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A composite picture of Gloria (left) and Joyce.Advertisement
By Amanda L
KUCHING, June 1: Being crowned Kumang Gawai Dayak Sibu 2026 and Lulong Gawai Dayak Sibu 2026, respectively, marked a significant milestone for Gloria Malong, 27, and Joyce Elysa Jantum, 23. Yet beyond the titles and accolades, both women see their achievement as an opportunity to champion Iban culture and heritage among younger generations.
For Gloria and Joyce, the competition was not simply a celebration of beauty and grace, but an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Iban culture and strengthen their role as advocates for its preservation.
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While Joyce is widely recognised on social media for her viral Ngajat videos showcasing intricate choreography and traditional Iban dance styles, and Gloria is known for her confidence and leadership, both share a common belief that cultural heritage must be actively nurtured and passed on to future generations.
For them, the annual Kumang Gawai pageant serves as far more than a contest of poise and appearance. Instead, it provides a platform for cultural learning, personal growth and community engagement.
Gloria’s journey began with the customs, stories and values she grew up with. Having been immersed in Iban culture since childhood, she viewed the competition as an opportunity to celebrate an identity that had long shaped her life.
“I see this competition not merely as a beauty pageant, but as a platform for the younger generation to appreciate and celebrate their cultural identity with pride,” she said.
The experience, she added, helped her better understand herself and reinforced her belief that beauty is defined not only by appearance, but also by character, knowledge and respect for one’s heritage.
Joyce arrived at a similar conclusion through a different path. Her passion for Iban culture first found expression through Ngajat, where her performances drew widespread attention online. But behind the viral clips was a desire to share something deeper about her community.
“I truly love and respect Iban culture and traditions, and I want to contribute towards keeping our heritage alive and known to the wider public,” she said, adding that participating in the pageant became another avenue through which she could tell that story.
In preparing for the competition, both women discovered that culture extends beyond what is seen on stage. What began as pageant preparation soon became an immersive lesson in history, tradition and identity.
They spent time learning about traditional attire, the symbolism behind cultural accessories, the significance of Pua Kumbu weaving, and the customs and values that have been passed down through generations.
For Gloria, conversations with elders and cultural practitioners revealed the importance of safeguarding traditions that risk being forgotten over time.
“The more I learned about Iban heritage, the more I came to appreciate the responsibility that comes with preserving it,” she said.
Joyce’s experience was similarly transformative. Through learning about Iban history, handicrafts and performing arts, she gained a stronger understanding of her roots and a renewed sense of pride in her identity.
That growing appreciation also changed how both women viewed the role of an Iban woman in contemporary society.
Before entering the pageant, Gloria said she regarded culture largely as an inheritance. Today, she sees it as a responsibility.
“I believe an Iban woman embodies more than beauty alone, but also grace, wisdom, resilience and a commitment to preserving cultural heritage,” she said.
Joyce echoed that sentiment, saying the competition broadened her understanding of what it means to represent her community.
“It has made me more aware of and proud of my roots, customs and culture. I now realise that an Iban woman is not only recognised for her beauty, but also for her knowledge, strength of character, integrity and ability to be a positive role model,” she said.
Their experiences have also challenged the notion that tradition and modernity exist in opposition to one another.
As members of a generation shaped by social media and global influences, both acknowledge the pressures that can pull young people away from their cultural roots. Yet they see those same platforms as opportunities rather than obstacles.
Gloria believes modern tools can be harnessed to introduce cultural traditions to wider audiences, while Joyce’s own experience with viral Ngajat performances demonstrates how digital platforms can spark interest in indigenous culture among younger generations.
Maintaining that balance has not always been easy. Joyce recalled juggling academic commitments, daily responsibilities and pageant preparations, while Gloria spoke of navigating a world where traditional values can sometimes be overshadowed by contemporary trends.
Still, both emerged from the experience convinced that cultural heritage could continue to thrive when it is embraced rather than sidelined, and that belief underpins their view of the Kumang Gawai pageant itself.
Far from being merely a cultural showcase, they regard it as an important educational platform that encourages younger generations to learn about the Iban language, customs, history and values. More importantly, it creates a space where cultural knowledge can be shared and passed on.
As role models within their respective communities, both women hope their journeys will encourage more young people to take pride in their heritage and play an active role in preserving it.
Their advice to future participants reflects the lessons they themselves have learned: enter with sincerity, seek knowledge, embrace your roots and remember that confidence is strengthened by understanding who you are and where you come from.
For Gloria and Joyce, the titles they now carry are more than honours bestowed during the Gawai season. They are reminders of a responsibility they both readily embrace — to ensure that the stories, customs and values inherited from previous generations continue to live on through the next. — DayakDaily
English (US) ·