CJMYMichaela Shuttleworth, 22, was crowned the Miss Scuba International 2019 at the beauty pageant which was held at The Magellan Grand Ballroom, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah last night. The Australian student majoring in Marine Science took home the crown after beating 22 other contestants.
Michaela who also won the Miss Photogenic subsidiary title in this pageant and rightfully took over the crown from Miss Scuba International 2018 winner, Daisy Hope Whetlor, to continue promoting diving tourism and marine conservation efforts.
During a question and answer, Michaela wowed judges with her explanation on the qualities and attributes that Miss Scuba International represents. “I have never joined a pageant before. I saw passion, excitement, joy, happiness, love and pure faith towards our ocean. They have given me hope there are more people out there being ambassadors across the world for standing up for the future of marine conservation. The qualities and attributes Miss Scuba International represents is every single girl on the stage this evening. “
Meanwhile, the first runner-up position was claimed by Anavaliza Admatja, 28 from the Indonesia while Flordeliz Mabao, 21, from Philippines managed to secure the second runner-up position. Other subsidiary titles went to Lisa Van Roozendaal of Benelux (Miss Congeniality and Miss Marine Conservation), Rouella Chan of Hong Kong (Best in Talent), and Flordeliz Mabao of Philippines (Best in National Costume).
During the event, Miss Scuba International founder and President, Robert Lo said that being a state with rich in land and marine diversity, Sabah has an opportunity to showcase its offerings through Miss Scuba International. “With the invaluable experience and exposure gained from this journey, I hope that it will impact these young ladies positively, for a lifetime,’ he said.
Also present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister as well as Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Y.B. Datuk Christina Liew, and Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Mr. Ken Pan Ying On. The
