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MALAYSIA’S Taanusiya Chetty has emerged as second runner-up at the Miss World 2026 finals, marking one of the country’s best-ever performances at the international pageant.
The 26-year-old educator, who was among the six finalists, also clinched the Beauty With A Purpose award, adding another major accolade to Malaysia’s achievement at the competition held in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
Fluent in Malay, English, Mandarin and Tamil, Taanusiya showcased Malaysia’s cultural heritage during the pageant by performing “tarian silat” (“traditional silat performance”).
Her second runner-up finish is Malaysia’s best result at Miss World since 1998, when Lina Teoh finished third in the international competition.
Malaysia has produced several notable performances at the pageant over the years, with Rahimah Orchient Yayah reaching the top 10 in 1994, while Deborah Henry secured a place in the top 16 in 2007.
Taanusiya’s achievement, however, places her among Malaysia’s most successful representatives on the Miss World stage and marks a significant moment for the country at the 2026 edition of the prestigious pageant. - September 6, 2026
