FIRST OF ITS KIND PAGEANT UNVEILS 13 AMAZING WOMEN WITH DIFFERENCES WHO REDEFINE THE CONSERVATIVE TERM OF BEAUTY

 The Miss Amazing Malaysia 2019 finalists were officially revealed during a press conference which was held at Westlane Place in Petaling Jaya, this afternoon, just over a week ahead of the Grand Finals of this unique pageant which will take place at the same venue on 9th March 2019.

After a six-month long search, selection and transformation, 13 amazing women with differences have made it to the finals of Miss Amazing Malaysia 2019. These bright, bold and capable women decided to challenge themselves despite their differences, and utilise the Miss Amazing Malaysia platform to enrich and empower themselves, to showcase their various talents and to seek inclusivity in all aspects of their lives. 

During the course of the pageant, the finalists have undergone various programs that encompassed skills growth such as sportsmanship, emotional intelligence, self defense, health emergency training, poise, public speaking, catwalk training, photo shoots, styling, etiquette, self grooming, confidence building, talent showcasing and much more. They also developed  friendships and memories that will last a lifetime

The inaugural Miss Amazing Malaysia pageant provided opportunities for women with differences to test their boundaries and take on new challenges, while nurturing a sisterhood that will offer a chance for women from different walks of life to learn from each other and develop a valuable support system. It also increased their visibility by providing a public platform for them to define themselves on their own terms and accomplish amazing things. 

Among the participants who made it to the finals were a full time model, a community advocate with a law degree, an artist, a commis chef and a teacher with a doctorate in Chemistry, highlighting the fact that their differences were not an obstacle for personal achievement.

Miss Amazing Malaysia which is organised by Amazing Girls Solution, is an unconventional attempt of redefining beauty pageants, and is the very first of its kind in Malaysia. It aims to provide a platform for women with Down syndrome, Lupus, Scoliosis, Vitiligo, Autism and other disorders, to be part of a beauty pageant. 

In her welcome speech, pageant founder Maynicca Dewi Rajamanikam, who was the first runner up of Mrs India Worldwide Malaysia 2018, shared her feelings about the Miss Amazing Malaysia’s great journey since it was first launched and some of its highlights. 

“Miss Amazing Malaysia’s mission was to provide an opportunity for women with differences to build confidence in a supportive and fun environment, while enabling them to reach their full potential. In an atmosphere built around encouragement and support, Miss Amazing Malaysia believes it can bring these individuals together and promote further inclusion for these beautiful women with special needs”, Maynicca explained.

Maynicca also reminded Malaysians to recognise that there is a great potential within each differently abled women. “It is our duty, as a progressive society, to empower them to fully realize it.”

Maynicca also spoke about the “Bidadari Project”, a noble initiative to give its finalists an opportunity to work with an influential personality in the pageant scene with the aim to provide exposure and preparation to them, and introduced Miss Amazing Malaysia’s “Bidadari”,  Datin Harveen Kaur who is the National Director of Mrs Malaysia World and who is very involved in helping children with Down’s syndrome at the Kiwanis foundation. 

Miss Amazing Malaysia was open to all Malaysian single women with Down Syndrome, Vitiligo and other differences*, aged 18 to 36, regardless of their ethnicity or religious beliefs. 

(* except for those who are wheelchair bound, blind, deaf or mute.)

Auditions for the pageant were held at LOKA Malaysia on 7th October, 2018. 

Throughout the pageant period, the finalists also earned points and were evaluated for their attendance, commitment, participation and transformation.

Among the highlights of the pageant was the successful staging of  its Talent Night which was hosted alongside Malaysia Leo Clubs in January.

Gracing the event were Dato’ Raj Chelliah, President of main sponsors Puteri Malaysia Ambulance and Dato’ Watson Peters principal owner of official venue partner Westlane Place.

The Grand Finals of Miss Amazing Malaysia will take place at the Westlane Place in Petaling Jaya on  9th March 2019. Apart from the main title, the finalists will also be by vying for various subsidiary titles.

Miss Amazing Malaysia is endorsed by the Ministry of  Tourism & Culture (MOTAC) and is supported by Puteri Malaysia Ambulance as pageant co-partners and main sponsors. Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia are collaborative partners to the pageant, with Westlane Place as the official venue. Also supporting the pageant are Wolfpack Lab, Flower Chimp. Emma Mohd MUA Stylist, Mobiversa, Nottingheels, Devi’s Corner, PEKATAN, ADLA, Pixsura, Hard Rock Cafe KL, Tlovescraft, Unified Fitness, Tribal Asia, Lions International Club, Wangi World, The Lower Penthouse, Amber Chia Academy and official media partners Rentak Sejuta. 

