KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 — Tatiana Kumar has been crowned Miss Malaysia World 2016, a feat she dreamt of after being told in school she was not beautiful.
“My biggest regret was believing them,” she said of her critics during the question and answer section of the pageant finale here on Saturday night, earning the applause of the audience.
It was a glamorous affair when 19 women took part in the grand finals but only Tatiana was found fit to wear the diamond and ruby studded crown by Ceres Jewellers at the end of the night.
The 18-year-old of Indian and French parentage was among the youngest, but managed to win over the judges and audience with her bubbly personality and constant smile.
She told reporters after the pageant that she never thought she could win.
“During the whole pageant week, I got to know the girls even better, and they are all so sweet and supportive. They’re all beautiful and have really good hearts. So I was wondering who was going to win,” the stunning 176cm beauty said.
Admitting that this was her first pageant, Tatiana said she would be working hard to prepare for the Miss World finals on Dec 8.
Her mother Delphine Muntaner, 47, said Tatiana was a determined person.
“I’m of course happy for her. She did this all on her own with her father’s support, and I’m very proud of her,” she said.
Dr Ranmeet Jassal, who graduated from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in India, was the first runner up. She also won Miss Beautiful Hair, one of subsidiary titles up for grabs.
Miss Fitness was won by Joyce Khoo, while Adelina Chan won Miss Photogenic and Jessica Lim won Miss Personality, Miss Social Media Queen, and Miss Popularity.
Francisca Luhong James won Miss Talent, Miss Elegant, and Miss Natural Beauty. Miss Metrojaya, Miss Wacoal (the lingerie sponsor) and the Top Model Award were won by Tatiana Kumar.
The top five finalists were announced after the talent show where they were required to answer a question from one of the five judges. The finalists were Shweta Sekhon, 19, Dr Ranmeet, 24, Jessica, 24, Tatiana and Francisca, 20.
Miss Malaysia World national director Datuk Anna Lim said this year’s pageant’s slogan was “Beauty with a purpose”.
“These girls have gone the extra mile, cultivating and enhancing their beauty, intelligence, charm, and heartfelt dedication to make a difference in the world,” she said.
