Sylvia Thomas 'Dayung Iyang Biatah 2011'

A trainee teacher with the Institut Perguruan Batu Lintang, Sylvia Thomas, 19, (contestant No.5)

defeated nine other finalists to win the first “Dayung Iyang Biatah Gawai 2011’ beauty title.

This lass from Kampung Semadang along Jalan Puncak Borneo brought home RM3,000 cash prize, a trophy, a certificate and hampers sponsored by Nestle.

The penal of three judges - lawyer Aini Solep, former Kumang Gawai Teresa Gindang and Jimas Alexander were impressed not only with Slyvia’s natural beauty but also her intelligence in answering a question asked during the competition, as well as the costumes she wore and her pose/personality.

The first runner-up title went to Priscilla Hyginus, 23, of Kampung Simpok, Padawan, a project executive with a private firm in Kuching. She received RM2,000 cash prize, a trophy, certificate and hampers.

Second runner-up also went to another contestant from Kampung Simpok, Angelicia De Rozario, 23, a first year student at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).

Angelicia received RM1,000 cash, a trophy, a certificate and hampers.

The seven consolation prize winners who received RM300 cash prize each are Karen Christabel, 21, Alvina Grifti, 25, Grancyllie Dollin, 22, Wina Uding, 21, Debbie David, 19, Racheal Emmilia, 18, and Cynthia Jingom, 20,

Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit crowned the champion - “Dayung Iyang Biatah 2011” while State Assemblyman for Tarat Roland Sagah crownd the first and second runner-up winners.

A total of 52 participants entered the beauty contest but only ten were selected to compete in the final held on May 7 at Wei Thian Restaurant in Siburan.

The contestants were judged base on their beauty which will carry 50 marks, costumes (20%), intelligence (20%) and pose/personality (10%).

The anaugural event, theme “Unity Through Culture” is jointly organised by the Bidayuh (Biatah) Community Association, Biparuh Association, Penyewa Association and the Bisapug Association in conjunction with this year’s Gawai Dayak celebration.

Some 900 guests attended the event which was also a pre-Gawai dinner.

Apart from the beauty contest, the event also showcase the Bidayuh Biatah cultural dances “Rejang Sadis’ performed by Kampung Git cultural troupe, ‘Rejang Rami’ from Kampung Sg. Duuh cultural troupe and original ‘Rejang Bauh’ performed by two elders from the Kampung Simpok.

Before the beauty contest started guests were entertained by three Bidayuh artists - champion of a reality show ‘Pilih Kasih 2’ Livonia Ricky Guing, AF7 finalist Claudia Geres and Bintang RTM 2005 champion Felicia Gek who sung three songs each.