Dewi Liana: The Miss World Malaysia 2014 Who Proudly Represents the Bidayuh

 

The image of the Dayak people today is like Dewi Liana Seriestha: accomplished, wealthy, intelligent, and well-connected. Photo credit: Dewi Liana.

🌍 DAYAK TODAY  |  KUCHING, SARAWAK:  She is a household name in Malaysia, especially among her fellow Dayak people in West Borneo. Dewi Liana Seriestha, crowned Miss World Malaysia 2014, has made a name for herself not only in the world of beauty pageants but also in the realm of music and culture.

Born on September 7, 1989, in Kuching, Sarawak, this strikingly tall woman of mixed heritage —an Indonesian father and a Bidayuh mother —embodies the best of both worlds.

Who Are the Bidayuh?

The Bidayuh, also known as the Land Dayak, are one of the prominent Dayak subgroups. Their population is estimated at over 600,000, with about 200,000 residing in Malaysia —primarily in Samarahan, Serian, and Kuching. 

Read Dayak

In Indonesia, they are mainly concentrated in the districts of Sanggau and Bengkayang, with smaller communities in Sekadau, Ketapang, and Sambas.

Standing at 179 cm (5’10”) and weighing 66 kg (145 lbs), Dewi was passionate about the arts from an early age, particularly in music. She pursued her studies at the National Academy of Arts, Culture, and Heritage (ASWARA), specializing in classical vocal performance. Even before graduating, she had already begun reaping the rewards of her talent.

Her rise to fame, however, was not without controversy. When she competed in Miss World Malaysia 2014—and won—she became a national talking point in Malaysia, where pageants have faced religious and cultural scrutiny. Some mistakenly assumed she followed the country’s majority religion, which would have barred her from participating. But Dewi clarified in an interview with mStar Online that she has been a Catholic since birth, following her parents’ faith.

“I was honored to win Miss Malaysia World 2014, which qualified me to represent Malaysia at the Miss World competition in London that December. We underwent a month-long evaluation before the final crowning,” she said.

Dewi achieved a historic milestone, securing a place in the Top 20 (11th overall) with the “Performing Talent” title—a remarkable feat for Malaysia, which has participated in Miss World since 1962. Competing against 130 of the world’s most beautiful women, she shone with the motto: “We’re going to make you shine.” For the first time, a Dayak Bidayuh woman stood among the 20 most beautiful women in the world.

Read "Dayak" as a Standardized Term: A Unifying Identity

When asked by the judges to describe herself in five words, Dewi confidently responded: “Punctual, not a fake person, love nature, into family, multitalented.”

Despite her global fame, she remains deeply connected to her roots. 

“I like kampung food,” she said, referring to traditional village cuisine. 

For the Bidayuh, that often means dishes cooked in bamboo, known as pansuh. She also enjoys wearing Dayak attire. 

“It represents the Dayak community and who I am as a person. Though some disapprove of this ensemble, many feel proud that I have showcased Borneo to the world.”

A Voice Beyond Beauty Pageants

Dewi is not just a beauty queen; she is also an accomplished singer. In July 2014, she won five major categories at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Los Angeles—an extraordinary achievement that further cemented her reputation. Her powerful voice has earned her multiple awards, including:

• Winner of the Golden Dragon Award 2015 (Asia Outstanding Achievements Award 2015), where she performed at Pullman Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

• Vocalist Extraordinaire of the Year at the McMillan Woods Global Award 2018.

Her success proves that the Dayak people can shine on the international stage, not only making their community proud but also bringing honor to Malaysia as a whole.

Read Unpacking the Labeling of the Dayak in the Past

Dewi has released several albums, with two notable singles under Warner Music Malaysia: Seindah Berdua and I Love You, both of which she wrote herself. More than just romantic ballads, her songs are filled with deep life philosophy.

Curious to hear her voice? 

You can find her official music videos on YouTube, including Hati Tela —a true testament to the remarkable journey of a Bidayuh woman who has conquered both the stage and the world.

-- R. Masri Sareb Putra, M.A.