Lifestyle
These Four Malaysian Beauty Queens Made An Impact At The Miss Universe Pageant
The 69th Miss Universe Pageant was held over the weekend.
Although Malaysian contestant Francisca Luhong James didn't make it all the way to the top and had some issues with her wardrobe, she still represented the country with pride.
Did you know that Malaysia has been sending representatives to compete in the pageant since 1952, when it was still Malaya?
Sadly, none of our beauty queens have won the pageant, but four women have shined brighter than others over the years. 
Josephine Lena Wong, later known as Datin Josephine Fonseka, was the only Malaysian to have made it to the top 15 of the Miss Universe Pageant.
Datin Josephine Lena Wong
Josephine Lena Wong, later known as Datin Josephine Fonseka, was the only Malaysian to have made it to the top 15 of the Miss Universe Pageant. She also won the Queen of Expo title in the competition in 1970 and made it to top 10 in the swimwear category.
Josephine went on to become a model and married a Datuk C.G.A.
Her daughter, Andrea Fonseka, followed in her footstep and won the Miss Malaysia Universe title in 2004.
Datuk Yasmin Yusuff
Datuk Yasmin Yusuff is no stranger to Malaysians who grew up watching local entertainment content from the 1980s onwards.
Better known as Yasmin, she was the second runner up for the Best Traditional Costume category at the 1978 Miss Universe.
She went on to become a famous singer and actress. She also has been the voice behind many radio and Television voiceovers.
Kiran Jassal
Many Malaysians may have been baffled by the twin-tower-themed costume that 2016 Miss Malaysia Universe wore to represent the country, but it received international recognition.
She made it to the top 12 under the Best National Costume category at the Miss Universe pegeant held in Philippines.
Kiran is a dentist and from her Instagram account, we can deduce that she is also into modelling.
Shweta Sekhon
Shweta Sekhon was the latest to make big impact on the Miss Universe pageant. She won second place in the 'Best National Costume' category.
Her extravagant costume highlighted Melaka's Baba Nonya heritage, which comes complete with a variety of kuihs. Shweta could've brought home the 'Best National Costume' title, if not for a last minute boo-boo by the judges.
The pageant opened many doors for Shweta. She is now a host and actress. .gif)
As evident from only four out of the many beauty queens that have represented the country, beauty pageants aren't just about displaying beauty.
More than just looks
As evident from only four out of the many beauty queens that have represented the country, beauty pageants aren't just about displaying beauty. The pageant opens many doors for those who join, helping them to forge a career in many different fields.
We hope to see more strong, smart, confident women representing the country and making Malaysia proud on national platforms.
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