Debra to don S’wak inspired costume for Miss Grand International pageant
KUALA LUMPUR: Miss Grand Malaysia, Debra Jeanne Poh was flown to Yangoon, Myanmar for the 6th Miss Grand International pageant by Malindo Air, the official airline partner.
The 23-year- old mechanical engineering graduate and a kickboxing certified instructor will be wearing a national costume inspired by Sarawak against 79 other contestants from all over the world.
The winner will get US$ 40,000 cash and a year’s stay in a 6- star luxury condominium in Bangkok, Thailand where Miss Grand International Organisation is based.
The third largest pageant in the world commenced on Oct 5 with preliminary competition on Oct 23 and the final coronation on Oct 25.
All contestants will be flying to major cities in Myanmar including Yangon, Bangan and Kawthaung.
Malaysia’s entry for the best national costume, Tebengang the Great is designed by Sarawakian fashion designer Paul Carling with inspiration from the rhinoceros hornbill, Sarawak emblem and head hunter warriors.
The rhinoceros hornbill is also a representation of God of war in line with Miss Grand International’s motto to stop war and violence.
It was made using traditional embroidery methods to create the motives from cowries’ shells, traditional bead-work and brass bells to represent the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak natives with the hibiscus flower on both sides of the feet to signify ‘ Malaysia Baru’.
With the shield and spear as equipment to protect the warrior, the attire symbolises Tebengang the Great leading the new Malaysia to greater heights.
For daily updates on Debra’s journey at Miss Grand International, follow Miss Grand Malaysia on Facebook and Instagram.