KUCHING: They are all beautiful and intelligent.
But tomorrow night, only one among the 18 beauties will walk away with the Miss Unity Sarawak 2019 crown and the prize money of RM3,000.
Alaric Soh, the organiser, insists this is a pageant with a difference as apart from creating an awareness of inner beauty, it is also aimed at enhancing self-confidence among women in Sarawak, especially the contestants.
“The beauty of a woman should not be judged only by outer beauty, but most importantly, by inner beauty and Sarawak certainly is a Land of Beauties, he told a press conference here yesterday.
The 18 finalists have been selected based on their personality, looks and educational background with at least a pass in the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM).
Soh also said height was not a criterion.
“We are not sending them to any international pageants as it is organised at the state level only,” he said.
During the grand final which will be held at Riverside Majestic Hotel tomorrow, the finalists will have to go through a few rounds, namely, self-introduction, fashion wears by top designers, evening wear and a Q&A session.
The finalists have undergone lessons on grooming, communication and speaking skills, social etiquette, makeup, manicure, catwalk and attend workshops.
“The winner will bring home RM3,000 cash, the runner-up RM2,000. And the top five will also receive RM500 each,” said Soh.
There are four subsidiary titles — Best Talent (RM300); Miss Elegant (RM200); Miss Photogenic (RM200) and Miss Friendship (RM200).
The 18 contestants:
Jessica John, 24, Iban/Bidayuh, pursuing Masters in Admin. Science; Cassylia Ngui, 21, Chinese/Iban; Yana Unti Jawie, 20, Iban, Cashier; Cheryl Syahmina Toh Yen Yuen, 21, Chinese/Melanau, pursuing Degree in Strategic Communication ; Norashela Abdullah, 19, Iban/Bugis, pursuing Diploma in Management in Science.
Alicia Ester Ricky, 21, Bidayuh, pursuing Diploma in Mechanical Engineering; Saniarisa Pesile, 21, Bidayuh, pursuing Degree in International Business; Lea Lourdess, 19, Bidayuh, pursuing Degree in Food Science; Stefinna Meliah Sapaie, 20, pursing Diploma in Environment; Shannon Michael, 19, Bidayuh, pursuing Diploma in Accounting.
Allyssa Amanda, 20, Bidayuh, pursuing Degree in English for Professional Communication; Christina Hoon Siew Keung, 21, Chinese, pursuing Degree in Pharmacy; Jennifer Sim, 19, Chinese/Kelabit, pursing Diploma in Early Childhood Education; Selvia Lagoon, 21, Bidayuh/lban, machine operator supervisor; Vanessa Rosa, 20, Bidayuh, pursuing Degree in TESL Teaching English.
Shinia James, 22, Bidayuh, pursuing Degree in Offshore Banking; Nur Effa Fazila Adenan, 24, Malay/Iban, gaming machine supervisor; Jessy Nana Kumpang, 19, Iban/Chinese, hairstylist.
