‘Malaysia Boleh’ winning spirit

KUALA LUMPUR: When Chilla Cha ( pix) represented Malaysia at an international beauty pageant last month, she had hoped that the “Malaysia Boleh” spirit in her would produce a favourable result for her and the country.

Three stunning Malaysian culture-inspired costumes and a singing performance later, the judges were so impressed that they crowned her Mrs Asia International All Nation 2017.

The 33-year-old mother of two beat 28 international contestants with Asian origin at the pageant held in China on Nov 13.

Cha, from Perak, said it was the thought of representing Malaysia that pushed her to do her best.

“When on stage, I always reminded myself that I am representing Malaysia, so I always pushed to be perfect.

“My thinking had always been to bring back the crown for the country,” she told theSun during a dinner with friends and family to celebrate her achievement yesterday.

Cha also recalled how she conquered her fear and went out of her comfort zone to sing while being suspended about four storeys above the stage, during the talent session.

“I also had to take singing classes three months before the competition to recover my singing skills, because I had stopped singing a few years back due to injury to my vocal chords,” she added.

Cha, a vocal instructor, said for her first dress, she wore the national costume depicting a wayang kulit character.

For her second costume, she donned a red dress synonymous with the Chinese community, while her third dress, that was slightly transparent and gold-coloured, had a touch of the kebaya.

Cha had previously performed in classical and contemporary singing in a number of foreign countries, including Australia and Taiwan.

She said she plans to produce an album by next year, after being recruited by Enjoy TV and Film Broadcasting Corporation.

During the dinner yesterday, Cha and her friend Datin Sharon Chok also donated RM5,000 to the Tzu Chi Malaysia Education Foundation.