Pageant Queens: Are we any closer to the most coveted beauty crown in the world? Audrey Vijaindren speaks to national director of the Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation (MUMO), Andrea Fonseka, for answers in just a few months, we’ll know whether the first reality beauty contest in the country has been worth its efforts.
Miss Universe Malaysia reality show, which aired for the first time last year, revealed Penangite Kimberley Leggett, as the most beautiful maiden in the land.
But is she going to deliver the country its long awaited Miss Universe title this year?
“I don’t want to jinx it by predicting whether Leggett has a chance at wearing the crown or not.
“But I do know that she has grown so much throughout this year, and she’s interacted with Malaysians everywhere. I believe that’s what matters most.
“Besides parading on catwalks, she’s participated in marathons, nature society events, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shows, school and college functions.
“That’s the ultimate goal, for our ambassador to be able to reach out to everyone.
“I am proud that last year’s finalists are all doing well for themselves. Second runner-up Boon Lu Xanne is now a motivational speaker, third runner-up Juanita Ramayah is now a radio DJ for a major radio station while another finalist Suchitra Kumar even had a stint on television as a veejay.
“To put it simply, being in the pageant has been life-changing for these girls.
“I’m concentrating on crowning Miss Malaysia for Malaysia first.
“I don’t believe in going for a particular type of person because ultimately, the judges of the night control who wins.
“It’s done in a fair manner, however, we will never know why any one particular girl wins.
“It’s all very subjective.”
Fonseka said the venue for this year’s international pageant has not even been confirmed because of the United States’ presidential elections and the Olympic games.
“Wherever the pageant is being held, I would definitely want to be there for Leggett, it will help her to know that there’s support behind her.
“Truth be told, I’m still traumatised by Deborah Henry’s exit in 2011, because she had the whole package.”
Fonseka said the pageant concept this year is a little different from last year because the public will be able to vote for their favourite to return on the final night, anyone who was eliminated might come back. Even the registration process was different.
“This year we went online because almost every girl between the ages of 17 and 25 has Facebook. So, we decided to advertise through social networking, instead of having roadshows.
“We received more than a thousand applications, and have narrowed it down to 17.
“We’ve also changed the bootcamp concept. This year, the girls get to go to Fitness First to work out whenever they can.
“I’m also not staying in the house next to theirs because it can be very exhausting.
“Fortunately, they are a very ‘real’ bunch of girls who’ll tell you if they’re upset about anything. They don’t hide much.
“We are also fortunate to have a diverse group of girls this year, each one provides a different vibe.”
“Instead of having a very strict diet programme, this year’s bunch of girls have their meals catered by Kenny Rogers Roasters.
“We have delivery from Kenny Rogers Roasters every day, even their side orders.
“It is a balanced meal, and the girls are also allowed muffins based on their calorie intake.
“Generally, the participants this year are more petite. We’ve done away with the height requirement because we want to portray the real Malaysian.”
Besides coveting the title of Miss Universe Malaysia, the winner will receive an undisclosed monthly salary from MUMO and more than RM200,000 in prizes.
The top four will get full scholarships from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology to pursue any course of their choosing while the remaining finalists will receive partial (50 per cent) scholarships from the university.
Other sponsors include A Cut Above, Xpression Master, Beverly Wilshire and MyDentist.
The reality show will start airing on 8TV in November.