Two Bruneians will represent the country at Mr & Miss Native Borneo 2026 this weekend, marking Brunei’s third appearance in the cultural pageant.
Actor and television host Pengiran Muhammad Nur Nazirul Mubin bin Pengiran Roslan, known as Ben Roslan, 31, and staff nurse Siti Nooraziemah binti Mohammad Noor, known as Ziemah Noor, 28, are both first-time participants. They will represent the Brunei Malay and Sang Jati Dusun communities respectively.
The pageant began in 2019 and is holding its sixth season, bringing together 18 male and 11 female finalists from Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan, Kalimantan, and Brunei. Activities are currently running and will culminate in a grand final on October 17.
According to the competition guide, contestants face closed-door judging in traditional attire, where they may be questioned about their clothing’s origins and cultural significance.
Presentation, confidence, and cultural knowledge contribute to selection for the next stage.
A separate Head-to-Head Challenge requires contestants to answer questions on culture, identity, advocacy, or current issues within one to two minutes, with the winner automatically securing a place in the Top 11.
Later rounds include a one-minute speech themed ‘Echoes of Culture, Heart for Community’, followed by a Top Seven question-and-answer round allowing up to two minutes and 30 seconds per response. Ben will present Brunei Malay attire associated with malam berbedak, featuring kain jongsarat and traditional accessories. Having participated in traditional dance, pencak silat, and pentarama since childhood, he hopes to introduce audiences to Brunei’s weaving heritage.
Despite initial concerns about facing experienced competitors, he said representing Brunei was already a source of pride, adding that winning and losing are part of any competition, and whatever the result, the aim remains to promote Brunei.
Ziemah will wear traditional attire associated with tamarok and Dusun celebrations, including Adau Gayoh, drawing attention to traditions in Bukit Udal, Tutong.
She hopes their participation will encourage younger Bruneians to take part in more cultural programmes. – Wardi Wasil
SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/WARDI WASIL
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