Chin (in white) and Cheah (on her right) with participants of the Ratu De Age Titanium Beauty contest. — Photos: SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star
TWELVE women have so far signed up for a maiden beauty pageant organised by a skincare and health food product company.
Organised by De Age Titanium Beauty, the Ratu beauty contest requires participants to be over 27, buy two sets of skin cleanser and anti-ageing serum from the pageant organiser and have enough of a sporting spirit to show off their talent on stage. They can be married or single.
“This is a no-stress beauty pageant. Everyone will go home a winner. Each participant will be given a sash and crown,” said company founder Jcqlyne Chin.
The 40-year-old mother of one who won the Miss Malaysia Tourism International pageant in 2022 said she wanted to hold a beauty contest to promote her skincare products and give users a chance to celebrate themselves and feel beautiful.
Some of the participants on stage during the preview.
“Just enjoy yourself, take this chance to meet new people and immerse yourself in experiences you would not usually encounter in your daily life,” said Chin during a preview to introduce the first 12 contestants at a restaurant in Bangsar Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
The oldest participant is Ruby Khoo, 70, who took to the stage in a satin green dress.
The mother of two from Petaling Jaya admitted she was not the least nervous, despite this being her first time taking part in a beauty contest.
Alda bought a comfortable outfit for the evening.
“This is because I have no expectations. I joined as a favour to Jcqlyne because she kept insisting on my participation after I bought her skin serum,” said Khoo.
As for how she keeps her youthful exuberance, Khoo, who helps sell high-end properties, said she has been taking care of her skin from young.
“I was 25 when I first started using skincare products from a luxury brand.
“I have also not missed going for a facial once every three weeks,” she said.
Also enjoying the evening and taking things in her stride was participant Alda Adeela Stanis Kasiun, 46.
Koujee performing at the event.
Clad in a comfortable sheath dress and silver, sparkly platforms, the bartender and waitress eschewed wearing an evening gown because she had only decided to join a few hours before.
“I didn’t want to fork out RM1,000 for an evening gown, so I just bought something from one of the shops in BSC,” said Alda.
Alda has known Chin since her younger days when they both used to take part in beauty pageants.
She said being at the event and going on stage to give her rendition of Mariah Carey’s Hero had cheered her up.
Seethadevi, who has taken part in three beauty contests, says all one needs is confidence.
“Jcqlyn knew I was struggling with depression as a single parent who is also caring for my mentally ill mother.
“So she asked me to take part as a way of taking my mind off things,” said Alda.
Seethadevi Muthaloo, 48, who has taken part in three beauty contests, said confidence is all one needs.
The senior administration executive who performed a dance number in the talent show segment said she wanted to be an example to her three children to always put their best foot forward.
“Being confident is not about being thin or having supermodel looks.
“It is about having a positive image, taking care of your health and being well-groomed.
“It is also about adding excitement to one’s life instead of just going to work, coming home to cook and then going to bed.
“This was also a chance to celebrate my femininity,” she said.
Present to launch the event was Sunway Group exco member Puan Sri Dr Susan Cheah.
In her speech, she said the beauty contest created opportunities for women to build their self-esteem and confidence.
“In this way, the pageant can promote goodwill, empower women and contribute to charity,” said Cheah.
Malaysian artist Koujee Beatbox performed at the event.
Following the first event, Chin said the grand finale will be on Sept 20 and she is hoping more women will join.
“I am targeting 20 contestants,” she said.
To register, call 016-337 4296. Participants will be assessed through a Zoom video meeting and must attend all side events, workshops, talks and seminars arranged by the organiser.
