Since the pandemic outbreak in the world, beauty pageants and everything related have been put on hold for safety reasons. Miss Universe Organization advised the national directors to either appoint their first runner-up from last year to represent the respective country at the Miss Universe 2020 stage or hold a coronation ceremony after the situation gets better or hold a private casting where they can crown/appoint the next representative of the respective country.
If Miss Universe Singapore organization decides to send their first runner-up to represent Singapore at Miss Universe 2020 stage then, Laranya Kumar would be appointed as the new Miss Universe Singapore and compete at the Miss Universe 2020 pageant.
Laranya is 20-years-old and 176cm tall. She is graduated and will be enrolling as a medical student at St George’s University. She currently models while doing medical research work. She is passionate about women’s health and recently spearheaded a project to provide girls in underprivileged regions sanitary napkins, and is leading the fund-raising efforts.
Laranya participated in Miss Universe Singapore 2019 and was adjudged as the first runner-up at the end of the event finale. She impressed everyone with not just her beauty, but her confidence and enthusiasm for the title which would have given her a chance to represent Singapore at Miss Universe 2019. But if the organization decides to send their first runner-up from last year to this year’s Miss Universe then, Laranya has a chance. She also represented UK at Global Asian Model World where she completed at Top 10.
The diva is an advocate about body image which is one of the things that she has suffered from for a long time. She dealt with unsatisfaction with her physique and lack of confidence and when she decided to participate in Miss Universe Singapore 2019, the beauty pageant gave her not only the confidence but so much motivation that she wants to be with everyone who is dealing with body image issues. Laranya weighed 60kg, and could not help comparing herself with slimmer girls. If she ever encounters the negative thoughts, she tells herself to "shake it off” and distracts herself and focus on things which are important like for her it’s baking.
Laranya explained, "I know it sounds odd, but it is easy when you realise that most of the thoughts you have about yourself come from within and that you are the only one who can control them. I like baking mostly because of the joy it gives me when I bake for family and friends and see them enjoy what I have baked."
The diva wants to use the platform to talk and work for the health care for the under privileged kids. She explains that people are aware that the unprivileged kids need help but they are not sure how to help. In her case, she uses her baking to help them and makes sure they have a full stomach by the end of the night. She along with some of her friends have raised funds for the under privileged kids in South Africa. She would like to continue with the same advocacy in fact reach a larger number of kids to help. The diva has outgrown the shell she always felt she was in because she has twin sister and comparisons are always made. Beauty pageants have helped her make her own identity in the world and she is proud of that.
With her experience, positivity, and humble attitude, Laranya Kumar can be a front runner to represent Singapore at Miss Universe 2020. Last year, Mohana Prabha represented Singapore at Miss Universe 2019 but unfortunately didn’t place.