KOTA KINABALU: Miss World Malaysia 2023, to be held in Sabah for the second year running, will not have the swimsuit segment as the judging focus will be on traditional attire.
Hyperlive Entertainment and Miss World Malaysia national director Dr Sean Wong gave his assurances that there will be no swimsuit parade to state Tourism Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
Liew, who was briefed by the organisers about the event scheduled to be held on Aug 29, had asked if the swimsuit segment was included in the pageant to which Wong gave the assurance that it was not part of the Malaysian segment.
He said the focus on the contestants would be on traditional attire and portrayal of culture. Contestants were also required to showcase their talents.
In fact, they will take part in a debate to score points in order to get to the Miss World Finals 2024, he told the minister while explaining that the 72-year-old Miss World Pageant was unique as a powerful empowerment platform for women.
"We are looking for 130 ambassadors from 130 countries to vie for the honours at the final next year. The winner will go around the world to do charity work," he said.
According to the organisers, Miss World Malaysia 2023, as part of HyperLive Festival Malaysia, will be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
Over 1,000 guests are expected to attend the show.
The organisers anticipate that there will be 25 to 30 selected finalists coming to Sabah for the event.
Wong said the organisers chose Sabah as the destination for Miss World Malaysia 2023, the second year in a row.
"We focus very much on tourism. We all love this place. We are using this big-scale national event to promote Sabah tourism.
"Every Malaysian finalist must come to Sabah to compete. The winner can be from any state. This year's Miss World Malaysia will represent Malaysia at the Miss World Final for 2024.
"She becomes an ambassador for tourism and can promote Malaysia, while gaining global followers on social media platforms," he added.
Last year's Miss World Malaysia 2022 pageant winner is Wenanita Anggang, a Sabahan.
She will be representing Malaysia in the Miss World 2023 Grand Final to be held in UAE this year.
Liew said that her ministry fully supported the pageant in Sabah that has been tentatively scheduled for Aug 29.
"I would like to see this prestigious event happening in Sabah as we regard the contestants as tourism ambassadors.
"We expect them to help promote Sabah as a tourist destination by sharing their experience here" she said during the courtesy call by the organisers HyperLive (Singapore) and Sabah-based Fantastic Golden Sdn Bhd.
She also noted the potential of the pageant attracting tourists from around the world, and not just Malaysians from throughout the country.
