Thomas Tan
The top 18 finalists for this year’s Miss Grand Malaysia 2020 competition have been unveiled during a press reveal at Bangi Avenue Convention Center (BACC), Kajang, on 4th September 2020.
Amidst the Covid-19 recovery stage where most business sectors are allowed to resume their operations under strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Miss Grand Malaysia continues with its plan of organizing the national pageant, albeit in a safe and responsible way, and leveraging it to influence Malaysians to stay united in facing the new norm and at the same time to show support for local tourism and products.
“We are taking this opportunity to move forward and using this platform to redeem and empower communities who were affected badly from the pandemic. This would include in giving support to local tourism and local products through various partnerships, and reminding Malaysians that we are together in rebuilding the nation’s economy,” said Miss Grand Malaysia Organization national director Jude Benjamin Lisa in his welcoming speech.
The finalists were formally introduced at the press conference to business partners, sponsors and members of the media present.
An introduction to functions of Ronald McDonald House Charities Malaysia (RMHC) was also given, where the NGO will enter into partnerships with Miss Grand Malaysia from 2020 onwards for various charity platforms where reigning queens will participate to educate and raise funds for underprivileged children.
The finalists will be taking part in a boot camp through various activities including promotional photoshoot, pep talk session with former queens and workshops for personal development, speech and communication.
The event was also attended by reigning Miss Grand Malaysia 2019 Mel Dequanne Abar and Miss Intercontinental Malaysia 2019 Haaraneei MK.
The grand final is expected to take place in October 2020 at main ballroom of BACC, being the venue sponsor, and will be held under strict requirements and standard operating procedure (SOP) set by the authorities.
As Miss Grand Malaysia 2020, the winner will represent the country at the Miss Grand International 2020 competition which may take place in the first quarter of 2021 because of the pandemic. Runners-ups will also have the opportunity to represent the country at other international pageants.
Citizens Journal Malaysia (CJMY) caught up with finalists Lindsey Yap, 25, who hails from Kuala Lumpur, and Lishalliny Kanaran, 23, from Selangor, to see how their preparations are going.
“My focus will be centered on preparing myself mentally and physically, such as working out and most importantly eating a well-balanced diet. I’ve always thrived on welcoming challenges, no matter how hard they may be. In terms of mental fitness, prayers do help me to stay grounded and true to myself,” Lindsey Yap said.
With financial literacy as her advocacy, the law student has taken it upon herself to equip Malaysians with the financial knowledge and decision-making skills to manage their financial resources effectively.
“Financial literacy plays a big part in all walks of life, especially during this Covid-19 pandemic. How do we as Malaysians face the looming uncertainty? Financial literacy will be the compass through this storm,” Yap added.
Architecture student Lishalliny Kanaran, 23, from Selangor, is thoroughly preparing to give her best efforts in the final of the competition. She is confident and determined to win the crown.
“I would say positive self-talk and believing in myself are the key aspects in preparing for Miss Grand Malaysia. Of course not forgetting to practice my catwalk and Q&A.
“As a victim of bullying and body-shaming, I don’t want to stay silent for others who are now in my place. I am Miss Grand, committed to be responsible and be the voice to those voiceless, to put an end to bullying,” she said.
The 18 finalists of Miss Grand Malaysia 2020 are:
- Angela Kon Enn Kee, 23, Sarawak
- Esther Tan Yu Xing, 20, Johor
- Giselle Tay Xin Heng, 25, Kuala Lumpur
- Gurpreet Kaur @ Reeta, 21, Kuala Lumpur
- Heng Iyn Iyn, 21, Perak
- Jasebel Robert, 25, Kuala Lumpur
- Kelly Raywyn Cahill, 18, Kuala Lumpur
- Kimberly Soh Jing Hui, 19, Selangor
- Lindsey Yap Li See, 25, Kuala Lumpur
- Lishalliny Kanaran, 23, Selangor
- Malveen Kaur, 26, Johor
- Meagala Kanesh, 24, Selangor
- Mellanie Yew Hoe Yan, 23, Selangor
- Poorani Rajoo, 23, Kuala Lumpur
- Sarah Cynthia Gunasegaran, 27, Kuala Lumpur
- Teo Hui Xing, 20, Kuala Lumpur
- Pretty Tey Pei Ling,19, Melaka
- Vinthiya Vasu, 24, Kuala Lumpur
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