Malaysia’s representative at the 73rd Miss Universe competition, Sandra Lim Shue Hui, is set to captivate the world by embodying the spirit of Pahang’s legendary warrior princess, Walinong Sari. The 23-year-old actress, model, and host will wear a striking warrior princess outfit inspired by the folklore of Princess Walinong Sari, a symbol of strength, beauty, and courage.
Lim’s national costume, which she will proudly showcase at the competition in Mexico City on November 16, was designed by renowned local fashion designer Ezuwan Ismail. Crafted from handwoven songket and adorned with intricate sulam tebuk embroidery, the costume blends tradition with regality. The ensemble features traditional warrior headgear and a sword, symbolizing the legendary princess’s combat skills and indomitable spirit.
Ezuwan, speaking at the unveiling of the national costume at Menara MYEG, emphasized the deep symbolism of the design. "The costume reflects Princess Walinong Sari's strength and grace, and I wanted to bring this legendary figure to life through Sandra’s presence on the international stage," he said. According to Pahang folklore, Princess Walinong Sari was known for her martial arts skills and for choosing to defend her kingdom rather than marry out of obligation. This story of independence and resilience served as the inspiration for Lim’s bold outfit.
Lim, who exuded confidence as she debuted the outfit, expressed her excitement about representing Malaysia in such a powerful way. “Wearing this dress makes me feel empowered. I want to show the world that women can embody both fierceness and grace,” Lim said. Her costume not only highlights her strength but also pays homage to Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond her national costume, Lim’s journey to the Miss Universe stage has been nothing short of impressive. Born in Selangor, she has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry, starring in films such as Happy Dragons and Modern Dynasty 2: War of Others, as well as a popular TVB series, The Heir To The Throne. She secured the Miss Universe Malaysia title in September, triumphing over 15 other finalists with her poise, talent, and confidence.
Ezuwan shared that crafting the costume was a challenge, particularly when it came to sourcing authentic traditional materials. “Time was our biggest hurdle,” Ezuwan revealed, noting that he had less than a month to complete the intricate costume. Despite the pressure, he was determined to highlight Malaysia’s cultural richness.
In addition to the warrior costume, Ezuwan has designed a stunning evening gown for Lim’s appearance on the Miss Universe stage. The gown, adorned with glittering stars, symbolizes the aspirations and hopes that Lim carries as she represents Malaysia on a global platform.
“I’m honored to bring Princess Walinong Sari to life through this costume, and I hope Sandra’s performance will reflect the strength, beauty, and heritage of Malaysia,” Ezuwan said.
Sandra Lim will represent Malaysia at the 73rd Miss Universe competition, which will be held in Mexico City on November 16. As she dons the powerful and symbolic costume of Princess Walinong Sari, Lim aims to capture not only the hearts of the judges but also to share Malaysia’s legacy with the world.
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