‘I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BRING BACK CROWN’
Miss Universe Malaysia 2018 Jane Teoh hopes to improve herself to ensure her victory at the international pageant. AUDREY VIJIAINDREN has the details
IHAD a lot running through my mind when I first realised I was crowned the winner. It was a dream I had always envisioned, said Miss Universe Malaysia 2018 Jane Teoh, upon winning the much coveted title.
“The first thing that popped into my mind was, what am I supposed to do now? To be honest, it was chaotic at first, but as time passed it slowly sunk in.
“Things are moving quickly. I will be working with the Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation (MUMO) team to prepare myself for the international stage, and hopefully, bring back the crown.”
The 20-year-old believes that she emerged the winner because she improved by leaps and bounds since bootcamp week. The 178cm-tall part-time model, who was also named Miss Online Personality, beat 16 other hopefuls during the grand finale at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur last month.
Teoh had proven her mettle during the competition.
“I put in the hard work and was sincere in convincing everyone that I possessed the qualities and traits needed to be a winner. I’ve shown that I have everything it takes to bring back the crown and make Malaysia proud.”
With her family’s backing, her doubts and concerns were easier to manage.
“My family has always been my greatest supporter, even way back when I started modelling. Unlike typical Chinese parents, my parents were not sceptical about me joining the pageant. My sister was my go-to person when I had doubts. She motivated me and assured me that everything would be fine.
“That made all the difference in the world. Just knowing that I have their support, gives me all the drive in the world to work hard and improve my skills.”
Teoh hopes to improve herself, before facing the international pageant, adding that her biggest motivation is to be the best of herself.
“From now on, I want to work hard to be the best Miss Universe possible. Besides that, I also wish to establish a name in the modelling industry. As for long-term plans, I wish to finish my degree in accounting and finance as I’m deferring for a year.
“If fate permits, I’d like to pay my way through a good college education and further my studies overseas.
“During my high-school years, I was stuck in my comfort zone — not wanting to try new things. But as I grew older, I realised the importance of working hard and achieving realistic goals. Today, I know that I need to find motivation from within. Because if I don’t do that for myself, who else is going to do it for me?
“Coming from a beautiful, multi-ethnic society and multiracial country, I have the opportunity to share with international contestants the uniqueness of our country,” she added.
“The people of different ethnicity and races living together, the wonderful cultures and traditions that we practise, the variety of food that we have to offer, the stunning places to visit — the list (on the things that make Malaysia great) is endless.
“I will have the chance to be an ambassador for our country and promote it to the world, and at the same time, share with them how proud I am to be a Malaysian.
“As for bringing back the crown, nothing is impossible. I’m going to give it my very best and will rise to the occasion on the international stage.”
At the grand finale, MUMO national director Datin Elaine Daly commented that it was its dream that the pageant inspire young women to use the stage to achieve greater things, and to be positive role models.
“The ‘Beauty Beyond
You’ theme was chosen this year because we wanted to break the stereotype of what a beauty pageant is, and instead show that it can be a platform for contestants to be inspired, empowered and to become leaders.”