Thomas Tan
Francisca Luhong James, 25, a Kayan-Kenyah-Iban native of Kuching, Sarawak was crowned Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 after beating 17 other contestants at the eGala night in Kuala Lumpur on 5th September, 2020.
The public relations and marketing executive cum part-time model never expected to win the competition.
“It feels surreal, I didn’t expect this but I worked really hard throughout this journey and I’m really, really grateful, and feel blessed for this opportunity, and I would like to say thank you so much for all the love and support that I have received from my parents, friends and followers,” she said.
“My advocacy is on women empowerment and I believe that women empowerment begins with yourself. I realised that when I fell and got back up, a lot of people lost their trust me in during my journey.
“What I learnt is that believing in yourself is the most important thing in order to achieve your goals. I’ve been on this pageant journey for a very long time and I actually wanted to give up on pageants before, but something told me that I should join Miss Universe Malaysia, so I just followed my heart,” she added.
Francisca walked away with the stunning ‘Reflection’ crown by Habib featuring a 10-carat diamond set in white gold worth RM2.38 million, cash and sponsored prizes worth a total of RM180,000 and a full education scholarship from HELP University.
She was crowned by last year’s winner Shweta Sekhon, and also won two subsidiary titles – Best In Evening Gown and Miss Auto Bavaria Elegance.
Francisca will represent Malaysia at the Miss Universe competition, in the first quarter of 2021 at a yet-to-be-revealed location.
Second, third and fourth place winners were Charissa Chong Su Huey, 26, from Selangor, Serene Chai Yong Bin, 26, from Johor and Neha Varma, 22 from Kuala Lumpur respectively.
A total of 12 subsidiary titles were awarded.
In congratulating Francisca for having won her pageant, Miss Universe Malaysia Organization (MUMO) national director Datin Elaine Daly said of the exciting year of reign ahead of the newly crowned queen.
“It’s going to be a long journey, it’s going to be hard work, but all I can say is that she must persevere, trust in the process and enjoy her reign.
“Congratulations to our new queen, welcome to the MUMO family, and we look forward to working with her to put Malaysia’s name on the world map,” she said.
The Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 eGala event was closed to the public due to Covid-19 concerns, with only the finalists and judges present, and streamed live on the Miss Universe Malaysia website.
The public watched the live-streamed competition by purchasing tickets to the show, and 20% of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Lighthouse Children Welfare Home Association Kuala Lumpur & Selangor.
Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Final Result
Winner: Francisca Luhong James, 25
1st Runner-Up – Charissa Chong, 26
2nd Runner-Up – Serene Chai, 26
3rd Runner-Up – Neha Verma, 22
Subsidiary title winners:
- Miss Congeniality: Celine Foo, 26
- Miss Online Personality: Neha Varma, 22
- Best In Evening Gown: Francisca Luhong James, 25
- Miss Body Beautiful: Louisa Ananthan, 22
- Miss Habib: Neha Varma, 22
- Miss La Jung Youthful Forever: Serene Chai Yong Bin, 26
- Miss Dermalogica Healthy Skin: Pritha Manivannan, 27
- Miss Glojas Glowing Beauty: Pritha Manivannan, 27
- Shawn Cutler Hair Award: Rindsay Rachelle Laige, 22
- Miss Auto Bavaria Elegance: Francisca Luhong James, 25
- Miss Strip Body Confidence: Charissa Chong Su Huey, 26
- Skinz Sanctuary Flawless Skin: Serene Chai Yong Bin, 26
C. Khor
CJMY
