MIRI: Clara Amanda Buyong from Julau was crowned winner of Sarawak Symposium Kumang 2023 – a title that earned the 22-year-old RM3,000 in cash prize and a host of accompanying prizes.
Additionally she was also chosen as the ‘Best Dress’ winner and bagged a cash prize of RM500.
She was among eight finalists of the pageant, staged at a leading hotel here as one of the highlights of the Sarawak Ngepan Iban (SNI) 2023 symposium closing night. The beauty pageant was divided into two categories – Kumang SNI and Ratu SNI (contemporary).
Placed behind Clara was Mesha Carlynie Jesse, 20, from Song , Kapit, who walked away with RM2,000 while second runner-up was Clarissa Rinya Setian, 19, from Sibu. She pocketed RM1,500.
The five finalists, namely Olivia Elmiza Lewis, 25, from Suai Niah; Puteriza Anyi, 28, from Miri; Sheila Riti Jerfry, 20, from Selangau; Jocpsien Desi Esing, 20, from Selangau and Jasmine Closelida Melia Jerry, 20, from Saratok respectively walked away with RM1,000.
Sheile Riti also won the ‘Popularity votes via online’ of which she bagged a cash prize of RM300.
Meanwhile, Edmund Kruka, 24, from Bintulu was adjudged the Keling winner. He also won the ‘Best Dress’ in the category.
Hakkinen Lewis, also 24, from Nanga Nansang Poi Kanowit came in second while Stannish Lajang, 28, from Song, Kapit was third.
Three other finalists, namely Adrian Sabang Nillie, 21, from Sungai Tangap Niah; Daryl Jesse Denis, 22, from Pakan, Julau and Jimmy Alexson, 21, from Sebauh, Bintulu received consolation prizes and each received a cash prize of RM1,000, a trophy and a sash.
Jimmy was also chosen as winner for ‘Most vote popularity via online’ and bagged RM300.
For the Ratu SNI category, Praty Sofia Bantin, 22, from Bintulu was crowned the winner, beating seven other contestants. She received RM3,000.
Second placing went to Elvinna Elder Bonie, 27, from Miri, who received RM2,000 while third runner-up, Lydia Hyginius received RM1,000.
Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Datuk John Sikie Tayai and his wife Datin Melia Gelen were the distinguished guests-of-honour.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government I (Public Health and Housing ) Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil and wife Datin Monica Ukong Jaya.
