After the Miss Universe Malaysia Organization (MUMO) announced in June that it was taking application for the latest installment of The Next Miss Universe Malaysia pageant, hundreds of young women from all over the country sent in their applications – all with hopes of taking up the crown currently adorned by reigning Miss Universe Malaysia, Kimberley Leggett.
But now, the hundreds of hopeful applicants sent in have been narrowed down to the final 17, who will vie for the title of The Next Miss Universe Malaysia and the coveted crown.
On the influx of applicants, Andrew Fonseka (Miss Malaysia Universe 2004 and National Director of MUMO) said, “It was very overwhelming and better than expected. Although the pageant is still in its early stages, these 17 finalists have already come a long way to emerge top amongst all the applicantions sent in. It is very exciting to be working with these ladies, and we are confident that they will make for a thrilling pageant.”
The finalists are:
- Angely Yew (25)
- Carey Ng (23)
- Karissa Simon (23)
- Marissa Paramaraj (22)
- Naomi Chandrasegar (24)
- Natalia Ng Mei Mei (24)
- Samantha James (18)
- Sarah Schipper (25)
- Shareeta Selvaraj (22)
- Symren Kaur (20)
- Chammaine Tan (20)
- Kelsey Rabindran (23)
- Leanndrea Paramaraj (21)
- May Salitah Naru Kiob (24)
- Trisha Tuck (20)
- Rice Hing Zhiyu (21)
- Jassinta Mirasol (25)
From this point onwards, the real challenge starts. The pageant in Malaysia, part of the greater international Miss Universe franchise, owned by real-estate moghul Donald Trump, will take on a similar reality TV series format as last year – but with some exciting twists.
The series, titled “The Next Miss Universe Malaysia“, will see the finalists living together in a “BeautyCamp“. What is the “BeautyCamp”? Not literal camping, we assure you.
BeautyCamp is a beautiful bungalow in Bandar Setia Alam, official venue sponsor for the pageant, The series will be aired over six episodes on 8TV later this year.
This will culminate in a grand finale, which is expected to take place in December 2012 at the S P Setia Convention Centre. One of these hopeful finalists will take hom the crown of Miss Universe Malaysia 2012, on top of a monthly salary from the Miss Universe Malaysia Organization, and more than RM200,000 in prizes.
She will join the ranks of past title holders including Nadine Anne Thomas, Deborah Henry, Kimberly Leggett, and of course, Andrew Fonseka.
For more information on Miss Universe Malaysia, visit its official website or Facebook page.
