A week ago, the Miss Universe Malaysia organization released an official statement that the 2021 edition for the national pageant will not be held this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The organization stated limited international and domestic travel have hindered the staging of the pageant.

After officially announcing their withdrawal from the Miss Universe pageant this year, Elaine Daly, National Director of Miss Universe Malaysia, hosted an live session on the organization’s official social media, on 21st August 2021, with the reigning Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Francisca Luhong James for an exclusive conversation on life after Miss Universe, chasing dreams and possibilities, and the million dollar question – What’s next for Miss Universe Malaysia.

As Francisca talked about her Miss Universe journey, experiences and her plans of representing her country at an international platform once again, Elaine shared that the selection of Miss Universe Malaysia 2021 will bring forward to the next following year, 2022.

Some important details discussed by her for Miss Universe Malaysia 2022 were –

January 2022 – The organization will announce the Top 18 finalists for the national title

March or April 2022 – A week-long boot camp will be organized for the delegates

July or August 2022 – Grand gala night of Miss Universe Malaysia 2022

Malaysia was represented by Francisca Luhong James from Kuching, Sarawak for the 69th Miss Universe pageant held in Florida, USA. She made it through the preliminary rounds however did not make it to the Top 21. The country has been a top achiever for the Asian continent at international pageants over years, especially Miss Universe. The decision was criticized by many, while on the other hand, it concerned many pageant fans and followers.

The 70th Miss Universe pageant, i.e., Miss Universe 2021 is all set to be hosted in Eilat, Israel in December 2021 where Andrea Meza of Mexico will crown her successor at the end of the event finale.