Miss Universe Malaysia 2017 is on its verge of conclusion, and in about a week, a new winner will be crowned. The theme of this year’s Miss Universe Malaysia pageant is “Hip, Urban, Relevant and Real”, and based on this, one of the 18 finalists of the Miss Universe Malaysia 2017 pageant will be crowned as the winner.
Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation (MUMO) national director and Miss Universe Malaysia 2003 Elaine Daly said that the finalists made up the many ethnic groups in the country and included two national sportswomen — a national fencer, Laura Simon, and sprinter, Tanalaksiumy. “When I was a mentor to former Miss Universe Malaysia Carey Ng in 2013, I was not able to witness the whole process. The difference this time around is that I get to see them from the beginning until they’re transformed into individuals in a league of their own.”
The contestants also shared their experience so far and expressed their excitement of being one of the finalists. 23 year old Savina Vanan said that she has been part of children’s pageant when she was young, but to compete at Miss Universe Malaysia pageant has always been a dream. Savina, who is a marketing associate, says that her mental strength has been her biggest strength.
21 year old Samantha Katie James, who is also an actress and a model, is trying her luck for the second time at the pageant. She shared her childhood experience and says that she has been bullied as a child and was sent to live with different families and have travelled the world as a model. Standing tall at 173cm, Samantha feels that her height could be a disadvantage, but she looks up to Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, who has been her role model. James said giving up eating whatever she craved as one of the challenges being in the pageant.
20 year old Michelle Soin shared that her initial fear was telling her parents that she wants to join beauty pageant. Michelle said that she has learnt to appreciate the small things in life now, since contestants were required to attend pageant sessions without their phones.
21 year old Gina Phillips shared that it was her elder sister who sparked her interest to audition for the pageant. Phillips said that she was so nervous about the pageant that she was keeping her nerves in check. “It has not been easy. My biggest fear is that I will not be able to work through my nerves. There have been times when I could not deliver my best because of this. I’ve come a long way to learn how to manage my nerves, but I’m still worried that they’ll affect my ability to perform.”
22 year old Jaspreet Kaur believes her mother is her role model. “She has influenced my life and helped shape my personality. My mother is a strong woman who had gone through many obstacles in her life to raise her children with good education and manners.”
Miss Universe Malaysia is the longest running pageant in Malaysia, and the coronation night of Miss Universe Malaysia 2017 will be announced at Majestic Hotel on Feb 23.
