Miss CosmoWorld 2026 expands focus beyond traditional beauty pageantry

Malaysian-born beauty pageant platform Miss CosmoWorld has unveiled an expanded vision for its 2026 edition, placing entrepreneurship, international networking, and women empowerment at the centre of its direction.

The announcement was made during the Miss CosmoWorld 2026 Press Conference held at the Majestic Marine Ballroom, Confetti KL, attended by more than 100 invited guests, industry partners, former titleholders, and supporters. Themed “Network is our Networth,” the upcoming edition aims to position the pageant as more than a conventional beauty competition.

Founder of Miss CosmoWorld and head of CL Skin Sdn Bhd, Carrie Lee Sze Kei, said the organisation’s direction for 2026 would focus on “Evolving, Empowering, and Elevating” contestants through personal branding, business exposure, and international engagement.

Guest of Honour and Honorary Advisor Y.M. Tengku Dato’ Dr. Hishammuddin Zaizi bin Y.A.M. Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah Alhaj reaffirmed his longstanding support for the pageant, describing Miss CosmoWorld as a homegrown initiative that has steadily built an international presence over the years.

Meanwhile, Honorary Advisor Dato’ Seri (Dr) Chong Chin Fung highlighted the pageant’s shift towards a business-oriented model, saying it offers contestants opportunities to develop entrepreneurial and professional skills beyond the traditional pageantry sphere.

New leadership and global expansion plans unveiled

The event also marked the appointment of Angelina Soh as Event Organizing Director for the 2026 edition. Soh, who was previously named first runner-up in Miss CosmoWorld Malaysia 2025, also announced the launch of her studio focusing on catwalk grooming and dance classes.

Carrie Lee outlined several strategic initiatives planned for the coming year, including overseas business and networking trips to China and France for future winners under the campaign banner “We see the world we travel to.”

The organisation also introduced The Carrie Collection, a luxury cosmetic and wellness brand linked to a newly opened showroom at Aurora Place, Bukit Jalil. Collaborations involving Mimi Wong and Soon Hui Shan were also announced to promote products under the CosmoWorld Beauty Brand.

In addition to business initiatives, the organisation reiterated its advocacy for wellness and vegetarian living. According to organisers, Miss CosmoWorld continues to promote messages of non-violence toward animals during its Grand Final presentations.

One of the highlights of the press conference was the “Walk of Fame” segment, featuring appearances by former queens and international representatives from countries including Kazakhstan, Iran, United Kingdom, and Morocco.

The Miss CosmoWorld 2026 Grand Final is scheduled to take place on 27 October 2026 at the JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, where a new titleholder will be crowned.