BORNEO ISLAND: HOME OF ORANG UTAN AND HORNBILL: Miss Malaysia and Miss Talent is from Kpg Tematu, Kuching

It was Dewi’s first official return to the village where she was raised ever since she was crowned Miss Talent at the Miss World finals last month in London. En route, she was crowned Miss Malaysia World 2014 on September last year to earn the finalist ticket to London.

Before she made her public appearance, excitement mounted as villagers gathered as early as 7pm to attend a Catholic New Year mass at the church situated just beside the village hall.

The New Year’s Day countdown was organised at the village hall after the mass as humble folks filled the hall immediately to catch a glimpse of their princess in her own village.

According to villagers, the New Year’s Day countdown was also an initiative of the Kampung Tematu Village Hall’s Recreation, Users and Management Club to welcome Dewi back to the village after her unprecedented success for state and nation.

Speaking to The Borneo Post during the event, club and event organising chairman John Pata James commented that he was glad that Dewi chose to spend New Year’s Eve with her villagers despite her busy schedule.

“Having Dewi spending time with her villagers just weeks after her great achievement for the country was indeed historical for this village. There is no doubt that her fellow villagers here are very proud of her,” he added.

Before the countdown, Dewi had dinner with the villagers and sang a few numbers on stage to entertain them, not before giving a speech of appreciation to the home folk for their tremendous support.

While one would expect the homecoming queen to join slick city revellers in the night lights of metropolitan Kuching, she confessed there was no other better place in mind than spending New Year’s Day with her family and relatives at Kampung Tematu.

“It is nice to be back home as I have been busy ever since I was crowned Miss Talent. I feel relaxed here and I guess it would be great to have a day of rest or two here before I continue my work,” she said.

Also at the event was Pemanca Liu Thian Liong who attended the event on behalf of Local Government and Community Minister Wong Soon Koh.

On behalf of Wong, he handed over a cheque worth RM15,000 to the Kampung Tematu Village Hall’s Recreation, Users and Management Club to help them with future activities.

Liu too personally donated RM3,000 to the club before the event, to help the club organise the New Year countdown at the village.

Miss Malaysia Dewi Liana Seriestha (front) parades during the grand finals of the Miss World 2014 pageant at the Excel London ICC Auditorium in London. — AFP photo

KUCHING: Miss Malaysia World 2014 Dewi Liana Seriestha has become the first Malaysian to win the Miss Talent subsidiary title at the Miss World 2014 finals in London on Sunday.

The 25-year-old Sarawakian wowed judges and the audience at Excel London ICC Auditorium as well as millions watching at home with her powerhouse vocals during a live ‘sing-off’ at the glitzy pageant with Miss Scotland Ellie McKeating, who also chose to showcase her talent with traditional gaelic vocals.

Dewi, a passionate classical opera singer, sang ‘Don Juan Triumphant’ from renowned musical ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, defeating McKeating and 120 other contestants from around the world.

“I chose to sing this song because I know it best compliments my talent. At the same time, it is also to show the love I have for classical music and showcase everything that I have learnt throughout my vocal class,” she told The Borneo Post when contacted yesterday.

Though Dewi emerged triumphant in this challenge, she admitted that she initially thought that McKeating would win Miss Talent.

“Miss Scotland was a strong competitor and the judges really did have a difficult time between the two of us. But fate was on my side, and I’m thankful for winning this for Malaysia.”

On her overall experience at the international beauty pageant, Dewi described it as surreal.

“I’ve always loved performing but to be able to do it in front of a world stage is truly remarkable and amazing.

“I can say that this experience will stay with me for as long as I live.

“I’m still trying to come to terms with everything but I’m truly happy. God made me win for a reason and that reason is to definitely inspire others with the gift of music,” said the down-to-earth lass who also made it to the Top 25 finalists at the finals.

The coveted title of Miss World 2014 went to Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss, a 22-year-old fourth-year medical student who was crowned by outgoing Miss World Megan Young of the Philippines.

The first runner-up went to Miss Hungary Edina Kulscar, while Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit came in third during the 64th annual beauty pageant.

Rounding up the Top 10 finalists were Miss Australia Courtney Thorpe, Miss England Carina Tyrrell, Miss Guyana Rafieya Husain, Miss Mexico Daniela Alvarez Reyes, Miss Brazil Julia Gama, Miss Kenya Idah Nguma, and Miss India Koyal Rana.

Meanwhile, Bung Bratak Heritage Association president Dato Peter Minos said the Miss Talent won by Dewi Liana proved that Malaysia in fact has many talented people but, for various reasons, they are either not noticed or not given the chance to prove themselves or overlooked in shabby treatment.

Congratulating Dewi Liana for the win, he said the 25-year-old from Kampung Tematu near here, had shown to the world that she is very talented in singing in addition to modelling and dancing, and not merely a pretty face.

“Just like Pandelela Rinong from Kampung Jugan who won bronze in London Olympics in 2012, Dewi is making the Bidayuh community proud and happy by shining on the world stage.

“She is the pride of Sarawak and Malaysia,” said Minos, a former president of Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA).