Thomas Tan
A total of 142 reigning and former beauty queens paraded in kebaya in a fashion show held at the atrium of Da Men Mall, Subang Jaya on 24 February 2019.
In turn, the feat organised by Miss Malaysia Kebaya (by MMK Marketing) was recognized by The Malaysia Book of Records for the ‘Most Number of Beauty Queens Wearing Kebaya in a Fashion Parade’.
Present at the event were Miss Malaysia Kebaya (MMK) founder and president Jason Hee, MMK national director Nicole Fe Lynne, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry Policy Division (Culture) secretary Dr Tan Awang Besar, who was representing Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohammadin Ketapi, and Malaysia Book of Records office manager Lee Pooi Leng.
Hee said he was very happy to have organised the event and received the recognition and certificate from the Malaysia Book of Records. He said his intention was to promote Malaysian tourism, arts and culture through the kebaya. The event was being held in conjunction with the Miss and Mrs Chipao 2019 pageant which will hold its grand finals on March 9, 2019.
Participant Felicia Soong, 38, the reigning Mrs Malaysia Universe 2018 champion and a consultant aesthetic physician, revealed that the opportunity to parade in a kebaya and get recorded in The Malaysia Book of Records was the motivating factor for her to join the event.
“I’m all excited and proud that we’re making history uniting with beauty queens from all over Malaysia, regardless of race, in true Malaysia spirit and setting a national record,” she said.
“It is also a platform for us role models to showcase the creative and inspiring designs of our local designers,” added the mother of two, who wore a couture kebaya designed by Joshua Benedict.
Another participant Bkay Nair, 37, Miss Malaysia Indian Tourism 2007/2008 champion and principal trainer of Bkaynair Resources said she will treasure the happy memory.
“The reason I’m part of this is because I’m a beauty queen myself and I would love to be part of this glorious history making moment. It may be a once in a life thing, I’m not sure, but it’s a memory that I can treasure for lifetime for being part of the team,” she said.
“Kebaya not only represents Malaysia. It also represents elegance and femininity. I love the kebaya as the beauty of the costume will never go out of style. I would promote the kebaya via social media as it’s the most influenced platform that can go across any part of the world,” she added.
Miss Malaysia Planet 2019 first runner-up Xanielle Lee, 29, a real estate consultant said she wore her very first kebaya at the event as she did not want to miss out on the record setting event.
“I thought that would be nice to mingle around with all the beauty queens from all various pageants as I love networking and get tempted to be part of The Malaysia Book of Records.
“It was my very first piece of kebaya and custom-made from Alice Ngoo Collection. I love the modern and elegant look and I’m really impressed with all the other colourful kebayas with various intricate designs,” she said.
Reigning Miss Malaysia Kebaya 2018/2019 champion Aini Sophi said she participated in the kebaya fashion parade as her contribution to project team success.
‘Since I’m the title holder of Miss Malaysia Kebaya, it’s an honour and I’m excited to be part of this prestige award. As part of MMK team, I’m giving my full support to Dr Jason and Nicole who have been with me and got me from the bottom to the top, and I think this is the moment to contribute in making success for the whole team. After all, it was a memorable moment,” said the 18-year old student and dancer who was dressed in a kebaya piece by designer Ramond Zack and sponsored by Chef Zainal.
“I’m proud to be wearing this beautiful Maleficent Kebaya by Ramond Zack. I’ve know him since last year when I wore his couture and once again I’m wearing it in today’s event. Special thing about his couture is you do not need to worry or think twice about wearing it because although the kebaya has varied into modern look, it still exudes simplicity and originality with its classic design and detailing, and it’s suitable for everyone, making you look simply elegant and most importantly it is comfortable to wear,” added Aini.
Classic Mrs Shine From Within 2017 Ambassador Sunita Kaur Subbaraman said she felt happy and accomplished the moment she sashayed her way into the Malaysia Book of Records because it put her name in the Malaysian Book of Records certificate.
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