Initially Miss Malaysia Universe 2004, Andrea Fonseka wasn't too sure about giving us a running pose and gave us a very "Ah Lian" pose instead (below) LOL! But we persisted and she finally obliged.
Sorry Andrea, we think you look hotter running than making that peace sign. :)
The press conference was organised to announce the major changes made to the Miss Malaysia Universe format for 2010 and 2011 to ensure that Malaysian Representative is better placed to win in years to come.
A new five year goal of seeing Malaysia in the Top 5, at par with countries such as Mexico and Venezuela – noted heavyweights among leading beauty pageants was also set.
We think it's about time. Malaysian girls are gorgeous!
FYI, Andrea Fonseka is voted one of the World's sexist women by readers of the FHM. She is also the National Director of the Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation (“MUMO”) and also holds a Bachelor of Laws from NUS.
“We are going to crown our Miss Universe Malaysia winners one year in advance.” revealed Andrea.
The reason for the move is make more time for grooming and training, the most essential skills of a Miss Universe contender.
FYI, 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! Heheh! Very kiasu, eh?
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.
So far three names were "unofficially" revealed at the press con - Deborah Henry, Cassandra Patrick and Thanuja Ananthan. All are former beauty queens. More will be added. You can make suggestion too at the Miss Universe Malaysia FB page.
“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.”
Hans Issac, one of the Miss Universe Malaysia judges was also present at the PC.
Beautiful people.
L to R: Vera Hui: 2nd Runner Up of Miss Universe Malaysia 2010 , Andrea Fonseka National Director of MUMO and Sarah Yap: Finalist of Miss Universe Malaysia 2010.
For more information on the Miss Universe Malaysia Organization please visit www.missuniversemalaysia.com.my
LIKE Miss Universe Malaysia on Facebook HERE.
Acknowledgments: Thanks to FeeQ for the invite.
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