Strutting down the catwalk at 75
Grandmother of nine makes it to beauty pageant finals
SHAH ALAM: She may be 75, but Ng Hong Lian certainly won’t let age slow her down.
This hot grandma recently made it to the finals of the Mrs Malaysia Tourism Queen 2017 beauty pageant along with 21 other women.
“Before this, I was thinking of joining a class to improve my posture and prevent getting a curved back.
“Then, a friend registered my name for something. She only said that I would be learning how to walk properly.
“When I found out it was actually a pageant, I told myself ‘ why not give it a go?’” said a jovial Ng.
The pageant has two categories: Mrs Malaysia Tourism Queen for married women aged 25 to 40, and Classic Mrs Malaysia Tourism Queen for those aged above 40.
Ng is contesting the Classic Mrs Malaysia Tourism Queen title and will be judged in four categories – a short interview, a talent round, an evening gown competition and a cultural attire contest.
The mother of four children and grandmother of nine still radiates energy and sports an amiable smile wherever she goes.
Ng is not one to sit idle, as she manages an oil palm plantation left behind by her late husband in Sandakan, Sabah.
“I have kept myself occupied with activities since my husband passed away five years ago.
“Now that all my children have grown up and have their own lives, I have time to pursue things that make me happy.
“I want to leave behind good moments, memories and a significant history when I leave this world one day,” she said.
Ng added that she sometimes felt sad when her peers lamented that they were old and could not do much.
“It is important to stay healthy, keep our mind sharp and take good care of our looks, no matter how old we get.
“When we are in great shape, we won’t easily get sick and burden others. This will also bring a positive aura to the people around us,” she said.
Ng added that her children and grandchildren were excited about her participation.
She said she especially enjoyed the spirited activities in the pageant, which brought out the youthful vigour in her.
“It feels like reliving my youth once again. Sometimes, I don’t even feel I am 75,” said Ng.
Pageant director Jenet Foo said Ng was a vivid example of women empowerment and an inspiration to others.
“You don’t normally see a 75-yearold lady in three-inch high-heels posing with style and confidence on stage.
“I think this is the first time any pageant in Malaysia is having a contestant this age and we are truly inspired by her poise and elegance,” she said.
The grand finale of the pageant will be held on Nov 24 at Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
The winner will represent Malaysia at Mrs Tourism Queen International, to be held for the first time in Malaysia in April next year.