Teacher charms judges | The Star

KOTA KINABALU: Hyellene Danius has proven the adage “third time’s a charm” to be true.

The 27-year-old, who was just crowned Sabah’s 64th Unduk Ngadau during the Kaamatan Festival at Hongkod Koisaan on Friday, said winning the title surpassed her wildest dreams.

“I totally did not expect this. I was aiming for the top 15 only.

“So, when I made it to the top seven, it was beyond my expectations and I am truly touched to win this crown,” said the winner representing Inanam.

Beyond her beauty and elegance, Hyellene, a Bahasa Melayu teacher at SJK(C) Tsi Sin in Tenom, impressed the judges by fluently answering two questions in the Dusun language during the question and answer session.

As the first National Unduk Ngadau, following the elevation of the pageant from its state-level status this year, Hyellene shared her journey, having first joined the traditional beauty contest in 2016 in Tuaran.

After a six-year hiatus, she made another attempt in 2022, representing Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association Kota Kinabalu City Hall branch but did not make it to the finals.

“My team and I did a lot of research, and I would say I was better prepared this time,” she added.

Hyellene, who is from a Dusun Liwan tribe from Ranau, said she never had the chance to represent her own district.

“This year, I registered for the pageant in Inanam and won, qualifying for the next round. So winning the main title is really a bonus,” she said.

She took home prizes valued at RM100,000, a trophy and crown.

Thanks to her, the title returned to Inanam after six years. The last title was won by Hosiai Keewon in 2018.

Inanam has produced five Unduk Ngadau, and shared the ranking with Tanjung Aru as the fourth highest in terms of crown wins.

The youngest of nine siblings, Hyellene said she enjoyed teaching, especially subjects related to culture and arts.

“And of course, this Unduk Ngadau can also be part of culture and arts,” she added.

As a civil servant, she said she was determined to fulfil her new duty as the National Unduk Ngadau, without compromising her role as a teacher.

As an Unduk Ngadau, Hyellene will be required to promote Sabah’s culture, language and traditional costumes beyond the state.