Who’s the winner of UB Iban speaking contest today?

KUCHING: Nineteen participants will compete in the grand final of Utusan Borneo Iban Language Public Speaking Competition today, commencing at 8am.

TobeheldatTeachersEducational Training College Batu Lintang here, the competition is divided into three categories namely Under 17, Under 35 and Open.

Following the conclusion of the draw session at Kingwood Hotel here yesterday, participants in the Under 17 category – according to their slot number – are Joseph Anja, Bella Irina Rebi John, Siaw Mei Hua, Aderina Miloh, Jelemin Jatan and Charisma Antai.

The six Under- 35 contestants are Tracy Layau William Dambol, Brolin Golayous, Nicholas Beliang Engkabi, Sabri Langgai Pelin, Debra Simoi and Erica Leenya Eben.

Seven will compete in the Open category, and they are Jasmine Lyn Jap, Erin Bela Sigie, Suda Lunyong, Sila Robin, Micheal Bandang, Maria Kilat and Alessandra Tangai.

According to event organsing chairman Churchill Edward Drem some of the participants came from as far as Song, Saratok, Betong, Engkilili and Sri Aman. The rest are from here, Samarahan, and Serian.

“The competition is our small contribution in helping to preserve the Iban language and providing a platform for youths to exchange ideas and improve their general knowledge on culture, racial identity and tradition,” he said.

The winner of each category will walk away with RM2,500, a trophy and books donated by authors Steven Beti Anom and Jantan Umbat as well as those published by Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (Mais).

Those placing second and third will bring home RM1,500 and RM1,000, respectively, besides trophies and books. Those placing fourth, fifth and sixth will each receive RM200 while the seventh-placed contestant in the Open category will receive RM100.

Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan will officiate at the opening ceremony at 10am.