Latest news with #MissUniverse2024
Daily Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Miss Universe Malaysia's journey beyond the spotlight
Published on: Wednesday, June 04, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 04, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Lim in two sets of traditional attire – Murut and Lundayeh. PENAMPANG: When Miss Universe Malaysia 2024 Sandra Lim touched down in Sabah to join this year's Kaamatan festivities, few expected the reigning queen to blend so seamlessly into the cultural spirit of the Harvest Festival. But for the 25-year-old beauty queen and proud Malaysian, it was not just another appearance – it was a deeply personal journey of learning, connecting, and celebrating the richness of Sabah's indigenous heritage. Attending the State-level Kaamatan Festival from May 29 to 31, Lim made headlines not just for her title but for donning traditional outfits from various ethnic groups – Murut, Lundayeh and Kadazan – and even sporting the iconic 'sanggul gong' during the State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) finals, a hairstyle synonymous with the cultural pageant. 'It gives me so much joy and pride to wear these traditional garments, carrying the beautiful history of our people in Sabah,' she said, visibly moved in one of her Instagram posts. 'The efforts by the organisers to preserve and showcase these cultures are incredibly inspiring.' Lim's Kaamatan experience was not a mere photo opportunity. From cheering finalists at the Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan (RTK) male pageant to dancing with the crowd at the KDCA hall, she immersed herself in every beat, every bite and every banner. 'The music, the dance, the food, the people – the experience of a lifetime. 'Thank you for welcoming me with such warmth and love. Makan-makan, menari bersama-sama, bringing me in like family,' she posted after her walkabout at the KDCA Hongkod Koisaan ground on May 30. Having competed on the world stage just months earlier in Mexico, where she placed in the Top 30 at Miss Universe 2024 – Malaysia's best result in over half a century – Lim found unexpected resonance in Sabah's homegrown pageantry scene. 'The whole vibe brought me back to my first international competition in Indonesia. Everyone was so packed and so passionate,' she recalled when met after the UNK 2025 crowning. Observing the Unduk Ngadau finalists, Lim shared how the magic of pageantry often shines brightest onstage. 'You only see the X-factor when they walk out – the way they carry themselves, talk, smile. 'The winner (Tamparuli's Atitih Yati Robert) was my pick from the start,' she smiled, proving her eye for talent remains sharp. Lim, who holds a degree in mass communications and has a background in martial arts and modelling, is no stranger to hard work. Her recent success in Miss Universe 2024, where she dazzled judges with a wushu routine in a national costume inspired by Princess Walinong Sari, brought her international acclaim. Yet back home, it is her groundedness that endears her most. 'I think the whole of Malaysia should learn from Sabah. 'The passion here, the meaning behind every culture – that is something we should carry into our future,' she said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hype Malaysia
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Suchata 'Opal' Chuangsri: 5 Fun Facts About Thailand's First Miss World Winner
It's that time of year again, the new Miss World has been crowned! Opal Chuangsri (สุชาตา ช่วงศรี) of Thailand made history and headlines by becoming her country's first-ever Miss World. The model was crowned the winner at the grand finale of this year's pageant, held over the weekend in Hyderabad, India. 'I'm deeply honoured and humbled by this responsibility. I promise to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the mission of Beauty With a Purpose, using my voice and actions to uplift, support, and inspire,' she wrote in her victory post on Instagram. Let's learn a little more about Thailand's first Miss World winner. 1. She was the 3rd Runner-up for Miss Universe 2024 This is not Opal's first time on the international pageant stage. In fact, she was crowned third runner-up at Miss Universe 2024, where Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark took home the title. The Thai model has come a long way since then, and now the previous Miss World winner, Krystyna Pyszková of Czechia, has graciously passed the crown to her successor during the finale. 'You are entering a wonderful chapter filled with opportunity and potential, and I know that you will be amazing. I can't wait to see you shine and make your mark on the world. I'll be here to support you and cheer you on every step of the way ✨,' said Krystyna. 