IPOH: A mother of two has become the first Malaysian to win the Mrs Global Tourism 2023 title.
Sangeet Kaur Manjit Singh, 41, beat 18 other contestants from various countries at the Mrs Tourism Queen International 2023 final held in Nong Khai, Thailand, on April 15.
The education consultant was also the first runner-up for best national costume for her outfit inspired by the Ngepan traditional Iban warrior attire.
Warrior queen: Sangeet wearing the Ngepan Iban warrior-inspired costume during the Mrs Tourism Queen International 2023 pageant held in Thailand.
“It feels good to win this pageant. What’s more, I won it just a day before my birthday on April 16,” she said.
Sangeet said she felt “on top of the world” to be able to make her country proud as the first Malaysian to win the international title.
“I always believe in following your passion, to be prepared to work hard and make sacrifices, and above all, never let anyone limit your dreams,” sad the Ipoh-born who is the reigning Mrs Malaysia Tourism Queen International.
The mother of two boys aged 11 and 14 said it was her first time taking part in a pageant.
“My passion for fashion led me here. I was involved in fashion, stage shows and pageants during my university days,” she added.
Sangeet said as a little girl, she used to put on her mother’s lipstick, wrap her shawl around herself and strut on an imaginary catwalk in front of the mirror while waving and pretending to be a beauty queen.
“Dreams do come true!” she said.
Sangeet also said she felt that it was the right time to join the pageant as she was mentally and physically prepared.
“I feel fit compared with when I was a teenager, all thanks to the workouts that I started doing three years ago.
“Plus, I was drawn to the idea of representing and promoting tourism in my country,” she said.
With her new role as an ambassador, Sangeet said she was blessed to have a good support system.
“My family has been the most supportive of my job and participation in the pageant. My company also offers me the flexibility of working from home, which is one of the reasons why I could pursue my dreams,” she said.
Sangeet is looking forward to being involved in projects to promote ecotourism and sustainable tourism, and advocating sustainable practices in the industry to make destinations better for people to live in as well as visit.
