Miss Astro Chinese Int’l 2019 finalists grace Malaysia Fashion Week

The Top 8 finalists of Miss Astro Chinese International Pageant 2019 (Astro 國際華裔小姐競選 2019) have been chosen for the pageant’s grand finale that will take place in Kuala Lumpur on December 21.

The finalists recently made their runway appearance as guest models wearing Zang Toi’s outfits and carrying Illiza Ho’s handbags on the theme of batik and lace during Malaysia Fashion Week Festival 2019 at the Black Box, Publika Kuala Lumpur on October 20.

They did not disappoint as they walked down the runway with style, grace and confidence to loud burst of cheers and applause. 

One of them will be crowned Miss Astro Chinese International Pageant 2019 (MACIP) in the pageant finals and she will have the opportunity to travel abroad to represent Malaysia at the 2020 Miss Chinese International Pageant finals.

Citizen Journalists Malaysia (CJMY) spoke to the eight goddesses of beauty who shared a little bit about themselves.

Chan Lee Xuan was Miss Malaysia Globe International 2018 queen and also won Miss Body Beautiful subsidiary title.

Standing at 173 cm, the sweet and slender girl next door type who graduated in Finance & Economics last year enjoys having a couple twinges of adrenaline.

“I feel very happy and also very excited that I am among the top 8 finalists. It’s going to be a lot of hard work but it would be a big achievement to win the crown.”

She is a risk-taker, the type of person who is looking for an “adrenaline rush”.

“I love the extreme outdoor activities and adventures because they are fun and exciting and I wanted to challenge my fear.”

Adeline Beh is an entrepreneur currently helping to develop her father’s bird’s nests business.

The 170cm tall beauty was a contestant in Miss Malaysia Globe International 2018 pageant. She did not finish in the top three but she did walk away from that pageant with two subsidiary titles – Miss Friendship and Miss Elegance.

“I’m focussing on online business as the buying habit of consumers nowadays are shifting from traditional stores to shopping online. I believe this will open it up to a wider international market.”

She is passion about photography and thinks it’s a great hobby.

“Photography gives me a new perspective in life. It’s a fun thing to do and helps me to enjoy life and cherish memories.”

Cecelia Hong dared to dream big and have brought her dream into reality. Today she is a newly graduated pilot at AirAsia after graduating from an aviation academy in Malacca. Her brother is a pilot thus it is no surprise that Cecelia is motivated and inspired to follow in his footsteps. She has started flying to exotic destinations in Asia.

“Flying a plane is a lot of work. I will work harder to meet the challenge and when things get tough, I will be tougher but the passion is what that will keep me going.

“I am pleased to be a finalist and hoping to become Miss Astro Chinese International.”

The 166 cm tall female pilot uses her free time to enjoy playing the piano and listening to music.

Jeanne Tan is a final year International Business student at Xiamen University Malaysia in Sepang, Selangor, and will graduate on January 2020.

She participated and was placed Top 5 in Asia Muse Search 2016. Her participation in Asia Muse Search competition helped her to boost self-confidence.

She is working as a freelance model with 165cm (5’ 4.9”) height to earn some income for travelling overseas especially to South Korea and China, her favourite destinations.

Cooking is her hobby and she really enjoys eating.

“ When I cook, I like trying out new ideas and to be creative. I use fresh ingredients for healthier meals. I love eating but I eat healthily like lots of vegetables. They make me feel healthier and stronger.”

Jeanne dreams of opening an event management company someday.

Cloris Chin works in the beauty trade and set up her own beauty studio two years ago. Business is thriving with a loyal following that she has built up and new clients turn up at her door.

She is competing in the pageant for the first time and feeling overwhelmed.

“This is my first pageant and I am grateful getting to experience it all. I will make full use of this opportunity and I’ll definitely do my best.”

The 166cm (5′ 5.3″) tall beauty loves to sing and says listening to sentimental love song helps her concentrate and relax. 

Jens Cheong is creative with a knack for business and possesses good communication skills. She returned home from UK last year after graduation.

“I feel that a career in marketing management would be the most beneficial use of my knowledge and skills in digital media marketing, brand building and public speaking.”

She joined the pageant for the first time because she was attracted by the pageant theme of “Girl Power” in last year’s competition.

“Women are not only beautiful, they are strong, independent and capable of doing wonderful things. I am confident and will do my best to win the crown.”

The 168cm (5’ 6”) tall beauty prefers an active hobby like dancing. She said dancing keeps her active and alert all day. 

MACIP is the first beauty pageant Rennie Lau is participating in.

An advocate for improved health through better nutrition, the 170cm (5’ 6.9”) tall beauty said the pageant will be an interesting and challenging experience for her.

“I joined the pageant on my own initiative to strive for my dreams. This is my very first pageant so I am excited. There are new things to learn and new challenges to overcome and I will face up to the challenges in doing my best.”

Describing herself as driven, compassionate and positive, Rennie enjoys watching movies with her friends and cooking in her free time.

Bob Low is a commercial model involved in commercial advertising and has successful appearance on various commercials such as on Prudential billboard and GSC.

The long-legged beauty who stands at 174cm (5’ 8.5”) tall is confident and she has set her sight on the crown. She was 19 when she won first runner up in Miss Malaysia World 2012.

“I appreciate all the love and support. I am putting in all my best effort to win the crown.”

She loves books and enjoys reading, playing the piano and baking. She dreams of owning her own baking business someday.