On 31st July 2025, the Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation (MUMO) introduced the Top 16 finalists of Miss Universe Malaysia 2025 during a press conference at Holiday Inn Bangsar. The occasion also marked a significant shift for the organisation as it welcomed Charissa Chong—Miss Grand Malaysia 2022 and Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 runner-up—as the new National Director.
The application period began on 4th May 2025 and drew hundreds of entries from across the nation. This edition saw a notable increase in both diversity and quality, a reflection of the inclusive eligibility guidelines introduced the previous year, which opened participation to women of all backgrounds — including those who are married, divorced, mothers, and of any age.
This year’s Top 16 finalists embody the changing identity of Malaysian womanhood — a dynamic blend of beauty, grace, heritage, and drive, all sharing a common goal of representing Malaysia internationally. Private and virtual auditions were conducted in June with a distinguished panel of judges comprising Datin Seri Livonia Ricky Guing, MUMO Chairperson; Charissa Chong, MUMO National Director; James Tan, Founder and Director of Evenstar Management; and Rubini Sambanthan, actress, model, and former Miss International Malaysia.
Here are your Top 16 finalists:
- Bhadrani Nagendran, 27 years old
- Chloe Chin, 24 years old
- Chloe Lim, 27 years old
- Elaine Cheah, 26 years old
- Elina Cheah, 24 years old
- Jen Li, 28 years old
- Joey Leng, 25 years old
- Kavita Sanglish, 26 years old
- Keerthanaah Parthipan, 25 years old
- Malveen Kaur, 31 years old
- Priscilla Yap, 25 years old
- Priyaa Simmi, 30 years old
- Priyanka Sockanathan, 24 years old
- Ranmeet Jassal, 33 years old
- Tan Su Jie, 25 years old
- Valenice Tiong, 36 years old
Contestants were evaluated on intellect, cultural intelligence, communication ability, poise, and self-assurance, leading to 26 being shortlisted for the Top 16 voting round. The final 16 were chosen via a 50:50 voting system, with half the decision from the judging panel and the other half from public votes, ensuring an equitable and representative result. The judges looked beyond physical beauty, identifying those with the potential to evolve into impactful global figures under MUMO’s mentorship.
This year’s Top 16 showcases an impressive spectrum of talent, including experienced pageant contestants and newcomers with exceptional promise. Highlights include a Tsinghua University postgraduate who addressed the United Nations, a medical doctor with international humanitarian experience, and a former Mrs Malaysia World promoting women’s financial empowerment.
Also among the finalists are a TEDx speaker who founded a non-profit supporting refugee children’s mental health and education, a model and dive trip coordinator, and a business strategist excelling in fields like investment and shooting sports.
Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article
