Haylani Kuruppu, former Miss Samoa, was designated as Miss Global Samoa 2023 by Vodafone Samoa in September 2023. With the official announcement, Haylani prepared her best and is now currently representing Samoa at Miss Global 2023.
Haylani is a social worker, a fitness trainer and an author of the book titled ‘Haylanni: The Journey to Miss Samoa’. She made history as the first Miss Samoa to have published a book during her tenure. She is also studying physiotherapy at the Australian Catholic University.
Not new to the pageantry, Haylani also holds the title of Miss Samoa 2022, the Miss Melbourne 2022 and the First Runner-Up in Miss Pacific Islands 2023. At the currently held Miss Global 2023, Haylani Kuruppu also gave a strong introduction at the sashing ceremony and quoted that she is proud and honored to be the first Samoan to compete at Miss Global but she does not want to be the last.
At the sashing ceremony, Haylani made sure that everyone present there remembered that she was there to represent her beautiful country. With passion and her mesmerizing smile, Haylani represented Samoan beauty and their hospitality. Haylani is an eloquent beauty queen and is unquestionably meticulous with her participation.
On representing Samoa, Haylani spoke, “I represent the heart of the Pacific, Samoa. I am honoured, priviledged and blessed to be here, as this is the first time my country has sent a candidate to the global pageantry. I am so happy to be here. I truly believe that I am here to empower women, especially my Samoan women that they can achieve absolutely anything in life.”
“I love taking on challenges, achieving and succeeding. Throughout my reign as Miss Samoa, I've been able to write a children's book to inspire the youth of Samoa that they can achieve anything in life if they put their minds to it. I've also up-skilled my talent in contemporary dancing to now dance in the sky. I'm truly grateful for the blessings in my life, and I am thankful”, she added.
Haylani aspires to be the next Miss Global because she wants to amplify her advocacy on empowering women to be the best versions of themselves. She hopes that this platform opens up doors of opportunities for Samoan people. She is proud to be the first but she doesn’t want to be the last.
The coronation night of the 10-year anniversary of Miss Global will be held on 21st January 2024 in Cambodia. The pageant is hosting the 2023 edition in two countries, i.e. Vietnam and Cambodia, this year because it’s the anniversary edition. Miss Global 2022 Shane Tormes of Philippines will crown her successor at the end of the event finale.