KUCHING (Sept 11): Dresses and gowns featuring pua kumbu fabric will be showcased at the upcoming MO Sarawak Gala Dinner 2024 in Miri on Sept 21.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the dinner will also feature the grand final of The Face MO Sarawak 2024 – Cycle 8, which aims to promote textiles and fashion based on pua kumbu and fashion in the tourism industry.

“The event will be documented with the aim of preserving the traditions and cultural elements of pua kumbu, a traditional art associated with the Dayaks particularly,” he told a press conference here today.

“This event will also be used as a platform to promote our country as the ‘Land of Beauty and Elegance’ and to create awareness about the diversity of economic resources through the fashion industry.”

He said the event also aims to educate today’s youths on the cultural practices and traditions of the Dayak community and promote them as a tourism attraction.

“The Face MO Sarawak 2024 competition will see all the 10 selected finalists parading Iban traditional costumes, amongst others.

“There will also be a pua kumbu showcase by master weaver Bangie Embol, and fashion show featuring the buri by fashion designer Mimie James, as well as the tenun fashion show by MO Sarawak,” he added.

RM3,000 and a tiara await the main prize winner, while the second and third place winners will receive RM2,000 and RM1,000 respectively as well as a tiara each.

There are also seven consolation prizes of RM200 each.

All 10 finalists will also receive a Takaful Kasih Plus protection plan.

Additionally, there are the Dara Dikerindu (Favourite Lady) and Pemanah Ngepan (Best Traditional Dress) prizes.

On a related matter, Snowdan said the MO Sarawak Gala Dinner 2024 will be the first organised with funding and support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.

He explained the Sarikei Dayak Talent Association and MO Event Management have been organising the dinner since 2010 with their own funds.

“I, as an elected representative, had also assisted them with some funding. Now since there are creative industry funds being made available by the ministry, I told them to apply for the funds. It is the first time that they applied for such funds and we give them our support,” he added.