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Miss Universe Malaysia

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Andrea Fonseka)

Miss Universe Malaysia
Formation
  • 1962; 64 years ago (1962)
TypeNGO
PurposeBeauty pageant
HeadquartersKuala Lumpur
Location
  • Malaysia
Official language
  • English
OwnerMiss Grand International Public Company Limited
President & National Director
Ayu Omar
Key people
Nawat Itsaragrisil
AffiliationsMiss Universe
Websitemumo.com.my

Miss Universe Malaysia is an annual national beauty pageant and an organization that selects Malaysia's representative to the annual Miss Universe contest. On occasion, when the winner does not qualify (due to age or any other reason), a runner-up is sent.

The current Miss Universe Malaysia is Sandra Lim of Selangor. She won on 6 September 2024 and represented her country at Miss Universe 2024 where she finished in the top 30.[1]

History

The competition was first held in 1964 as "Miss Malaysia" until 1969[2] and "Miss Malaysia Universe" from 1970 until 2009. Also "Miss Malaya" in 1962 and 1963. No national competition were held in 1968, 2011 and 2021. The pageant was founded in 1962 by Mr. Jaycee Liu Chang Lan who then became the pageant's first national director.[citation needed] The first franchisee with the Miss Universe Organization was the Petaling Jaya Rotary Club. The pageant was registered under Beyond Entity Sdn. Bhd. in 2009 and MYEG Services Berhad as the franchise holder until 2022.[3]

Malaya was first invited to compete in Miss Universe 1954 but due to lack of support from the Malayan government, the winner was competed as Miss Singapore instead.[4] In 1964, the first Miss Universe Malaysia pageant was held at Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur and has been organized annually since 1969. More than eight thousands spectators were in the stadium to witnessed the first ever Miss Universe Malaysia contest. The contest was then won by Angela Filmer from Selangor where she had the rights to represent Malaysia in Miss Universe 1964 pageant in Miami, Florida, United States thus making her the second woman from Malaysia to ever compete in Miss Universe stage after Sarah Alhabshee Abdullah in 1962.[citation needed] However, at the time, Malaysia had not yet been formed.[5] Malaysia was also once withdrawn in Miss Universe 1963.

The pageant was first televised in the 1970s. From 2010 to 2017, the pageant was broadcast on Diva and 8TV. From 2017 to 2019, the pageant was broadcast on hurr.tv, which also then became the official online channel.[6] The current official media partner for Miss Universe Malaysia is The Star, an English-language daily newspaper since 2003 until now.[7]

On 11 May 1995, the Government of Selangor issued a fatwa in prohibiting every Muslim woman in Malaysia from joining and competing in any national pageant that sends the winner to an international pageant such as Miss Universe.[8] The fatwa regarding the banning of Muslim women in participating in beauty pageants was finalized through the government gazette on 8 February 1996.[9] The fatwa has been recently issued in Penang on 11 May 2017.[10]

2010–2019

In 2010, the Miss Malaysia Universe was restyled by then national director, Andrea Fonseka, a former Miss Malaysia Universe 2004. The pageant organisation changed its name to Miss Universe Malaysia Organization, and moved its headquarters from Kuala Lumpur to the MYEG Services Berhad Malaysia building, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.[11] On 3 November 2012, Fonseka stepped down as national director and the position was given to then Miss Malaysia Universe 2003, Elaine Daly.[12] Daly held the position for a year before it was given to Carey Ng, a former Miss Universe Malaysia 2013. The first pageant production under Carey Ng's auspices was in 2014. On 3 February 2016, she resigned shortly after the Miss Universe Malaysia 2016 competition due to several controversies[13] and again, was replaced by Daly who has held the position of national director since the resignation of Carey Ng.[14][15][16]

2020–2021

Since the pageant's inception in 1964, the country had only one international place, at 1970 with Josephine Lena Wong.[citation needed] At Miss Universe Malaysia 2020, Francisca Luhong James was unplaced at Miss Universe 2020.[17] As of 2023, Malaysia currently holds the longest streaks of unplaced contestants in Miss Universe beauty pageant for 52 years since their last placement in 1970.

