Kota Kinabalu: Cassandra Yap (centre) from Johor was crowned Miss International Malaysia 2023 (MIM2023) at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), here, on Sunday.
The 24-year-old beat 16 other finalists to win the title and walked away with RM10,000 cash, an education scholarship worth RM52,975, among other prizes, and will be representing Malaysia in the international finale in Tokyo, Japan less than two weeks from now.
The first runner-up is 28-year-old Kimberly Vung from Sabah, while Christina Lee, also 28, from Perak is second runner-up.
Ashlyn Ooi, 26, from Penang, whose overall marks and performance came very close to Yap’s, was selected as the Miss International Malaysia 2024 winner.
SPONSORED CONTENT Daily Express members: Enjoy 1 for 1 signature cocktails and more at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu: DAILY EXPRESS is partnering with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to offer an exclusive deal for our members. Read more Feeling surprised and honoured, Yap said she was somewhat in a Déjà vu, especially with herself and Ooi in the finals of the peninsula competition.
“I didn’t really prepare anything. I was just going with the flow because we went through the same process in the peninsula (competition), but this one was something that I really looked forward to because I learned lessons in that competition.
“I tried very hard in this national competition and I am happy that my efforts have paid off, as well as thankful to have failed in the peninsula competition (being first runner-up),” she said.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, MIM2023 National Director cum President Jawed Khan, MIM2023 Chairperson Jenny Ngu, MIM2023 Chief Executive Officer Dr Aly Stephen and MIM2023 Project Manager Jason Jonathan Omar.
Referring to her “failure” in the peninsula competition, Yap said her expectations were high and was disappointed when she secured second place.
“However, I took it as an encouragement to go further at the national competition as one of the 17 finalists.”
Yap thanked her family and all her supporters, especially sponsors and fans, who helped her get to where she is now.
On the Tokyo competition, Yap, who is no stranger to the pageantry and modelling industry, is hopeful as she believes as a Malaysian, the multi-cultural background is her advantage.
She said flexibility, adaptability and acceptance of differences are part of every Malaysian life, and plans on using this to show the world what Malaysians are and hopefully outshine the other contestants.
Meanwhile, Ooi said she was surprised when she was announced next year’s Miss International Malaysia.
She said she was grateful and thankful to everyone who believed in her and saw her potential, and assured that she will maintain resilience and commitment in performing at the international level.
“To be honest, I was shocked. I was here tonight clapping for my sister Cassandra because we are both from the peninsula. Last month, we were holding hands at the peninsula finals (such as tonight), but I was announced the winner.
On her Miss Malaysia International 2024 preparations, she said she would continuously improve myself in ways such as regular participation with the Toastmasters Club to improve public speaking and interpersonal skills.
“Most importantly, I need to be involved in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as Japan is very concerned over this matter,” she added.
Organised by Persatuan Pentas Anak Seni Malaysia (PPASM) and presented by SunStrong Entertainment, the Miss International Malaysia (MIM) pageant celebrates not just beauty but also the empowered spirit of Malaysian women, the cultural diversity of the nation and their unwavering commitment to sustainability.
Jeffrey, who officiated the MIM 2023 coronation ceremony, said in a world that is quick to judge and form opinions, such events shape global perceptions.
He said while many might reduce beauty pageants to mere displays of glamour, MIM serves a higher purpose as it allows them to project the nation’s values, ideals and aspirations onto the global stage.
“Through this pageant, we can elevate Malaysia’s image, showcasing not just our physical beauty but our values, dreams and aspirations.
“MIM becomes more than a title; it becomes our message to the world, signaling our nation’s progress, openness and dedication to meaningful causes,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Lim said the company proudly presents MIM as it is not just a title; it is a purposeful calling which symbolises unity, purpose and the transformative power of positive change.
He said as they elevate the image of Malaysia through this platform, they strive to ensure that every participant emerges as a beacon of change, celebrating their unique essence and showcasing the rich tapestry of the country’s cultures.
“MIM and SunStrong Entertainment stand by the same mantra that no dream is too big, and no dreamer is too small. We are committed to promoting the transformative power of dreams,” he said.
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