2. She's a political science student Talk about beauty with brains. Opal will not let a beauty pageant get in the way of her studies. According to AsiaOne, she's currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in political science and international relations, with interests in psychology and anthropology at Thammasat University in Bangkok. 3. She's proficient in Chinese Not only can she speak English and Thai, but she's also reportedly proficient in Chinese, having graduated from the Triam Udom Suksa School in Bangkok with a specialisation in the Chinese language. Talk about being a polyglot! 4. She's an advocate for breast cancer awareness Raising awareness and advocating for meaningful causes is part of a beauty pageant winner's duty. Past titleholders have often championed causes close to their hearts, hoping to make a difference in the lives of those in need. For Opal, that cause is breast cancer awareness. She had a benign tumour removed at the age of 16 and is the founder of the Opal for Her project, which aims to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer prevention. 5. She also won the Miss World 2025 Multimedia Challenge According to several reports, in addition to winning the main title, Opal also claimed victory in the pageant's Multimedia Challenge. She reportedly topped the contestant app leaderboard, with over 2.3 million views. Sources: MalayMail, AsiaOne, NationThailand What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Sabah steals her heart: Sandra Lim's Kaamatan journey beyond the spotlight
Published on: Sunday, June 01, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 01, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Lim (right) poses for a photo with the top three winners of this year's UNK, UNK 2024 Hyellene Danius (left), and popular singer Stacy Anam (second left) after the crowning ceremony. - Pic via social media PENAMPANG: When Miss Universe Malaysia 2024 Sandra Lim touched down in Sabah to join this year's Kaamatan festivities, few expected the reigning queen to blend so seamlessly into the cultural spirit of the harvest festival. But for the 25-year-old beauty queen and proud Malaysian, it was not just another appearance – it was a deeply personal journey of learning, connecting, and celebrating the richness of Sabah's indigenous heritage. Attending the State-level Kaamatan Festival from May 29 to 31, Lim made headlines not just for her title but for donning traditional outfits from various ethnic groups – Murut, Lundayeh and Kadazan Penampang – and even sporting the iconic 'sanggul gong' during the State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) finals, a hairstyle synonymous with the cultural pageant. 'It gives me so much joy and pride to wear these traditional garments, carrying the beautiful history of our people in Sabah,' she said, visibly moved in one of her Instagram posts. 'The efforts by the organisers to preserve and showcase these cultures are incredibly inspiring.' Lim's Kaamatan experience was not a mere photo opportunity. From cheering finalists at the Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan (RTK) male pageant to dancing with the crowd at the KDCA hall, she immersed herself in every beat, every bite, and every banner. 'The music, the dance, the food, the people – the experience of a lifetime. 'Thank you for welcoming me with such warmth and love. Makan-makan, menari bersama-sama (Having a meal and dance together), bringing me in like family,' she posted after her walkabout at the KDCA ground on May 30. Having competed on the world stage just months earlier in Mexico, where she placed in the Top 30 at Miss Universe 2024 – Malaysia's best result in over half a century – Lim found unexpected resonance in Sabah's homegrown pageantry scene. 'The whole vibe brought me back to my first international competition in Indonesia. Everyone was so packed and so passionate,' she recalled when met after the UNK 2025 crowning. Observing the Unduk Ngadau finalists, Lim shared how the magic of pageantry often shines brightest onstage. 'You only see the X-factor when they walk out – the way they carry themselves, talk, smile. "The winner (Tamparuli's Atitih Yati Robert) was my pick from the start,' she smiled, proving her eye for talent remains sharp. Lim, who holds a degree in mass communications and has a background in martial arts and modelling, is no stranger to hard work. Her recent success in Miss Universe 2024, where she dazzled judges with a wushu routine in a national costume inspired by Princess Walinong Sari, brought her international acclaim. Yet back home, it is her groundedness that endears her most. 'I think the whole of Malaysia should learn from Sabah. 'The passion here, the meaning behind every culture – that is something we should carry into our future," she said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