In 2021, the Miss Universe Malaysia Organization withdrew from Miss Universe 2021 in Eilat, Israel due to travel restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.[18] This was the second time the country did not since Miss Universe 1962.[19]

Miss Universe Malaysia 2022 controversy

Miss Universe Malaysia 2022, Lesley Cheam' position was called into question by beauty pageant fans across the country due to controversy over a dildo.[20] The finale was held privately with no live telecast, which raised doubts among the pageant fans. Fans petitioned for first runner-up Ajunee Kaur, to represent Malaysia at Miss Universe 2022.[21] The Miss Universe Malaysia organization did not reply regarding this.[22]

2023–present

On 8 February 2023, a new Miss Universe Malaysia organization was formed under the same ownership with Miss Universe Indonesia.[23] The license was co-owned by an Indonesian artist, Datin Wira Poppy Capella Swastika, which was also the national director of the pageant under Just Capella Sdn. Bhd. management.[24] The pageant press launch was held at the St. Regis Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on 17 February 2023.[25] Present were the Miss Universe and Miss Universe Malaysia team, Miss Universe 2022, R'Bonney Gabriel, second runner-up and top five of Miss Universe 2022, Andreína Martínez and Gabriëla Dos Santos, respectively.[26]

On 12 August 2023, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) cancelled Miss Universe Malaysia 2023 over the controversy iover Miss Universe Indonesia.[27][28] MUO terminated their franchise contract with the owner and national director for both Miss Universe Malaysia and Indonesia, Datin Wira Poppy Capella.[29][30]

On 21 June 2024,a new national director was announced for Miss Universe Malaysia organization, Malaysian model and former beauty queen Eleen Yong.[31][32]

Competition

In 1962, Malaya debut at Miss Universe.[33] Since the formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963, the Malayan candidates began to compete as Miss Malaysia.[34] The modern pageant is attended by participants from various city from the thirteen states and three federal territories (Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are usually represented by more than one participant), for a total of 18 to 20 participants.

State competitions

Since 1963, each state holds a regional competition to choose their delegate for the Miss Universe Malaysia pageant. The state winners hold the title "Miss (State) Universe" for the year of their reign. The state pageants were discontinued since then. These were the following regional competition that sent their delegate to Miss Universe Malaysia pageant:

The most successful state is Selangor, which has had the most semi-finalists and runner-ups including ten winners. Other successful states include Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Sarawak, Penang, and Sabah. The least successful states are Putrajaya, placing only once in the history of the pageant; Labuan, which has only placed twice; and Negeri Sembilan, which gained its only crown in 2015. The states that has not (yet) win any crown were Labuan and Perlis.

Editions

Year Date Venue of Competition Host State Entrants
2026
2025 12 September Majestic Ballroom, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur 16
2024 6 September The Majestic Hotel, Tasik Perdana 16
2023 27 August Private Event 6
2022 7 October M Resort and Hotel, Damansara Kuala Lumpur 15
2020 5 September Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya Selangor 18
2019 7 March Majestic Araneta Auditorium, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur 18
2018 11 January 18
2017 23 February 17
2016 30 April Palace of the Golden Horses Hotel, Seri Kembangan Selangor 14
2015 17 April Shangri-La Hotel, Jalan Sultan Ismail Kuala Lumpur 17
2014 19 December 2013 Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam Selangor 19
2013 10 December 2012 17
2012 10 November 2011 Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, Shah Alam 19
2011 11 January Smoke and Fire Variety Club, Gardens Mall Kuala Lumpur 10
2010 16 May Royale Chulan Hotel, Jalan Conlay 18
2009 30 May 18
2008 30 May St. Giles Gardens Hotel, Mid Valley City 13
2007 21 April The Mines Resort, Seri Kembangan Selangor 16
2006 19 April Royale Chulan Hotel, Jalan Conlay Kuala Lumpur 13
2005 30 April 13
2004 16 April 13
2003 11 April Hotel Istana, Bukit Bintang 16
1990 23 April Genting Highlands, Bentong Pahang 15
1989 19 March Hyatt Saujana Hotel, Shah Alam Selangor 16
1979 28 April Merlin Hotel, Jalan Sultan Ismail Kuala Lumpur 21
1978 18 May Merlin Hotel, Lebuh Penang, George Town Penang 17
1977 30 April Federal Hotel, Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur 14
1973 10 June Merlin Hotel, Jalan Sultan Ismail 13
1971 12 June 13
1970 29 May Fortuna Hotel, Bukit Bintang 13
1969 23 June Johor Diamond Jubilee Hall, Grand Mutiara Hotel Johor 11
1967 30 June Asrama Perak, Tambun, Ipoh Perak 10
1965 12 June Stadium Merdeka, City Centre Kuala Lumpur 14
1964 13 June 14

