KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 — Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek has praised Taanusiya Chetty, who finished third in the Miss World 2026 pageant, for championing education and advocacy as part of her cause.
“I am impressed not only by her achievement on the world stage, but also by Taanusiya’s commitment to making education and advocacy part of her cause.
“Beauty may open the door to the stage, but knowledge and critical thinking determine what we do once we are on it.
“Congratulations, Taanusiya. Continue to use the platform and voice you have to champion meaningful causes. Malaysia is proud!” she said in a Facebook post today.
In last night’s ceremony in Nha Trang, Vietnam, Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic was crowned Miss World 2026, while Elisabeth Reynes Alabern of Spain finished second.
Taanusiya, 26, finished among the top three after delivering impressive and consistent performances throughout the nearly month-long competition, overcoming the challenge of 110 other contestants from around the world.
The achievement matches the record set by Lina Teoh, who also finished third at Miss World 1998, making the two Malaysian representatives the country’s best-performing contestants in the history of the contest.
Taanusiya, better known as Taanu, qualified for the Top Six after winning the Beauty With A Purpose (BWAP) segment, one of the major Miss World recognitions, awarded based on the contestants’ commitment to and impact of the community projects they champion. — Bernama
