Thomas Tan
The 26 finalists for the maiden edition of Miss Plus World Malaysia pageant were revealed at a press conference held at Sunway Putra Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 19th September 2020.
The curvy plus-size contestants will battle it out for the coveted crown in two categories.
14 of the finalists will be vying for the Miss Plus World Malaysia 2020 crown, while another 12 will compete for the Ms Plus Intercontinental Malaysia 2020 title in the Grand Finals Gala Night on December 12 at Sunway Putra Hotel Kuala Lumpur, being the venue sponsor.
The two winners of Miss Plus World Malaysia 2020 and Ms Plus Intercontinental Malaysia 2020 will represent Malaysia on the international stage at the Miss Plus World Pageant International grand finals in the United States next year.
Miss Plus World Malaysia caters for the 20 to 35 age group, while Ms Plus Intercontinental Malaysia caters for women aged 36 and over. Contestants are size 12 and up.
“Our selected finalists are not only beautiful but they are role models of equity, leadership and elegance. Some are very talented; they can sing, dance, and play several musical instruments. We will manifest their talents at the grand finale gala night,” said Miss Plus World Malaysia (MPWM) national director Ziinine AS Britshi.
“This pageant is for all Malaysian plus size ladies, regardless of age, race, religion, and colour. We are creating a sisterhood system for our Malaysian plus size ladies that is based on friendship, compassion and love,” he said, adding, “This will be the first year Malaysia is participating in Miss Plus World, an international plus size pageant.”
Present at the press conference were Datuk Noripah Kamso, former chairman of Bank Rakyat and director of Top Glove Corporation Bhd; Datin Nur Sharmila Dato Seri Shaheen, executive director of Securiforce Logistic Sdn Bhd; Datin Norzihan Latt, founder of Sheikhahub and Suraya Godwinson, vice president of Dunheved Group Limited UK.
Also in attendance were Gina Frias and Andrew Jackson from Gina Frias London Limited; Amanda Jane Russell, Lt. Governor Division 1 Kiwanis; Seeya Manoj Nair, Influencer and plus-size model; Patrick Goi, founder of Pangoi; UK plus size fashion designer Uvaraani (Uvaa), as well as collaborating teams and partners.
The finalists were selected from over 800 applications from all over the country. After a rigorous selection process, the list was narrowed down to the 26 finalists.
Contestants will undergo two months of intensive training sessions and activities including catwalk, styling, public speaking and community engagement. They will also be engaged in humanitarian work and learning about global diplomacy and peace.
Other activities include visiting various welfare homes around the country and fundraising to benefit welfare homes for the underprivileged and children with Down syndrome.
There will be no bikini or swimwear portion in the competition.
Instead contestants will get to show their beauty in national and cultural fashion outfits, including elegant gowns and attires on the grand final night.
Malaysia fashion brand Pangoi and UK plus-size fashion designer Uvaraani (Uva) are sponsoring fashionable plus-size outfits for the contestants during the finals.
“Pangoi is honoured to be part of this prestigious event and we will sponsor the 26 beautiful contestants with very elegant, fashionable Batik apparels for the runway show during the final,” said Pangoi founder and owner Patrick Goi, who has seven Pangoi outlets.
Apart from the main titles, two other awards will also be up for grabs. A MPWM Humanitarian Ambassador Award will be bestowed on the contestant who best displays commitment to making Malaysia a better place to stay. The most photogenic contestant will win the MPWM CoverGirl 2020 subsidiary title.
The Miss Plus World Malaysia 2020 competition is a collaboration between Miss Plus World Malaysia, Malaysia World News, Sunway Putra Hotel and C&N Productions.
Miss Plus World Malaysia 2020 finalists:
Abiramy Ramasamy
Aleena Shahman
Belinda Halime
Dayshendri P.Pecquan
Emilia Josephine Masiun
Helenah Abdul Hatta
Jeishwari Balbir Singh
Lianne Alychia Hendriks
Maira Tajudin.
Melissa Tyndall
Nadia Rosli
Nicol Gomez
Punitha Peruma
Tun Fiqa
Ms Plus Intercontinental Malaysia 2020 finalists:
Eliza Fiza Zulkifle
Shakti Chhabra
Jastina Mohd. Junus
Jasvin Kaur
Kristen Priya Pillai
Ratanamala Thannimalay
Riena Azmi
Shahrizad Ismail
Sugitha Kunjanman
Zeenat Malik
Zulieanna Piaruddin
Zuria Salmi Nik Mat
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