Winners

The oldest woman to win, was Miss Universe Malaysia 2011, Deborah Henry of Kuala Lumpur, at 26 years old.[35] Maznah Ali, of Johor, the first runner-up in Miss Malaysia 1967 and the titleholder of Miss Malaysia 1968 was the first to compete in two international pageants on the same year: Miss Universe and Miss International.[36] The tallest Miss Universe Malaysia is Miss Universe Malaysia 2004, Andrea Fonseka, of Penang at 6 feet and 0 inch (183 cm).[37]

The first Malay winner to win the title was Nik Azizah Nik Yahya of Kelantan in 1963; the first Eurasian winner was Angela Filmer of Selangor in 1964; the first Hispanic winner was Patricia Augustus of Penang in 1965;[38] the first Chinese winner was Helen Lee of Perak in 1966;[39] the first Siamese winner was Monkam Siprasome of Kedah in 1967;[40] the first Caucasian winner was Yvette Batterman of Selangor in 1971; the first Indian winner was Lucy Narayanasamy of Selangor in 1993;[citation needed] and the first Indigenous winner was Francisca Luhong James of Sarawak in 2020.[41]

Crowns of Miss Universe Malaysia

The crown of Miss Universe Malaysia has changed numerous times since 1964.

  • Rafflesia Tiara (2013) – The tiara consists of 229 freshwater pearls, six blue sapphires, diamonds and adorned with white gold and designed in floral motif priced at RM500,000 (US$121 thousand), was designed by its director Winnie Sin.[42] The crown was a reflection of Rafflesia The Pearl Centre's 10th anniversary in the entertainment and jewellery making business.
  • Aquamarine Crown (2016–2018) – Created by Ceres Jewels, this crown drawn inspiration from the roaring ocean waves, the fascinating shades and colors of the ocean water, these elements embodied a woman with nature's wonder. The crown estimated to be worth US$1.3 million.[43] The whole production process, from the first sketches to the production itself, took about six months.
  • Reflection Crown (2019–2022) – Created by Habib Jewels, the crown features a 10-carat diamond set in white gold and was conceptualized to represent strength, power, courage, creativity, self-respect and love. The crown was named such as it resonates with the values and beauty reflected in each finalist. The crown is valued at RM2.38 million (US$580 thousand).[44]
  • Women Empowerment Tiara (2024) – The tiara made by J & Kel'l Creation consists of 18k white gold base, 70 carats of diamonds, jade central stone, and Tsavorite accents. Being a symbol of strength, beauty, and achievements of women worldwide.[45]
  • Eternal Blossom (2025-present) - Created by A Vintage Collezione, the crown captures the moment when a woman embraces her strength and individuality. The crown is made out of 18K white gold and 16.39 carats of natural diamonds. The crown is valued at USD50,000 (approximately RM211,000).[46]

