IPOH: Participating in a ‘Miss Kebaya’ contest at the age of 53 is not only a way for Agnes Lee to support a programme which usually attracts the younger crowd, but also a way to boost her self-esteem.
Lee, a volunteer worker at the Tourism District Public Ambassador Perak for the past three years did not consider her age as a barrier to participating in the ’22 Hale Street Miss Kebaya ‘contest which took place on Saturday night.
“Although I did not win, it was an exciting experience. My heart pounding while walking on stage all dressed up, is something which I will never forget.
“What’s important is that all of us, comprising of various ages and backgrounds are all happy to participate in this programme held in Perak,” said Lee, who looked sweet in a nyonya kebaya.
The ‘Miss Kebaya’ pageant was part of the Sama-sama Pride of Perak (PoP) programme organised by the state government, Tourism Perak, Ipoh City Council and several private companies and agencies at Jalan Tun Sambanthan.
The PoP programme is held in conjunction with the opening of the 22 Hale Street heritage gallery to be officiated by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Jazmina Ain Nabila Johar, 19, and her sister, Jazmina Ain Nabiha, 25, won the first and second place in the competition, taking home cash prizes of RM300 and RM200, respectively.
Jazmina Ain Nabila said she participated in the competition after being persuaded by her sister, and did not expect to win.
“From top to bottom, everything (the clothes and accessories) belongs to my sister. This is the first time I have entered such a competition and did not expect to be this lucky,” said the student of Universiti Teknologi Mara Seremban, who was dressed in a 60s-style red and black nyonya kebaya.
Meanwhile, State Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Tan Kar Hing said 70 stalls selling food and beverage as well as featuring tourism products and exhibitions were set up at the event. – Bernama
