KUCHING: Eighteen-year-old Santha Nathalya, was crowned ‘Ratu Dayak’ Siol Kandis 2025 during a pre-Gawai dinner hosted by Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS), Siol Kandis branch.
Dressed in full ngepan indu, the traditional attire of Iban women, Santha impressed the judges with her poise, confidence and deep understanding of Iban customs.
Her ensemble featuring intricate beaded marik empang, a towering sugu headdress, and silver accessories such as ringgit coins and bracelets stood as symbols of the strong heritage and enduring strength of Iban womanhood.
Santha, a native of Kapit, took home RM3,000 in cash and an exclusive pair of handcrafted shoes worth RM1,000.
The win marks her second major cultural pageant title, following her recent victory at the Kumang Gawai Stutong competition.
“I’m incredibly grateful and moved to have received this title,” she said in an interview with Sarawak Tribune.
She admitted the competition was no easy feat, with segments testing participants on Iban cultural knowledge and performance skills such as berpantun (poetic duelling).
“Preparation is key. Confidence comes with practice and a deep understanding of our heritage,” she said, crediting her family, especially her elder sisters, as her main source of inspiration.
Though she had competed in pageants during her childhood, this is her first major win.
“Turning 18 felt like the right time to return—this time stronger and more prepared,” she said.
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue representing Iban women and promote traditional attire such as the ngepan indu beyond pageants, as a living symbol of strength and identity.
First runner-up was Vanessa Nawai Enteri, 26, from Kuching who received RM2,000, while second runner-up Michelle Albert, 23, from Betong took home RM1,000.
Far from being just a beauty contest, Ratu Dayak Siol Kandis served as a platform to honour Dayak heritage, empower women, and pass cultural wisdom to the next generation.