Recent titleholders

Year Candidate State Placement & Performance
Placements Special award(s)
2026
2025 Chloe Lim Kuala Lumpur Unplaced
2024 Sandra Lim[47] Selangor Top 30
2023 Serena Lee[48] Kuala Lumpur Unplaced

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Sandra Lim crowned Miss Universe Malaysia 2024". Citizens Journal. 2024-09-07. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
  2. ↑ "Miss Penang, 19-year Old Sabrina Loo (Centre) Was Declared ' ..." nas.gov.sg. Retrieved 2021-04-23.
  3. ↑ "Beauties inducted into Hall of Fame". The Star. 27 April 2009. Retrieved 2021-05-02.
  4. ↑ "'Miss Malaya' 1953 Contender?". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. 26 July 1952. Retrieved 2022-08-16.
  5. ↑ "The formation of Malaysia is on 16 September 1963 - Free Essay Example by Essaylead". Essaylead. 2019-03-12. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
  6. ↑ "Sponsors". Miss Universe Malaysia Organization. Retrieved 2021-04-18.
  7. ↑ "17 to vie for Miss Malaysia title". The Star. 4 April 2003. Retrieved 2021-04-20.
  8. ↑ "Laman Web Rasmi Jabatan Mufti Negeri Selangor - Fatwa Tentang Penyertaan Wanita Islam Dalam Pertandingan Ratu Cantik". muftiselangor.gov.my. Retrieved 2021-04-28.
  9. ↑ "Mufti WP: Haram wanita Islam sertai pertandingan ratu cantik". Malaysiakini. 2013-07-20. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
  10. ↑ "JAKIM : E-SMAF V1". e-smaf.islam.gov.my. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  11. ↑ Jeremiah, Geraldine (10 February 2010). "Miss Universe Malaysia Pageant Rebranded". The Star. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
  12. ↑ "It's all over for Andrea Fonseka". AsiaOne. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
  13. ↑ "Beauty Queen Carey Ng cyber-attacked by MUMO fans". theHive.Asia. 2015-04-21. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
  14. ↑ "About mumo". Miss Universe Malaysia Organization. Retrieved 2021-04-18.
  15. ↑ "Elaine Daly is the new National Director of MUMO". nz.finance.yahoo.com. 17 February 2016. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
  16. ↑ "Elaine Daly is the new National Director of MUMO". Yahoo. 17 February 2016. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
  17. ↑ Joseph, Georgie (2021-05-15). "Layakkah wakil Malaysia ke Top 21?". Harian Metro. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
  18. ↑ "Statement on 70th Anniversary Miss Universe Pageant". Miss Universe Malaysia. 17 August 2021. Archived from the original on 6 October 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  19. ↑ Chua, Dennis (2021-08-17). "#Showbiz: Malaysia not sending representative to Miss Universe 2021". New Straits Times. Archived from the original on 2023-04-10. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  20. ↑ "Backlash over the crowning of Miss Universe Malaysia 2022 due to dildo controversy". newswav.com. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
  21. ↑ "Petisyen Telah Dibuka! Ajunee Kaur Sepatutnya Dinobatkan Sebagai Miss Universe Malaysia 2022?". Murai MY. 2022-10-10. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
  22. ↑ Anjani, Rahmi. "Kemenangan Miss Malaysia Jadi Kontroversi karena Postingan Video 'Dildo'". wolipop (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2022-10-29.
  23. ↑ Press Conference Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 | New License Holder Miss Universe Indonesia, archived from the original on 2023-02-09, retrieved 2023-02-09
  24. ↑ "Just Capella to Bring Fresh Energy to Beauty Pageant Industry". BERNAMA. 2023-10-02. Archived from the original on 2023-02-12. Retrieved 2023-02-17.
