Thomas Tan
The inaugural Miss Amazing Malaysia 2019 finalists were officially revealed during a press conference held at Westlane Place, Wisma Daju in Petaling Jaya on Feb 28, 2019.
The 13 women aged between aged 17 to 38, from various ethnicity and religious beliefs are taking part in the unique beauty pageant that celebrates women with differences.
Organised by Amazing Girls Solution, the pageant, the very first of its kind in Malaysia, is an unconventional attempt at redefining beauty pageants that provide a platform for women with Down syndrome, lupus, scoliosis, vitiligo, autism and other disorders to be part of a beauty pageant.
These bright, bold and capable women decided to challenge themselves despite their differences, and utilise the Miss Amazing Malaysia platform to enrich and empower themselves, to showcase their various talents and to seek inclusivity in all aspects of their lives.
Miss Amazing Malaysia founder and national director Maynicca Dewi Rajamanikam said Miss Amazing Malaysia’s mission was to provide an opportunity for women with differences to build confidence in a supportive and fun environment, while enabling them to reach their full potential.
“In an atmosphere built around encouragement and support, Miss Amazing Malaysia believes it can bring these individuals together and promote further inclusion for these beautiful women with special needs,” she said.
Maynicca who was herself a beauty queen when she emerged as first runner-up in Mrs India Worldwide Malaysia 2018 reminded Malaysians to recognise that there is great potential within each differently abled woman.
“It is our duty, as a progressive society, to empower these women to fully realize their potential,” she said.
Among the contestants are a teacher with a doctorate in Chemistry, a full time model, a community advocate with a law degree, an artist and a commis chef, highlighting the fact that their differences are not an obstacle for personal achievement.
Each of these women have undergone various programs that encompassed skills growth such as sportsmanship, emotional intelligence, self defence, health emergency training, poise, public speaking, catwalk training, photo shoots, styling, etiquette, self grooming, confidence building and talent showcasing.
The grand finals of Miss Amazing Malaysia will take place at Westlane Place on 9th March 2019. Apart from the main titles, the finalists will also be vying for various subsidiary titles such as Miss Congeniality, Miss Photogenic, Miss Charity, Miss Amazing Talent, Miss Best Catwalk and Miss Best Attitude.
One of the contestants is Rachel Siew, 29, a community advocate who was born with Morquio A syndrome, but it certainly doesn’t hold her back as she participated in the inaugural Miss Amazing Malaysia pageant.
Rachel graduated with a law degree from the UK and is actively raising funds for a charity she established, The Rachel Siew Suet Li Trust Fund, to raise awareness for her rare condition.
An accomplished writer, she launched her book, “Little Book, BIG Secret” in 2017 to raise fund for charitable cause she established. Little Book BIG Secrets is a touching book that illustrates Rachel’s wit, determination and resilience in facing her everyday life challenges.
Rachel also does some modelling and actively empowers others to not limit themselves despite their limitations.
Contestant Dr. Nik Norziehana Che Isa, 33, a teacher, was born with scoliosis. She recently graduated from UiTM with a Doctorate in Chemistry.
She also does part time modelling. In her free time, she loves to read and write. She might someday write a book herself.
Another Contestant Wan Alyaa Azri, 19, a childminder, was born with Down syndrome. She has a heart of gold. Despite her condition, she is a childminder for special kids. Regardless of her tender age, she has the maturity to match her passion.
Alyaa has adventurous tastebuds and often explores new food. She is a fan of Justin Bieber and enjoys grooming in her free time.
Miss Amazing Malaysia is endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism & Culture (MOTAC) and is supported by Puteri Malaysia Ambulance as pageant co-partners and main sponsors. Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia are collaborative partners to the pageant, with Westlane Place as the official venue.
Also supporting the pageant are Wolfpack Lab, Flower Chimp. Emma Mohd MUA Stylist, Mobiversa, Nottingheels, Devi’s Corner, PEKATAN, ADLA, Pixsura, Hard Rock Cafe KL, Tlovescraft, Unified Fitness, Tribal Asia, Lions International Club, Wangi World, The Lower Penthouse, Amber Chia Academy and official media partner Rentak Sejuta.
Miss Amazing Malaysia 2019 Finalists
- Siti Nur Aisyah, 19, student (Down Syndrome)
- Charmaine Chan, 29, toy library admin (Down Syndrome)
- Nur Athirah Idrus, 17, student (Down Syndrome)
- Susanna Cheah, 19, student (Down Syndrome)
- Tabitha, 18, student (Down Syndrome)
- Wan Alyaa Azri, 19, childminder (Down Syndrome)
- Dr. Nik Norziehana Che Isa, 33, teacher (Scoliosis)
- Nor Athira Sujino, 24, commis chef (Lupus)
- Nurhana Md Yusof, 28, Student and Full Time Model (Albinism}
- Sofia Lovi Ramasamy, 38, Human Resource Business Partner
(Psoriatic Arthritis) - Rachel Siew, 29, community advocate (Morquio A Syndrome}
- Lynda Lim, 23, student (Autistic)
- Punitha Palaniaapan, 34, admin executive (Teacher Collins Syndrome)
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