AdminKarla Majam, a 17-year-old autistic from the Philippines, achieved a remarkable feat by being crowned Miss UniWorld 2023 at the highly anticipated Miss UniWorld Competition held at the JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur. Karla not only won the prestigious title but also earned the coveted “Best in Catwalk” Award, impressing the judges with her exceptional catwalking skills.
Karla, the first person with autism to win the coveted title, credits her remarkable success to the comprehensive training provided by the prestigious beauty pageant institution Kagandahang Flores. With the guidance of her creative director, Elishua Balinton, and national director, Alexandra Mae Rosales, Karla underwent a transformative journey of self-discovery, boosting her confidence, refining her skills, and nurturing her innate talent. This exceptional training became the stepping stone to her triumphant victory, proving that dreams are attainable irrespective of any perceived limitations.
Empowering women to make a difference
The Miss UniWorld competition serves as an empowering platform for women, enabling them to utilize their voices and make a positive impact on the world. It serves as a reminder that women are strong, capable, and compassionate leaders. Founded by Malaysian socialite entrepreneur and beauty queen Dato Reiss Tiara, the competition is officially supported by Tourism Malaysia and Cuti-cuti Malaysia, emphasizing its commitment to promoting women’s empowerment, networking, and tourism while supporting local charities and global causes.
A total of 25 beautiful queens from around the world arrived in Malaysia on June 4 to compete in the Miss UniWorld beauty pageant. The competition tested their physical beauty, intelligence, confidence, charisma, and compassion through a series of challenges. The preliminary rounds judged their confidence and dedication, accounting for 30 percent of their overall score. The final round, which accounted for 70 percent of the score, included a question-and-answer session on current issues, allowing the top five finalists to showcase their understanding and fluency on pressing matters.
Karla Majam’s victory was a testament to her intelligence, compassion, and commitment to social responsibility. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to raise awareness about important issues and make a positive impact.
Queen of Kilimajoro: Karla’s Majestic Victory
Karla Majam, not only claimed the coveted title but also received a cash prize of RM460,000. However, the true symbol of her triumph came in the form of the official crown worth an impressive RM1.8 million. Crafted meticulously by renowned goldsmith Amee Philips, this magnificent crown, named the ‘Queen of Kilimajoro,’ is adorned with real diamonds and precious gemstones. It serves as a powerful embodiment of strength, freedom, and the unwavering determination of women to pursue their dreams with confidence.
Weighing 420 grams, the diamond crown took six months to craft, reflecting meticulous artistry and unwavering dedication. Its majestic design captures the essence of splendor and celebrates the remarkable achievements of women who break barriers and inspire others.
The prestigious honor of crowning Karla as Miss UniWorld 2023 was bestowed upon Niousha Roohbaksh, the reigning Miss UniWorld 2022 hailing from Iran. Joining in the celebration were Miss Latvia Anastasia Alekseevska and Miss Georgia Makuna Amashukeli, who secured the positions of first and second runner-up, respectively. Together, these remarkable women exemplify the international spirit and extraordinary talent that graced the Miss UniWorld competition.
Miss UniWorld competition highlights Beauty with Heart
The Miss UniWorld competition goes beyond mere beauty and places great importance on using one’s voice to make a meaningful difference in the world. The 2023 competition was no exception, as the contestants’ visit to the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) and non-profit organization Tasputra Perkim showcased their commitment to compassion and social responsibility.
On June 8, amidst the breathtaking Kuala Lumpur skyline, Miss UniWorld hosted an enchanting talent show for 15 children from NASOM. This heartwarming event demonstrated that true beauty lies within the heart, as the radiant smiles on the children’s faces captured the essence of the moment.
Continuing their mission to inspire and uplift, the Miss UniWorld contestants spent the following day at Tasputra Perkim, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities. Through engaging interactions, the contestants brought joy and widened smiles to the faces of the children, fostering a sense of inclusivity and compassion.
Dato’ Roslan Rosdi, CEO of Miss UniWorld, highlighted the importance of charitable efforts and participant involvement, emphasizing the transformative power of beauty with a compassionate heart. The visit to NASOM and Tasputra Perkim not only provided support and joy to the children but also deepened the contestants’ understanding of the challenges faced by those with autism. It served as a reminder that beauty encompasses kindness, compassion, and strength of character.
An extraordinary journey
Karla Majam’s extraordinary journey to becoming Miss UniWorld 2023 shattered barriers and inspired women around the world. Despite her clinical diagnosis of autism, Karla’s triumph demonstrates that dreams can be achieved regardless of limitations. Her remarkable victory serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for individuals facing their own challenges.
As Karla takes on her new role, she vows to continue making a difference in the lives of others and using her platform to advocate for important causes. Miss UniWorld 2023, with its focus on beauty with heart, has once again showcased the power of women to create positive change and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
