Malaysia is a country rich in culture and diversity, and this was recently showcased by Sarawakian John Watson Tamin, who won the Mr Heritage International 2023 title for Malaysia at the pageant's finale in Manila, the Philippines.
Photo via Instagram (@john_watson_tamin)
The 31-year-old personal trainer beat 30 other contestants to win the crown and USD5,000 (approximately RM22,000) at the event held on 28 April.
John, who hails from Ulu Layar, Betong, is proud of his Iban heritage and was thrilled to showcase his culture to the world. In an Instagram post after the win, he wrote, "I will show the whole world what my traditional costume looks like. My culture has made me who I am today."
The Mr Heritage International pageant is not just about looks, but also emphasizes the contestants' knowledge of their heritage and culture.
John's win as best spokesperson, best personality, and best grand arrival demonstrates his understanding of and pride in his culture.
As an independent singer, song composer, producer, model, motivational speaker, and actor, John had never considered participating in a pageant before.
However, after winning the Mr Elegant Sarawak 2019 and Keling Raban Ngepan Iban culture-based pageant the same year, he decided to give an international competition a try. He eventually won the national Mister Glam Borneo title in 2022, which gave him the opportunity to represent Malaysia in the international finale.
Despite his success, John regretfully revealed that he had to fund his trip to the Philippines, accommodation, and other expenses from his own pocket.
He hopes that future competitors will receive the financial assistance they deserve to show moral support to fellow Sarawakians or Malaysians.
John's win is a testament to the beauty and importance of Malaysian culture…
It is essential to support and recognize those who represent our country and showcase our heritage to the world.
By doing so, we can preserve and promote our diverse culture for generations to come.
