Around 60 candidates were shortlisted from the online registration, which ended on July 14, for the audition at Singapore Press Holdings. Contestants went through 2 rounds which were followed by Bikini and Q&A segments, and based on their performance 20 girls were selected as MUS finalists.

Miss Universe Singapore 2017 finalists have dealt with difficulties in past and are now stronger for the finale.

Miss Frugtniet, who is studying Early Childhood Studies at KLC International Institute, stood up and shared her story with a journalist: "It feels so surreal and I feel thankful to be in the Top 20 this year." She was severely bullied in primary and secondary school because of her Malay-Eurasian ethnicity. But Miss Frugtniet told the five-member judging panel that she wanted to stand up against the haters.

It was then that many women spoke about having to deal with difficulties in the past, such as bullying and eating disorders.

This is the first pageant for Miss Rudihra Ramathas, 26, who also holds a cause very close to her heart. She said: "I hope I'll be able to use this pageant as a platform to champion female rights and be a voice against domestic violence."

The oldest finalist this year is Miss Dalvin Kaur, 28. She is the controls associate in a bank and received a surprise when her younger sister signed her up for MUS without her knowledge, but she is now out to prove herself.She added: "I want to show beauty and brains can co-exist, and I hope to bring maturity and experience to the table."

Another Top 20 MUS finalist is Miss Emilbiany NenggalIntong and she said, “I came here to make a difference, be it for the environment or education for children around the world who aren't receiving it’’.

Miss Universe Singapore 2002 winner Nuraliza Osman, who is also the national director of MUS, said, "I'm very pleased to see girls who spoke very, very well and who have achieved so much in their lives, yet are humble and very beautiful".