Ageless Elegance

Second runner-up of Ms Elite Stellar World Malaysia Borneo 2024, 66-year-old Joanna Kitingan talks about her experience and journey throughout the pageant.

Defying age to shine on beauty pageant stage

Joanna Kitingan is 66 years old, but that does not stop her from going after her dreams.

This native of Tambunan, Sabah, was recently crowned the second runner-up and recipient of the Most Popular Award in the Ms Elite Stellar World Malaysia Borneo 2024 category during the finale night held in Kuching.

Joanna, the oldest competitor in the pageant, said she was inspired to challenge herself and realise her full potential through the competition’s emphasis on inclusivity.

“I entered this competition in an effort to uplift and encourage other Bornean ladies.

“To be honest, I would also like to experience what the beauty pageant competitors go through when they go on stage for question-and-answer sessions and other events.

“Just so you know, this is my first time competing in a beauty pageant outside of Sabah.

“I consider myself really privileged to be able to take part in this competition since it honours unity and diversity.

“Miss Ms Stellar World Malaysia Borneo 2024 is inclusive, allowing all women, regardless of age, height, or body shape, including those who wear hijabs, to enter this pageant,” said the mother of six.

Culture: The legacy of beauty

Joanna, who has served at the Sabah Museum for 41 years, said that the key motivation behind her advocacy is her experience and understanding of the importance of the community, particularly the younger generation, in protecting and preserving Sabah’s culture and heritage.

“In my opinion, our culture and heritage are a treasure trove of wisdom, beauty, and resilience that have been passed down through the generations.

“Our history, traditions, and values are woven together to form a tapestry that defines who we are and guides us into the future.

“Furthermore, beauty pageants are not new in Sabah.

“This competition is a strong and relevant platform for me to share with young people, who are the successors of Sabah’s legacy, the beauty of our culture and heritage,” said the former Sabah Museum director.

Joanna

Pageant: An excellent way to appreciate cultural beauty

Joanna, who is also the chairwoman of the Sabah state-level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK), said pageants are just one of the many ways a nation may honour its rich cultural legacy.

Therefore, she said, there is no such thing as “too late” for her to join Miss Ms Stellar World Malaysia Borneo 2024.

“Even though the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan competition has been held for the past 64 years, it remains relevant today. From small beginnings at the village, district, and state levels, this competition has now grown to national recognition.

“The Unduk Ngadau, or beauty queens, must possess not only physical beauty but also the knowledge, abilities, and inherited customs of the Kadazan Dusun community to ensure the richness and distinctiveness of the culture endure over time, even in the current trend of modernisation.

“They also serve as spokespersons, showcasing Sabah’s rich cultural legacy to a global audience.

“The Unduk Ngadau contest is the heart of the Kaamatan Festival — a cultural show representing each district in the Land Below the Wind, each with its own uniqueness,” she said.

She added that to ensure irrelevant parties do not misuse the Unduk Ngadau name, UNK has registered Unduk Ngadau with MyIPO.

Joanna

The history of Unduk Ngadau

According to Joanna, Unduk Ngadau used to be known as the Kadazan-Dusun cultural parade.

It later evolved into a contest to diversify the culture and heritage of the people, reflecting the openness of the Sabahans.

“The legend of Huminodun symbolises obedience, willingness, volunteering, and sacrifice for the good of others; this is what the participants learn from the Unduk Ngadau.

“Maintaining the spirit of Huminodun remains the core of the pageant, despite its over 60-year history and numerous modifications.

“It is still relevant today and is loved by the people of Sabah, while also elevating Unduk Ngadau to a certain level,” she pointed out.

As a result, Joanna, who also serves as chairperson of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Women Council, said that the beauty pageant will continue to take place in the future since it provides a forum for enhancing harmony among Sabahans from diverse backgrounds and for empowering the next generation.

A tribute to Kimi Tomas

The Sabahan beauty queen thanked Miss Ms Stellar World Malaysia Borneo 2024 director, Kimi Tomas, from the bottom of her heart for introducing the Elite category, which was especially created for seniors like her.

“Kimi’s efforts are extraordinary, and for me, it is her greatest gift to the women of Borneo.

“She gave me the opportunity to be the queen of hearts. Without her encouragement, I would never have known how to walk on stage and be a pageant queen, walking like a model at the age of 66 with all the young contestants.

“Being a part of this pageant, which is so inclusive regardless of age, body shape, or height, has taught me a lot. I feel proud to have won the titles, which I believe will help me go further.

“But in my opinion, what matters are the experiences I have had — particularly the coaching and stage experiences — and, most importantly, getting to know Kimi as our Borneo director,” she said.