Miss Universe Malaysia

THE CONTINUED EVOLUTION OF MISS UNIVERSE MALAYSIA

Miss Universe Malaysia changes format to ensure that Malaysian Representative is better placed to win in years to come; Set’s new five year goal of seeing Malaysia in the Top 5

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – December 08, 2010: In January this year Andrea Fonseka, National Director of the Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation (“MUMO”) shared her vision to breathe new life into the Miss Universe Malaysia pageant. Having successfully introduced it’s “HIP, URBAN, RELEVANT, REAL” revamp, Fonseka intends to improve the pageant further by introducing a new format in 2011, enabling Malaysia to compete on equal grounds with countries such as Mexico and Venezuela – noted heavyweights among leading beauty pageants.

“We are going to crown our Miss Universe Malaysia winners one year in advance.” revealed Andrea.

This equates to more time for grooming and training, the most essential skills of a Miss Universe contender. Latin American nations famous for producing Miss Universe winners typically have between 8 to 12 months to train and prepare before competing. Malaysia has had to compress this complex process into a period of 3 to 4 months in previous years.

MUMO intends to overcome this disadvantage by crowning both 2011 and 2012 Miss Universe Malaysia winners next year – the first time there have been two Miss Universe Malaysia pageants and winners in the same year!

The Evolution

For this transition, Miss Universe Malaysia 2012 would be identified and selected by September 2011. This in turn means that the Miss Universe Malaysia 2011 candidate will be crowned by February 2011 to compete at the 2011 Miss Universe Pageant.

“We are embarking on a nomination and voting process starting immediately to select our Miss Universe Malaysia 2011 winner,” explained Fonseka.

This is being done through the pageant’s Facebook page, website and through letters that could be sent to the pageant’s offices. The public nomination and voting results would then be combined with the views of a hand picked panel of world-class judges to help select the country’s next representative to the Miss Universe 2011 pageant.

Big Changes for Miss Universe Malaysia: 2012 onwards

“The search for the 2012 candidate will begin in February of 2011 through a national road show, a reality television program and casting calls that will be held nationwide.” Fonseka said, refusing to elaborate more at this time as “things are still very P&C. We have loads of exciting developments coming and we really do not want to spoil the surprises we have in store for everyone!”

The Reality Television format in particular is a key part of the changes being done as it lends itself perfectly to the pageant, placing the girls under extreme pressure similar to that at the international Miss Universe pageant.

MUMO plans to air the episodes before the pageant finals, allowing Malaysians to have an insight into what has previously been a closed event until the day of crowning.

“Miss Universe Malaysia is the country’s ambassador!” said Fonseka.

“We aim to see Malaysians getting involved in selecting her, watching her train and grow, and finally cheering her on as she takes our country’s name to a global stage with pride!”

“Whilst the format has changed, we are still looking for the same thing – a Malaysian girl who is smart, fresh and down to earth, has leadership skills, and a great sense of humour. With just basic makings of a star – we can make her SHINE.”

For more information on the Miss Universe Malaysia Organization please visit www.missuniversemalaysia.com.my

About Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation (“MUMO”)
Miss Universe Malaysia is part of the international Miss Universe franchise. Owned and managed by the esteemed Trump Organisation in joint venture with NBC Universal. Of the many pageants and beauty contests in Malaysia, none are as prestigious as this title. The winners stand amongst the most beautiful and accomplished women from around the world. Miss Universe Malaysia is also the longest running pageant in Malaysia. Past Miss Universe Malaysia who have done this country proud include: Datin Josephine Fonseka, Yasmin Yusoff, Datuk Anna Lim, Elaine Daly and Andrea Fonseka. The woman who wears the Miss Universe Malaysia crown is not just a ‘beauty queen’ but a role model for other young women and an ambassador for Malaysia on the international stage. Andrea Fonseka (the National Director and Miss Universe Malaysia 2004) has as of January 2010, taken this passion project over to groom, train and ultimately take Miss Universe Malaysia to the top line up at the Miss Universe pageant. “We’re going to make you shine”.