1. Siti Nur Aisyah, 19, Student (Down Syndrome)

A friendly and down to earth person, Aisyah loves travelling and has explored New York, Europe and many parts of Asia. A happy, sporting person, who would strike up a dance when she hears a good beat and enjoys singing too. Despite her condition, Aisyah enjoys both extreme sports participating in events like Spartan Race and MMA, as well as a leisurely ride on her bike.

2. Charmaine Chan, 29, Toy Library Admin (Down Syndrome)

Charmaine works at Toy Library in Malaysian CARE and also enjoys serving customers with food and her smile at Tender Hearts Cafe. Charmaine is involved in bowling training under Special Olympics Selangor She loves theater and has performed in a theater show called "Black Cat". She is a huge fan of America's Next Top Model, so watch out for her catwalk.. She can strut it on the runway and is able to belt out a song or two as well.

3. Nur Athirah Idrus, 17, Student (Down Syndrome)

Despite being the youngest contestant, Athirah is very poised and lady like. A shy person in nature, she has managed to crack the walls and has improved her social skills via Miss Amazing. We are looking forward to seeing her in full bloom during the gala night.

4. Susanna Cheah, 19, Student (Down Syndrome)

A very bubby and happy person in nature, Susanna loves make up and dressing up. A passionate girl about all things art, she loves to dance and watch movies. Susanna also enjoys the water and swims in her free time.

5. Tabitha, 18, Student (Down Syndrome)

A cute and talkative person in nature, there is not one boring moment with Tabitha. Perhaps her love for comic books brings out the funny side in her. Naturally friendly, Tabitha loves to bake and dance whenever she is free.

6. Wan Alyaa Azri, 19, Childminder (Down Syndrome)

Alyaa has a heart of gold. Despite her condition, she is a childminder for special kids. Regardless of her tender age, she has the maturity to match her passion. Alyaa has adventurous tastebuds and often explores new food. She is a fan of Justin Bieber and enjoys grooming in her free time.

7. Dr. Nik Norziehana Che Isa, 33, Teacher (Scoliosis)

Recently graduating from UiTM with a Doctorate in Chemistry, she also does part time modelling. In her free time, she loves to read and write. Maybe one day we will be able to read her writings.

8. Nor Athira Sujino, 24, Commis Chef  (Lupus)

A Funny person in nature, Athira loves singing, reading novels and dabbles in some poetry writing too. Meet her in person and we assure you a time of laughter with this joyful and caring human being

9. Nurhana Md Yusof, 28, Student and Full Time Model (Albinism}

Despite her condition, Hana believes that her albinism makes her beautiful. This has proven with her pursuing modelling as well as hosting. Hana hopes one day she can make her dream of acting come true. She spends her free time learning about the different cultures in the world, current interest: Japanese

10. Sofia Lovi Ramasamy, 38, Human Resource Business Partner
(Psoriatic Arthritis)

A soft spoken and humble person, Sofia does social work and constantly looks out to lift people and break from their limited beliefs. She has also worked with media to create awareness for those who are differently-able like herself. A huge fan of Bollywood actress & Miss World 1994 Aishwarya Rai.

11. Rachel Siew, 29, Community Advocate (Morquio A Syndrome}

A very familiar public figure, Rachel graduated with a Law Degree from the UK and is actively raising funds for a charity she established, The Rachel Siew Suet Li Trust Fund to raise awareness for her rare condition. An accomplished writer, with her book, "Little Book, BIG Secret" to raise fund for charitable cause she established.Rachel also does some modelling and actively empowers others to not limit themselves despite our limitations.

12. Lynda Lim, 23, Student (Autistic)

A natural born artist, Lynda loves drawing and painting and has even sold some of her artworks in the KL Arts Centre. She enjoys music in her free time, singing and playing Ukulele. She also sews in her free time.

13. Punitha Palaniaapan, 34, Admin Executive (Teacher Collins Syndrome)

An extremely confident young woman who enjoys baking and photography at her free time. A friendly person in nature, Punitha loves meeting people and living life to the fullest.