The 24th edition of the national final of Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant 2022 unfolded in Perak for the first time ever at the grand ballroom of MH Hotel Ipoh last night.
Aimed to promote tourism, culture and friendship, 16 multi-talented finalists representing 9 states from all over Malaysia competed for three main Miss Malaysia Tourism titles namely Miss Malaysia Tourism 2022, Miss Malaysia Tourism Queen of the Year 2022 and Miss Malaysia Tourism Metropolitan 2022.
During the coronation night, the girls defined beauty, brains and brawn by showcasing their talent to a full house with the presence of Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government and Tourism, Dato’ Nolee Ashilin binti Dato’ Mohammed Radzi as the guest of honour.
“Beauty pageants have gone beyond what we traditionally have thought before. We have always heard and were told that beauty is only skin deep. This is untrue, as this pageant itself has demonstrated that our women, being beautiful inside and out, are composed of participants and attendees tonight,” Nolee stated in her speech.
“I strongly support women’s aspirations in multiple issues such as community empowerment, socioeconomic betterment and tackling pressing issues such as climate change, equality, motherhood and many more,” she stressed.
Through the pageant, she hoped the sisterhood spirit between the finalists and previous winners would shine like diamonds and be pillars of strength in everything they do: “Touch hearts and make changes everywhere you go.”
The lively affair also featured cultural performances from the Department of Arts and Culture.
Organised by Adonia Media, the exciting event was supported by Tourism Perak among others while its main sponsors comprised Shake & Bake Cafe, MH Hotel Ipoh and CHK Hair Academy.
The line of distinguished guests included President of Perak Tourism Association cum Advisor for the pageant, Dato’ Mohd Odzman Abdul Kadir, President of Miss Tourism International, Tan Sri Danny Ooi and four Chairladies of Adonia Media: Estee Pook, May Chua, Maggie Ong and Clair Chong.
On the past 9 days leading up to the big moment, the amiable finalists had made special appearances at multiple tourist attractions in Perak to promote the state’s #TravelPerakLah campaign.
The contestants participated in charitable activities as well. For instance, they distributed food to the homeless via a collaboration with the Night Shelter for the Homeless (Teduhan Kelana Perak) in the “Because We Care” corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.
Charity also took centre stage in the high-prestige event as a mock cheque of RM5,000 was presented to the Night Shelter for the Homeless by Adonia Media.
Ultimately, Phoebe Ong Yi Huui from Sabah was crowned as Miss Malaysia Tourism 2022 besides holding a whopping 3 subsidiary titles of Miss Charm, Miss Artisan Bakery and Best in Talent.
The 25-year-old will serve as the country’s ambassadress to compete in the world final with delegates from 55 countries at Kuching, Sarawak in November.
“This is my first time visiting Ipoh and for so many days. As an ambassador, I would try my best to promote Malaysia Tourism,” she shared during a post-event press conference.
Her second time joining a pageant, here is Phoebe’s advice for other girls who wish to be part of the meaningful platform in the future: “Do your very best and just go for it. Don’t think too much, try your best and let God do the rest.”
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Anita Mae Loh Swee Ying hailing from Penang seized the title of Miss Malaysia Tourism Queen of the Year 2022. Prior to that, she won the subsidiary title of Miss Photogenic.
Loh expressed her gratitude to the judges and everyone who offered support: “I am so happy to be able to gain this experience. I am just very grateful.”
Ellen Rachel, representing Sabah, emerged as Miss Malaysia Tourism Metropolitan 2022.
The 21-year-old, who also had the subsidiary title of Miss Crowning Glory to her name, enthused, “With determination and bravery, we can achieve our goals in life and I want to make Malaysia proud.”
The three winners of the main titles received cash prizes and sponsored gifts worth over RM40,000 in total.
On the other hand, the winners of the following subsidiary titles were each awarded with a cash prize of RM1000, sash and trophy:
- Miss Artisan Bakery – Phoebe Ong Yi Huui
- Miss Crowning Glory – Ellen Rachel
- Miss Friendship – Mabel Lee Yee Sze
- Miss Energetic – Elaine Cheah Ee Lynn
- Miss Charity Queen – Hannah Anne Joseph Windsor
- Miss Charm – Phoebe Ong Yi Huui
- Miss Photogenic – Anita Mae Loh Swee Ying
- Miss Popularity – Wong Cindy
- Best in Talent – Phoebe Ong Yi Huui
In view of the positive response, the national final of Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant 2023 is set to be held in Perak once more.
For the latest updates, visit the Facebook pages of Miss Malaysia Tourism Pageant as well as Adonia Media.
Story by Tan Mei Kuan, pictures by Rosli Mansor Bin Ahmad Razali
