AdminIn a dazzling display of grace and charisma, 23-year-old Shelby Ann Howell from the United States of America claimed the top honor, being crowned Miss CosmoWorld 2023 International World winner and also securing the subsidiary title of Miss Photogenic. Howell’s triumph marked a significant milestone in her journey, bringing the crown to the USA and inspiring women worldwide.
Months of rigorous training, intense competitions, and showcasing exceptional talent came to an electrifying close as the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur hosted the grand finale of Miss CosmoWorld 2023 International World. The global beauty pageant brought together 25 contestants from around the world, each vying for the coveted title and subsidiary triumphs.
Grace, Intelligence, and Runway Confidence
The participants showcased exceptional grace and intelligence on the global stage, navigating diverse challenges that underscored the multifaceted nature of the competition and presented the esteemed judging panel with an undoubtedly challenging task.
Each contestant demonstrated their skills through a series of challenges, including the national costume round, where they celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of their respective countries. The Red Bikini and Catwalk Dance segment, known for its hot and sexy appeal, added an electrifying dimension to the competition, testing the contestants’ confidence on the runway.
The talent round provided a platform for the beauty queens to shine in their unique skills, while the evening gown round, allowed the contestants to exude glamour and sophistication. The question-answer round further showcased their intelligence and ability to articulate their thoughts under pressure.
The grand finale, witnessed by Miss CosmoWorld’s Honorary Advisors, Tengku Hishamuddin Dato Dr. Hishammudin bin Zaizi bin Y.A.M Tengku Azman Shah Alhaj, and Dato’ Sri Chong Chin Fung, offered the largest grand prize in pageant history, totaling RM1.93 million, including sponsored perks, benefits, and a cash prize of USD 100,000 (approx. RM 470,000) by GetBats.
Triumph and vision
Expressing her joy and vision for the future, Shelby Ann Howell shared, “I’ve felt empowered during my time here, and I have always dreamed of this since I was young. Moving forward, I want to organize events, strengthen my social media, and I want to donate my time to many different charities, and give back to the community. I will also speak with Carrie about bringing this pageant to the USA because I believe lots of women would love to join Miss CosmoWorld, and it could empower many women there, as well.”
Elda Louise Aznar from the Philippines secured the first runner-up position and became a standout figure, not only among the top finalists but also as the recipient of five subsidiary titles, including the highly acclaimed Best National Costume. Aznar’s journey to success exemplified resilience and talent, leaving an indelible mark on the Philippines’ representation in the global beauty scene.
The second runner-up position was awarded to Maryna Karpeka from Ukraine, adding to the international flavor of the winners’ circle. The top 5 finalists also included Maria Gianna Margarita from Canada, Sandra Boris from Lithuania, and Elda Louise Aznar from the Philippines.
Despite not making it to the Top 5, Malaysia’s representative, Tay Cheah Ying Ying, emerged victorious with the Miss Talent subsidiary title. Her remarkable skills showcased on the global stage underscored Malaysia’s presence in the beauty scene and highlighted the diverse talents the country has to offer.
Empowering women globally
Miss CosmoWorld’s founder, Carrie Lee, emphasized the pageant’s mission to empower women, celebrating their strength, intelligence, and resilience. Lee stated, “We believe true beauty lies in confidence, character, and the power to make a difference. Today, we embark on a journey that will not only crown a queen but inspire and uplift women from all corners of the world.”
The journey leading up to the grand finale involved intensive activities, with contestants from various countries engaging in talent performances, team-building sessions in Melaka, and explorations of Malaysia’s cultural and historical richness. The meticulous planning and execution of these events were orchestrated by CL Skin Sdn Bhd, a beauty line and management company founded by Miss Chinese Cosmos 2004, Carrie Lee.
The event’s success was made possible through the support of key sponsors, including Title Sponsors First Pavilion Global Berhad (FPG Berhad) and propBUDDIES.com, as well as Cash Prize Sponsor Getbats, Malaysia Grand Final Platinum Sponsor MeLife, and Accommodation Sponsor Hyatt Place Kuala Lumpur.
The winners’ circle comprised the Top 3 Titles:
- Miss CosmoWorld 2023: Shelby Ann Howell – United States of America (USA)
- Prize Value: RM1,087,769
- 1st Runner-Up: Elda Louise Aznar – Philippines
- Prize Value: RM433,850
- 2nd Runner-Up: Maryna Karpeka – Ukraine
- Prize Value: RM274,963
The Subsidiary Titles featured outstanding achievements:
- Miss Popularity: Elda Louise Aznar – Philippines (Presented by Carrie Collections)
- Miss Healthy: Elda Louise Aznar – Philippines (Presented by Gintell)
- Miss Glamorous: Elda Louise Aznar – Philippines (Presented by Prife International Sdn. Bhd)
- Miss Photogenic: Shelby Ann Howell – United States of America (USA) (Presented by MeLife)
- Miss Personality: Elda Louise Aznar – Philippines (Presented by FPG Berhad)
- Miss Talent: Tay Cheah Ying Ying – Malaysia (Presented by Dato’ Jimmy)
- Miss Congeniality: Kim Dahye – Korea (Presented by Hyatt Place Kuala Lumpur)
- Miss Courageous: Linda Loya Angelei – Kenya (Presented by CL Skin Beauty Sdn. Bhd.)
- Best Creativity: Paulina Starosielec – Poland (Presented by Prop Buddies)
- Best National Costume: Elda Louise Aznar – Philippines
For more information on Miss CosmoWorld 2023, kindly visit: www.misscosmoworld.com
CJMY
