SIBU: Two sisters became the dazzling stars of the show, clinching beauty pageant titles the M.O Sarawak Gala Night 2023 last night (Oct 28).
Clara Amanda Buyong, a 22-year-old student at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), claimed the ‘Kumang’ title, while her younger sister, Cindy Claudia Buyong, 19, secured third place and was crowned ‘Selinggar Matahari.’
Clara outshone eight other finalists, earning various prizes, including RM3,000 in cash, a crown, sash, and a trophy.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank my family, friends, and everyone who contributed and supported me up to this point. I am truly honoured to have won the title tonight; I did not expect it.
“My biggest challenge was dealing with myself, specifically managing my emotions and negative thoughts. Thank God, I managed to control them,” she said.
Meanwhile, Cindy received a cash prize of RM1,000 along with a crown, sash, and a trophy.
Cindy also won the ‘Dara Dikerindu’ (Favorite Contestant) and ‘Pemanah Ngepan’ (Most Beautiful Iban Traditional Costume) categories.
“This was my first time participating in Kumang, and I am proud of my accomplishments. It was all made possible through the unwavering support of my family.
“Truth be told, I was quite nervous about winning multiple titles during my inaugural experience,” said Cindy, who is currently pursuing further studies in Kuala Lumpur.
The second place in the M.O Sarawak Gala Night 2023 went to Priscilla Sidi, 20, who was given the title of ‘lulong’ and received RM2,000 along with a crown, sash, and a trophy.
Among those present were the State Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan and his wife Datin Melinda Claudia Bucking-Lawan, Borneo MA Smart Vendors Sdn Bhd Chairman Alexander Kadir Dato, Sarawak M.O founder Asat Nawin and others.
