Since becoming Miss Universe Malaysia in 2020, Francisca Luhong James has kept herself busy with a number of projects, including
campaigns and advocacy for women’s rights.
The Miss Universe Malaysia 2022 pageant begins today, and Francisca is ready to crown her successor.
New Sarawak Tribune recently conducted a virtual interview with her to find out how she is doing, whether she wants to relive the
experience, about being a mental health advocate, her thoughts on the pageantry community, and if she has any advice for young girls
who want to follow in her footsteps.
Reliving the experience
When asked to describe the experience in a single sentence, she said it was “adrenaline-filled.”
“It’s exciting, and I’d say adrenaline-pumping because there are constant ups and downs, you know, the blood rushing through your body system.
“You must always consider what to do and how to prepare for the competition. So, the sentence would be full of adrenaline rush,” she said.
She then revealed that she loved how imperfect the competition was compared to what she had previously thought.
“It’s imperfectly perfect because I get to travel during the height of the pandemic and our second lockdown.
“Plus, I was worried about missing my flight at the time, so I had to go through customs in the United States of America. I was supposed
to arrive at 8pm, but I arrived at 10pm, so I had to call the organisation to arrange for a pick-up because they assumed Malaysia would not
compete,” she added.
She said that it happened very fast and dramatically, but that everything went very smoothly throughout the competition.
“Looking back, I wish the results had been different, but I will never change it because I know it was a wonderful experience,” she said.
She also revealed that she is still in touch with other contestants, namely Miss Cambodia, Miss Vietnam, Miss Iceland, and Miss Thailand.
Mental health matters
Francisca disclosed that she is currently working on improving her mental health.
“I have experienced some difficult times over the past five to six months, especially in my relationships with some people.
“When you work with people who end up betraying you, it causes trauma, and there are things you learned the hard way because you
thought you could trust people, but you have to be cautious about who you trust,” she said.
She then revealed that her past problems are part of what she is currently working on.
“Even though I shouldn’t compare what I’ve gone through today to what I’ve gone through in the past, the trauma that I’ve experienced in
the past affects my relationships with others.
“So those are the things I’m working on, and there’s also news I’ve been following for the past five months. But that is my self-recovery now,” she added.
Current projects
Francisca then revealed that, in addition to giving talks on helping women in their own way, she will be a speaker at the upcoming Suka
Seni Malaysia, speaking about cultural preservation.
“It would lean more toward culture, and I’d love to encourage young people to participate in culture and arts.
“Because I am gradually entering the art industry and encouraging young people to do the same, we need more great artists like the ones
we have now,” she said.
Representation matters
She revealed that winning Miss Universe Malaysia in 2020 was undeniably amazing.
“At the same time, it’s nerve-racking because I feel like being the first is a huge responsibility, and I need to really up my game and gear
up.
“So, I’d say it’s a huge responsibility, and I’m honoured to represent our native people on the international stage. I consider it an honour
to present my culture to the world and to be known by people outside of Malaysia,” she added.
When asked how crucial representation is, she said that it is important because it defines who that person is.
“Because there is a part of culture or practice at home that defines you as a person, plus it keeps you humble, and I appreciate the culture
and representation because it allows me to advocate for my community.
“It allows me to be proud of who I am and not wonder why I am different from other people,” she said.
She then felt that the pageant organisation should allow the contestants to promote their backgrounds even more.
“Allow them to describe their background and how it has shaped them as a person. And it has nothing to do with comparing each other;
rather, it would make them proud and comfortable with their own culture,” she said.
Making her-story
Francisca is also the longest-reigning Miss Universe Malaysia winner, though this was not on purpose.
When asked how she felt about that part, she said it felt great, but she was worried about not getting enough exposure and not being able to attend events.
“It was amazing when I won in 2020. I had a lot of supporters, and I was glad to see people using social media to support and vote for me
even though they were unable to leave the house at the time,” she said.
Francisca went on to say that the pandemic and the fact that Malaysia didn’t send another contestant to the Miss Universe 2021 pageant,
which was held in Israel, were part of the reasons why she held the title for another year.
“But, on the bright side, because I held the title for another year, I am grateful for the opportunity to go out and be a brand ambassador
for skin products, meet people in the entertainment industry, and appear in a Malaysia Airlines video commercial.
“As bad as it may sound to be crowned in 2020, I believe God works in the most mysterious ways,” she added.
She then revealed that she is finally ready to crown her successor in the Miss Universe Malaysia 2022 pageant today.
Miss Universe Malaysia 2022 and pageantry
When asked about her hopes for Miss Universe Malaysia 2022, she said that she wants her successor to be mentally strong.
“I expect her to be super-prepared to conquer the universe, and aside from that, I wish her the best and know she will make us proud as well.
“And if she ever needs help or advice, I’m always available; you know how much I enjoy giving advice and helping others,” she said.
She then encouraged the contestants to always believe that they are unique.
“That makes them special. Never compare yourself to other people because doing so will cause you to lose confidence,” she added.
She also shared that the girls should get used to being nervous and use it as a strength.
“You should tell yourself that it’s okay, that it’s normal, and that it shows how much you care.
“That’s a good thing, but make sure you know how to overcome it and use it to your advantage,” she said.
When asked about the Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation’s announcement that married women and women with children will be
allowed to participate beginning in 2023, she expressed mixed feelings.
“Not because I don’t support it, but because I value the essence, vision, and mission of how it began.
“Miss Universe is all about promoting a woman’s beauty, and the winner is given the opportunity to further her career as an independent
single woman, as well as to use her voice to raise awareness of certain global issues,” she said.
She went on to say that the Miss Universe pageant should only be open to single women.
“I understand that every woman, married or single, has her own life challenges and reasons for participating in the competition.
“But you must also understand the value of Miss Universe in providing an opportunity to single women who are willing to make sacrifices.
Like me, I have to give up my job, my time, and my money to compete,” she added.
She then questioned as to what would happen if the contestant (married woman) did not win the competition.
“You’ll lose your job and have to go through another cycle of frustration. So, you don’t want married women to experience that, right?
“And, of course, if she wins the competition, she will be able to travel the world and at the same time neglecting her family. Will her husband support her decision? This is what the organisation must consider,” she added.
She also said that while Miss Universe is moving toward inclusivity, the organisation must also understand the value and essence of the brand.
“It all depends on time, and we will see how the organisation tries to rebrand itself over the next few years,” she added.
When asked about the state of pageantry in Malaysia, Francisca said that it is growing, but that the organisation must work hard to
understand the value of pageantry and how it can have an impact if used properly.
“Given that it still falls under the entertainment industry, I believe that our government has grants for us.
“However, I believe that the organisations must work hard to secure the grants in order to relieve the competing girls of the burden of
handling their accommodation and other expenses.
“We want them to feel secure, not worried, and confident during the competition. And I believe the government should do more to assist
because, like the sports industry, they are representing the country,” she added.
She then urged the girls, especially those who had previously competed, to speak up about their concerns.
When asked if she has any advice for the young girls who want to follow in her footsteps, she advises them to do it wholeheartedly.
“Because I’ve realised that I’ve previously entered pageants not because I wanted to, but because others advised me to, so I wasn’t fully prepared.
“That being said, if you ever enter the competition or do anything else, do your best. Whether you win or lose is a different story, but as
long as you do your best, everything will be fine,” she said.
She also advises the girls to stay grounded and remember where they came from.
“Remember the people who have helped you, your family, and loved ones behind all the glitz and glam, and it will undoubtedly keep you
grounded throughout the journey,” said Francisca.