What was the question and Miss Thailand's answer that won her Miss World 2025 crown? Find out here
Thailand's Opal Suchata Chuangsri was crowned Miss World 2025 in Hyderabad on Saturday. She won the title not just for her unmatched beauty but also for her sharp mind and intelligence. During the question-answer round, she was asked a poignant question by judge Sonu Sood and her answer won over all. Sood wanted to know what her Miss World journey taught her about the truth and personal responsibility in shaping how the stories are told. Opal responded, 'Be the person that someone or the other will look up to." "I always believe that no matter who you are and no matter how old you are, no matter what title you hold in your life, there is always a person next to you -- whether it's a child, whether it's an adult, it could even be your own parents -- that look up to you in a way. And the best way to lead people is to lead with their gracefulness in your actions. That is the best thing we can do to the people around us and in our world," said the 72nd Miss World. Opal was crowned Miss World Thailand 2025 on April 22, just a week before she departed to Hyderabad to participate in the 72nd edition of the Miss World. She has also represented her country in Miss Universe 2024, finishing third runner-up. Miss World first runner-up Hasset Dereje from Ethiopia is the first ever from her country too to have reached this far in the Miss World contest. Ethiopia started sending representatives from 2003 onwards, according to the Miss World website. Answering a member of the jury, actor Rana Daggubati's question on what it means to be a beauty queen, Dereje said she holds "so much pride" in being the first in her country to come this far. "A lot of people think Miss World is just another pageant, another beauty contest. But it is more than that. There are so many children and mothers behind me that get so many things from me from standing here. I am the first ever Ethiopian to ever make it this far and I hold so much pride in it," answered Dereje. The 72nd Miss World grand finale was a night of glamour, celebration, and purpose. Hosted by Stephanie del Valle (Miss World 2016) and Indian presenter Sachiin Kumbhar, the event brought together global icons and local stars in a dazzling ceremony. Miss World 2022 Krystyna Pyszkova, who crowned her successor, took a moment to reflect on the power of ambition, urging young women everywhere to dream big and believe in those dreams. One of the evening's most meaningful recognitions, the Beauty with a Purpose Award, went to Monica Kezia Sembiring from Indonesia. Actor Daggubati took the stage to present the Miss World Humanitarian Award to Sonu Sood for his impactful contributions to society. The esteemed panel of jurors included Sudha Reddy, Global Ambassador for Beauty With a Purpose 2025; actor Namrata Shirodkar; Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar; and Telangana's Special Chief Secretary for Tourism, Jayesh Ranjan. Julia Morley CBE, Chairwoman of Miss World, led the jury and revealed the new Miss World. Entertainment lit up the stage as Bollywood stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter performed a vibrant medley of Hindi and Telugu hits, including the Oscar-winning number *Naatu Naatu*. Among the high-profile guests were Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and superstar Chiranjeevi, who arrived with his wife, Surekha. The evening also featured a stunning runway segment, where contestants showcased elegant evening gowns crafted exclusively for the finale. With inputs from PTI
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Who is Opal Suchata? 5 facts about the Miss World 2025
Opal Suchata Chuangsri was crowned Miss World 2025, making history as the first representative from Thailand to take home the blue crown. Here are five facts about the Thai beauty queen. 1. She represented Thailand in Miss Universe 2024. Before Miss World 2025, Opal represented Thailand in the Miss Universe 2024 and finished as third runner-up. However, in April, the Miss Universe Organization withdrew her title due to a breach of contract. 2. She is a breast cancer survivor. At 16, Opal was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery to remove tumors. Through this experience, the Thai beauty queen launched the "Opal For Her" campaign to raise awareness about breast health and early detection. 3. She is a political science student. Opal is currently a political science student focusing on international relations at Thammasat University. She is fluent in Thai, English, and Chinese. 4. She is a pet lover. Opal is a certified fur mom! She has sixteen cats and five dogs. 5. She can play the ukulele. Aside from being a beauty queen, Opal is also musically inclined and can play the ukulele. —MGP, GMA Integrated News
