 5pm.
The winner will not only bring home an attractive prize but also earn the title of Dayung Bidayuh Sarawak.
Before the grand event, the finalists will undergo evaluations in various categories, including catwalk, public speaking, personality test and others.
