A Night of Heritage, Pride & Leadership RTK 2026 Homecoming Dinner Celebrates Sabah's Rising Cultural Ambassadors By Favstyle Magazine | Writer On-The-Go

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In a heartfelt celebration of culture, achievement, and community spirit, the Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan (RTK) 2026 Homecoming Dinner brought together Sabah's brightest young cultural ambassadors for an evening filled with pride, reflection, and inspiration.

Hosted at the elegant E-West Restaurant, the prestigious gathering united the newly crowned RTK 2026 winners alongside the esteemed Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2026 queens, creating a symbolic showcase of Sabah's rich cultural heritage and the promising future of its youth leadership.

More than a celebration of victory, the evening served as a tribute to courage, identity, and the enduring spirit of the Kaamatan tradition, where culture continues to inspire a new generation of leaders.

A Historic Victory for the Murut Community

Standing proudly at the pinnacle of RTK 2026 was Dyeneley Daud, a 19-year-old from Kg. Kabangawong, Nabawan, who etched his name into the history books as the first Murut contestant to win the coveted title.

The achievement resonated far beyond the competition stage, becoming a proud moment for the Murut community and a powerful symbol of inclusivity within Sabah's multicultural landscape.


RTK 2026 winner, first Murut to win from Nabawan

Humbled by the recognition, Dyeneley described the victory as one of the greatest honours of his life. He expressed profound gratitude to his parents, siblings, teachers, and supporters who encouraged him to step beyond his comfort zone and embrace the opportunity.

As the eighth child in a family of nine, Dyeneley's journey reflects resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to personal growth. Currently pursuing teacher training studies, he hopes to use his platform to inspire younger generations while contributing meaningfully to education and cultural preservation.

Championing Language and Identity

Securing the position of First Runner-Up was Bryan Niccolson Jacob, 22, from Kg. Magatang, Keningau.

As the eldest sibling and only son in a family of five, Bryan carried the hopes and encouragement of his loved ones throughout the competition.

Currently pursuing a Degree in Education at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK), majoring in Bahasa Kadazandusun, Bryan has dedicated himself to preserving one of Sabah's most treasured cultural assets: its language.


2nd placement, Dusun from Keningau

In an increasingly globalised world where indigenous languages face the risk of decline, Bryan's commitment represents a vital effort to safeguard cultural identity. His ambition extends beyond academic achievement, aspiring to inspire future generations to embrace and preserve their mother tongue with pride.

His journey serves as a reminder that language is more than communication. It is heritage, memory, and the living voice of a community.

From the Skies to the Spotlight

Completing the distinguished Top Three was Daniel Chrionie Taning, 30, representing the Tamparuli district.

Hailing from Kg. Tagas, Tuaran, Daniel's participation marked his first experience in the competition, making his achievement even more remarkable.

A professional flight attendant with AirAsia, Daniel is accustomed to welcoming passengers from around the world while travelling above the clouds. Yet stepping onto the RTK stage presented a completely different challenge, one that required courage, confidence, and authenticity.


3rd place from Tamparuli

His successful journey from cabin crew professional to cultural ambassador reflects the versatility and ambition of Sabah's modern generation. Through his participation, Daniel demonstrated that embracing new opportunities often leads to extraordinary personal growth.

Shaping Future Leaders Through Culture

Behind the success of RTK stands a dedicated team led by Casey Jovial, Director and Chairperson of RTK 2026.

Reflecting on the competition's journey, Casey shared that RTK was founded in 2008 by Walter Misir and Martin Buguk, with the objective of cultivating leadership among Sabah's young men while celebrating cultural identity.


Writer On-The-Go Lorena Binisol also the editor of FavWrite interview with the RTK TOP 3 Winner together with Casey Jovial, Director and Chairperson of RTK 2026.





Interestingly, Casey's own story is deeply intertwined with the competition. Having competed in 2010, 2011, and 2016, he later transitioned from contestant to organiser, assuming leadership responsibilities in 2017.

Since then, he has worked tirelessly to elevate RTK's profile and strengthen its impact on Sabah's youth.

Unlike Unduk Ngadau, which draws inspiration from the legendary sacrifice of Huminodun, RTK was established with a distinct mission: to develop confident, capable, and culturally grounded young leaders prepared to contribute meaningfully to society and nation-building.


Favstyle Magazine | Essentials Editor-in-Chief together with Omar Willie - MY KKCity group photo with TOP 3 winner of RTK and Casey Jovial, Director and Chairperson of RTK 2026.


"Bravery in decision-making is one of our missions," Casey shared, highlighting the values that continue to guide the competition's evolution.

Celebrating the Future of Sabah

As the evening drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with optimism and pride.

The RTK 2026 Homecoming Dinner was not merely a reunion of winners and organisers. It was a celebration of heritage, leadership, and the enduring strength of community.

Through individuals like Dyeneley, Bryan, and Daniel, Sabah's cultural traditions continue to find new voices and fresh perspectives. Their journeys embody the spirit of a generation that honours its roots while confidently embracing the future.


Sabah KOL Media Alliance -KOL Belida Faith Willie together with Omar Willie - MY KKCity group photo with TOP 3 winner of RTK and Casey Jovial, Director and Chairperson of RTK 2026.



In a world that moves rapidly toward modernity, events such as RTK serve as powerful reminders that culture remains one of society's greatest treasures, connecting past, present, and future through the leaders who carry its legacy forward.

Photography & Coverage: Favstyle Magazine
Official Media Partner: Favstyle Magazine

Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

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