The Miss Universe Malaysia Contest has been reinvented with a new reality show format and a one-year professional training course added to the search for the next stellar Malaysian woman.
Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation has its first casting call, starting in the Klang Valley, in Sunway Pyramid this weekend.
A Cut Above, Rimmel London and Xpression Master will be giving early bird participants a free make-over.
“We’re actually crowning Miss Universe Malaysia 2012,” explains Andrea Fonseka, national director of the Miss Universe Malaysia.
“The one-year period from now will allow more time to refine the reigning beauty pageant before she represents Malaysia to compete at the international level,” she says, adding that Miss Universe Malaysia 2012 will be crowned in November this year.
Popular television host, Deborah Henry, who recently won the title of Miss Universe Malaysia 2011, is now undergoing intense training for the Miss Universe 2011 finals to be held at Sao Paolo, Brazil in September.
Talking about the 2012 contest which will be made into a reality television show, Stephen P Francis of Axis Communication says the experience will not be unlike American reality show, America’s Next Top Model.
“The national search will allow aspiring Miss Universe Malaysias to nominate themselves through the casting process held at different parts of the country, from which the lucky 50 who are selected will go to Kuala Lumpur to meet the judges.
“The shortlisted candidates will then sequestered at a location where they undergo training, grooming and challenges. This is the part to be filmed for the show,” he adds.
The 10 finalists will then appear on a gala night where the winner will be crowned as Miss Universe Malaysia 2012.
“But that’s not all. More than RM 200,000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs as we’re ensuring that the top five contenders receive internships, jobs or other opportunities,” says Fonseka.
Aspiring contestants should be between 18 and 27 as at 2012, unmarried and non-Muslim, a Malaysian or Malaysian passport holder, and at least 163cm tall.
Below are some other casting locations and dates:
Petaling Jaya, Selangor Sunway Pyramid 19 – 20 March 2011
Kuching, Sarawak Spring Mall 26 – 27 March 2011
Malacca Mahkota Parade 02 – 03 April 2011
For the latest information on road show venues, dates, times and other ways to enter the Search for Miss Universe Malaysia 2012 please visit www.missuniversemalaysia.com.my or TWITTER @MissUniverseMY.
CJMY
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