The Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant is held to commemorate the spirit of Huminodun, that she was of total beauty of the heart, mind and soul. The title comes from the ethnic word "Runduk Tadau". In Rungus Language, Runduk means "to communicate", and Tadau means "the Sun". Thus, it can be interpreted as to communicate with God asking for the blessing of sunlight. Unduk Ngadau is one of the most recognisable cultural events in Sabah and the beauty pageant is unique to the state. Joanna Kitingan said, “the Unduk Ngadau winner is supposed to be able to exude a high degree of moral because they are representing the Kadazan, Dusun and Murut women. We are also looking at a winner who can be the role model to the younger generation and has a spirit of voluntarism in being willing to sacrifice her time for the community, besides being intelligent to ably present our country, culture and tourism to the world".
Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (1987–present)
Former editions (1960–1986)
Before the official title was changed, the pageant was called Miss Kadazan in the 60s, Miss Harvest Festival in the 70s and Ratu Pesta Menuai from 1980 to 1986. The title Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan began to be used from 1987 until present.
Miss Kadazan 1960–1970
Miss Harvest Festival 1971–1980
Ratu Pesta Menuai 1981–1986
Competition
Some districts hold joint pageants which produce more than one representative. Notably, Tuaran and Tamparuli hold a joint pageant with the winner going on to representing Tuaran, and the first runner-up representing Tamparuli. Beginning in 1995, Sabahans residing in Peninsular Malaysia was celebrating Kaamatan but the selection of the Unduk Ngadau for Klang Valley first held at 2000, which the winner was Angeline Ongkunik. The first winner who won the state crown representing Klang Valley was Daphne M. Iking in 2003. Then in the following year, Janeitha Stephen was a representative from Klang Valley as well, placed as the first runner up to Tamparuli's Fharelynne Ivonne Henry in 2004. Many of the Klang Valley representatives had their best placement in the competition: 2001, Ryna Rychie James, 2005, Susanna James Kenson, 2007, Jaslinder Kaur, 2008, Anne Marie Tauriq Khan, 2013, Ledesma Steven, 2014, Maylesthelyn Ley Matius, 2016, Patricia Elsa Jimy and 2017, Sharlina Gilbert Mojinun. In 2014, the state of Johor in Peninsular Malaysia has been included in the list for the final competition with condition the representative is of Sabahan KDMR descent. The first winner for Johor was Liz Lorena Rayner who placed as the 2nd runner up at the pageant. The state of Penang was also debuted in 2018. First won by Sherleni Madawal. Since 2012, the final question format has been changed where final contestants must answer two given questions in their mother tongue and in Bahasa Malaysia respectively. Eventually, Melinda Louis from Telupid was the first contestant ever who succeeded the newly formatted final round and she was crowned as Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2012. The state-level pageant is held on 31 May annually at the Hongkod Koisaan building or known as the KDCA building in Penampang, and is the highlight and ending point of the month-long Kaamatan celebrations.
