KUCHING: Ella Apit, who has been crowned as the Miss Asia Malaysia 2023, will represent Malaysia at the Miss Asia 2023 pageant in India on Nov 9.
The 26-year-old model and marketing executive from Rh Milang Nanga Sepako Balleh in Kapit, said she is proud to represent Sarawak and Malaysia.
“My hope for the competition at the international level is to bring back at least one award or title for our country, Malaysia, as well as to make the name of Dayak/Iban from the Land of the Hornbill proud,” she told New Sarawak Tribune.
She added that in any competition, there will be victories and losses, but most importantly, she wants to make her parents and family proud when she represents Malaysia in India.
Ella, the second of five siblings, noted that she had previously competed in the Ratu Bumi Malaysia 2021 and Miss Malaysia Kebaya 2021.
“This has boosted my self-confidence and I want to challenge myself to advance to the international level because beauty pageants can benefit oneself, including developing one’s ability in public speaking.”
She emphasised that she has always received strong support and encouragement from her family and friends as she pursues her dreams.
Since 2015, Ella has been doing modelling and acting, and has aspired to be a model since she was young.
“In addition to modelling, I was offered the role of lead actress in an Iban movie titled ‘3 Gadis Manik’, which tells the story of three girls who continue their family tradition of crafting decorative items based on beads,” she said.
The comedy movie is expected to air on TVS in December this year.
