MIRI: A contestant representing the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) emerged champion of the Ngarum Pewun @ Voice of Borneo 2026 Contest, one of the flagship events of the ongoing Taste of Borneo (TOB) 4.0 Cultural Carnival, as organisers were praised for strengthening cultural unity across Borneo.
Bronika Kaya, 49, a Lun Bawang, captured the championship title, taking home RM800 in cash, a trophy and a certificate of participation.
The first runner-up title went to Elyonie Livan Laing, 27, of Kayan-Iban parentage representing the Dayak Association Miri, while Steven Ngau, 37, a Kayan representing Persatuan Kayan Sarawak, finished second runner-up.
The winners were announced during the finale officiated by Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak (Riverine and Marine) and Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep.
Speaking at the event, Henry described Taste of Borneo as a powerful platform that showcases the richness of Borneo’s multicultural heritage while strengthening unity among its diverse communities.
He commended the organisers for bringing together 23 ethnic associations, saying the collaboration reflected the spirit of solidarity that defines Sarawak.
“Bringing together 23 associations under one platform is not an easy task. Yet this festival has demonstrated to Miri, Sarawak, Borneo and Malaysia that we remain united despite our different cultures, religions and races.”
He noted that the fourth edition of the festival had expanded beyond Malaysia by welcoming participation from Kalimantan, Brunei, Sabah and China’s Yunnan Province, further enhancing Taste of Borneo’s profile as an international cultural celebration.
He also congratulated the organisers for earning another Malaysia Book of Records recognition after the festival’s opening street parade on July 1, which was recognised as the Most Ethnic Associations in a Parade.
The latest achievement follows two previous Malaysia Book of Records titles secured during Taste of Borneo Cultural Carnival 3.0 in 2024 for the Most Ethnic Dialect Greetings on a Unity Bridge and the Most Ethnic Crafts Displayed at an Event, featuring 504 traditional craft exhibits.
During the ceremony, Miri DBNA chairman Simon Ilus presented Henry with a commemorative publication documenting all 504 traditional crafts that contributed to the record-breaking achievement in 2024.
Henry described the publication as an important record of Sarawak’s cultural heritage and praised the continued efforts to preserve indigenous traditions for future generations.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Simon, programme director Nancy Roba Ribid, Taste of Borneo 4.0 organising chairman Jade Lim and Sarawak Cultural Association president Harry Lee Tian Song, whose organisations spearheaded the successful staging of the festival.
Addressing the contestants, Henry said everyone who had qualified for the final had already achieved something significant.
“The moment you registered and earned your place in the finals, you had already overcome fear and shown the determination to face challenges. In many ways, each of you is already a winner.”
To support the continuation of cultural programmes organised by Miri DBNA, Henry also announced a grant for the association.
Besides the top three winners, Norhayatidewi Zaini finished fourth, followed by Raphael Gau John in fifth place. Candy Chin, Mahadi Mohamad, Erwin Mambang, Lawing Luat, Stefan Norbert, Damien Paren Raymond, Adam Kuddi Romi, Raymos Samsik and Sarihat completed the list of finalists.
The competition offered cash prizes, trophies and certificates for the top winners, alongside special awards for Best Performance and Best Dress, recognising both vocal excellence and the celebration of Borneo’s vibrant cultural attire.
Taste of Borneo 4.0, which began on July 1 with a colourful street parade and was officially launched by the Premier on July 4, has become one of northern Sarawak’s premier cultural festivals, bringing together communities from across Borneo to celebrate their shared heritage through music, dance, crafts, food and tradition.
