Hannah Dahlim’s path to becoming Miss Legend Universal 2024 champion is a remarkable story of strength, identity, and cultural pride. From Miri, a melting pot of diverse cultures, to the international stage, she has carried her Kedayan heritage with honour, representing not just herself but the entire Kedayan community.
Promoting Borneo on the global stage
When Hannah stepped onto the global stage, draped in her Kedayan traditional attire, she wasn’t just competing — she was introducing the world to a piece of Borneo’s rich cultural tapestry.
The response was overwhelming. Judges and contestants alike were intrigued by the Kedayan culture, prompting her to proudly share their history, language, and resilience.
“I wasn’t simply representing myself; I was standing as a proud representative of the Kedayan people, a minority ethnic group in Borneo.
“With every move of my performance, blending traditional Kedayan dances with those of Sarawak’s diverse heritage, I told a story. It was a story of culture, identity, and belonging.
“For the first time, I felt that my culture — our story — was being heard and celebrated on a global stage,” this Miri-born beauty queen shared with Sarawak Tribune.
According to Hannah, winning the title of Miss Legend Universal Global 2024 wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a victory for her community and for all the people of Sarawak.
Overcoming challenges, building sisterhood
The journey to the crown, however, was not without its challenges. Language barriers were among the first hurdles she encountered.
With contestants from across the globe, many spoke English, but their unique accents sometimes made it hard to understand one another.
Instead of letting this divide them, Hannah said they, the contestants, turned it into an opportunity to bond. Laughter became their universal language, and mutual respect bridged the gaps.
Another challenge, she said, was the intense schedule during the pageant week.
“Rehearsals started as early as 7am and often stretched past midnight. Exhaustion was a constant companion, but so was joy.
“These moments of shared struggle and triumph forged a sisterhood that transcended cultural boundaries.
“One of the most heartwarming aspects of this journey, to me, was the cultural exchange. Each contestant brought a piece of their homeland to share, from gifts to traditional stories.
“For me, the highlight was a visit to an old folks’ home. Together, we sang, danced, and spent time with the elderly, bringing smiles to their faces. These moments reminded me that kindness and compassion are universal values that unite us all,” she explained.
Championing heritage, empowering single mothers
Winning the crown has not only spotlighted Hannah’s achievements but also transformed perceptions of the Kedayan community and Borneo itself.
For too long, the Kedayan people have remained in the shadows, their vibrant culture unknown to many.
Hannah, with pride, stepped into the spotlight to inspire others to embrace their heritage and share it with the world.
As a small but resilient community, she believed the Kedayan people are educated, strong, and capable of leaving a lasting impact.
Growing up in Miri, a melting pot of cultures, shaped her understanding of beauty and strength. She learned that true beauty lies in authenticity and that our cultural heritage makes us unique.
“It was my mother, however, who instilled in me the values of resilience and determination.
“My mother is a single parent who faced life’s challenges with courage and grace. When my father passed away, she became the anchor of our family, working tirelessly to provide for us.
“Her strength inspired me to believe in my own potential. Through her, I learned that adversity is not a barrier but a stepping stone to success.
“It is because of her unwavering support that I stand here today, not only as her daughter but as a role model for others who come from similar backgrounds,” she pointed out.
Now, as Miss Legend Universal Global 2024 winner, Hannah aimed to use her platform to promote awareness of Kedayan culture and support single mothers.
She was inspired to collaborate with Kedayan cultural organisations to bring their heritage into the spotlight, whether through events, pageantry, or educational initiatives.
For single mothers, she said, her goal was to create a network of support.
“Motherhood, especially as a single parent, requires unparalleled strength and resilience. Yet, too often, these women face judgement rather than support.
“I want to build communities where single mothers can find emotional and psychological comfort, a sense of belonging, and the resources they need to thrive,” she noted.
Mentor’s influence
Hannah attributed much of her success to her mentor and pageant director, Kimi Tomas.
Kimi, she said, was a trailblazer — a true wonder woman of Borneo — as she transformed her own success as a beauty queen into a platform for empowering others, organising pageants, and creating opportunities for women to shine.
“When I first attempted to enter a pageant and didn’t succeed, Kimi refused to let me give up. She saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet discovered in myself.
“Kimi taught me that success in pageantry is about more than beauty; it’s about purpose.
“She reminded me to always present myself with character and pride, especially when introducing myself as someone from Sarawak, from Borneo.
“Her most valuable advice that I kept close to my heart till this day was to stay focused on my vision and values, no matter the challenges or criticism I might face.
“She emphasised the importance of maintaining integrity and using my platform to create meaningful change,” Hannah stressed.
One of the most significant lessons she learned from Kimi was that true beauty comes from within. It is measured by the positive impact we make on others and the authenticity with which we live our lives.
Kimi’s commitment to her role as a mentor, advocate, and leader inspired Hannah every day.
As she carried her legacy forward, Hannah was determined to continue promoting Borneo on the global stage and amplifying the voices of the Kedayan community.
“My dream project as Miss Legend Universal Global 2024 winner is to create a platform that celebrates cultural diversity and empowers women from all walks of life.
“I want to organise events that showcase the unique traditions of Borneo, provide support networks for single mothers, and educate the public about the beauty of cultural heritage.
“Through these initiatives, I hope to leave a lasting impact that extends beyond the pageant world,” she said.
To Hannah, the crown was more than a symbol of victory; it was a responsibility.
It represented her commitment to uplifting her community, inspiring others, and continuing the legacy of those who paved the way for her.
“To every single mother, every young girl dreaming of a brighter future, and every member of the Kedayan community: this journey is for you.
“The story of the Kedayan people — and my story — is just beginning, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve together,” Hannah said.
Her journey is more than a tale of winning a crown; it’s a story of breaking barriers, celebrating heritage, and inspiring others to embrace their identity.
As a proud Kedayan and global icon, she has set the stage for a legacy of empowerment and cultural pride.
May Hannah’s future endeavours shine as brilliantly as her unwavering spirit, amplifying the voice of her community and inspiring the world through her boundless purpose and passion.
