MIRI: A substitute teacher, Esther Mira Jackson Jambol, 24, was crowned Kumang Iban Miri at the grand finale of the pageant held in conjunction with the divisional Gawai celebration here on Saturday night.
The Layar Betong native was considered the fairest among six finalists in the Kumang Iban category.
The pageant was divided into four categories, namely, Kumang Iban,; Dayung Sangon, Keligit Orang Ulu and Keling/Belawan.
Meanwhile, for the Dayung Sangon category, a 19-year-old Curtin University Sarawak student, Daniela Angel Boon, of Bidayuh/Chinese/Iban and Penan parentage from Pulau Kendis Pedawan Kuching, emerged champion.
Twenty-one-year-old Kelly Raywyn Cahill of Causasian and Lun Bawang parentage from Lawas won the Keligit Orang Ulu title after beating five other finalists. Kelly is 176 cm tall.
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Meanwhile, in the Keling category (male category), a Lun Bawang property agent from Lawas, Johnson Elson, 22, was chosen as the winner.
Each champion in these categories went home with a crown, an educational scholarship worth RM15,000 from Fajar International College, a sash, a certificate of participation and a trophy.
First runner-up in the Kumang category or ‘Lulong’ was 18-year-old Michelle Rienny Michael of Rumah Libau Sungai Sekaloh Niah while Jemina Sindun Nyambar, 20, a Curtin University Sarawak student, grabbed the ‘Selinggar Matahari’ title.
In the Dayung Sangon category, second was Barbara Maria Michael Javennie, 20, from Kampung Stass, Bau, while Tania Angela Derek, 23, came third.
In the Keligit Orang Ulu category, Vanessa Livan Sigau, 19, of mixed Kayan/Kenyah parentage from Long San Baram, came second while Angeline Embang Hendry,18, was third.
In the Keling/Belawan category, Daniel Douglas, 25, and Hakkinen Lewis, 23, were second and third respectively.
The first runner-up in each category received an educational scholarship worth RM10,000 while the second runner-up received an educational scholarship worth RM7,000.
Twenty-four contestants took part in this year’s beauty pageant
The guest of honour at the Gawai celebration were Deputy Minister for Transport I, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil who represented Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Transport II, Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, Deputy Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development II (Regional Development), Martin Ben, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) chief executive officer (CEO), Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik and Miri Deputy Resident Juan Ubit.
