KLANG, Oct 19 — Lowyat Media Group journalist Kavitha Malathy from Puchong, Selangor, has been crowned Miss Malaysia Indian Global (MMIG) 2026, winning both the main title and Miss Congeniality at the pageant’s 27th edition.

The grand final was held on Saturday. Her prizes include a full higher-education scholarship from Veritas University, a return flight to Japan and RM3,000 in cash.

According to a statement by the organisers, Kavitha said the programme’s community outreach work was the defining part of her experience, giving her a deeper understanding of the importance of giving back to society.

She also credited the bond formed among the contestants, saying the friendships and mutual support were an important part of her personal growth.

Shajana Vincent from Negeri Sembilan was named first runner-up, followed by Yashwini Ravindranath from Selangor in second place.

Sharon Ganash from Negeri Sembilan and Ashsweta Muniandy from Selangor were third and fourth runners-up respectively. Both were also named Gift Her With Life ambassadors.

Tracking contestants’ carbon footprint

Organisers said this year’s pageant is the first to actively track and reduce its carbon footprint. It monitors each participant’s individual carbon footprint under a memorandum of understanding with Brewspark Technology’s Blue Santa programme.

The initiative is backed by Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) and the Consulate General of Japan.

Funds for B40 students

The MMICARE fundraiser held alongside the grand final raised 19 education grants for students pursuing higher education at polytechnics and public universities.

Each grant is worth RM3,600, bringing the total to RM68,400.

Sentosa assemblyman Dr Gunarajah George presented mock cheques to 11 of the recipients at the event.

Since 2022, MMICARE’s Gift Her With Life Fund has helped 37 at-risk children from B40 households complete their SPM and continue their studies.

All funds raised from the grand final will go to MMICARE’s community programmes. These include personal empowerment workshops at public universities, which the organisers said have reached more than 20,000 female students to date.

Founded in 2000 by Pushparani Thilaganathan, Miss Malaysia Indian Global positions itself as a personal empowerment programme rather than a traditional beauty pageant.