  25. ↑ Selvakumaran, Thashine. "The search for the next Miss Universe Malaysia". The Sun Daily. Archived from the original on 2023-03-19. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
  26. ↑ Prima, Berkat (21 February 2023). "9 Potret R'Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe 2022 saat Berada di Malaysia". IDN Times (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2023-03-21.
  27. ↑ "MUO cancels Miss Universe Malaysia 2023". Daily Express. 2023-08-13. Retrieved 2023-08-14.
  28. ↑ "Miss Universe Indonesia: Contestants allege sexual abuse". BBC News. 2023-08-09. Archived from the original on 2023-08-13. Retrieved 2023-08-13.
  29. ↑ "Malaysian Beauty Pageant FC on Instagram: "Breaking News! MUO Cancel Miss Universe Malaysia 2023! Omg But we understand and will correspond accordingly with MUO. Lets Respect the Decision 🙏🏼😭 #mbpfc #info #sad #news #breakingnews"". Retrieved 2023-08-13 – via Instagram.
  30. ↑ "Miss Universe ends Indonesia franchise over harassment allegations". geo.tv. 14 August 2023. Archived from the original on 2023-08-14. Retrieved 2023-08-14.
  31. ↑ "Thursday appreciation post for our National Directors. Meet the eleventh batch". 2024-06-21. Retrieved 2024-06-21 – via Instagram.
  32. ↑ Leong, Adeline (4 July 2024). "New Rules, Who Dis? – Miss Universe Malaysia Opens Doors To All Ladies". The Rakyat Post. Retrieved 5 July 2024 – via MSN.
  33. ↑ "See all the past winners of Miss Universe Malaysia". thehive6.rssing.com. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
  34. ↑ "16. September 1963: The Birth of a Nation". 2016-09-14. Retrieved 2021-01-21.
  35. ↑ "Another crown for Deborah". The Star. 28 January 2011. Retrieved 2020-08-28.
  36. ↑ "Miss Singapore 1968 Yasmin Saif (Right) Caused a Stir at ..." nas.gov.sg. Retrieved 2021-01-21.
  37. ↑ "Andrea emulates mum to clinch Miss Malaysia title". The Star. 16 April 2004. Retrieved 2020-10-25.
  38. ↑ "Miss Pahang 1965. | Old newspaper, Miss, Olds". Pinterest. Retrieved 2020-10-25.
  39. ↑ "The crowning moment of Miss Malaysia/Universe 1965. | Miss, Universe, Malaysia". Pinterest. Retrieved 2020-10-25.
  40. ↑ "Anne Low takes Miss Malaysia title". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. Retrieved 2022-04-15.
  41. ↑ "Kuching's Francisca Luhong James wins Miss Universe Malaysia title". Malay Mail. 6 September 2020. Retrieved 2020-09-07.
  42. ↑ "Miss Universe Malaysia 2013 tiara adorned with diamonds and pearls". The Star. 5 December 2012. Retrieved 2021-04-19.
  43. ↑ Tan, Thomas (February 2017). "Miss Universe Malaysia 2017 Finalists Visit Official Crown Sponsor". Citizens Journal Malaysia. Retrieved 2021-04-19.
  44. ↑ "HABIB was the official Jewellery Partner for Miss Universe Malaysia pageant in 2019". Habib Jewels. 2020-06-23. Retrieved 2025-09-07.
  45. ↑ Chew, Tim (9 September 2024). "Sandra Lim Crowned Miss Universe Malaysia 2024". Tim Chew. Retrieved 2025-09-07.
  46. ↑ Tan, John. "Miss Universe Malaysia 2025 unveils Eternal Blossom crown". The Sun Daily. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
  47. ↑ Fiezreen (2024-09-06). "Tepati Ramalan! Sandra Lim Dinobat Sebagai Miss Universe Malaysia 2024". Media Hiburan (in Malay). Archived from the original on 2024-09-08. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
  48. ↑ @missuniverse_malaysia; (28 August 2023). "Presenting the newly crowned Miss Universe Malaysia 2023, Ms Serena Lee". Retrieved 28 August 2023 – via Instagram.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Miss_Universe_Malaysia&oldid=1365445920"