In her day job, Wenanita Angang sifts through large volumes of data to extract meaningful insights and communicate those insights to stakeholders, but in the months leading up to March 9, 2024, she carved out time to prepare for the 71st Miss World Festival in India.
Wenanita won Miss World Malaysia in August 2022. However, due to several issues, there was no Miss World 2023 pageant; the next international pageant was held in March 2024, officially called the 71st Miss World Festival.
Her focus and determination in her role as Miss World Malaysia 2022 paid off, as the 26-year-old Sabahan who is of Tatana and Murut descent placed in the top 40 of the competition, which was won by Krystyna Pyszkova of the Czech Republic.
As an advocate for autism awareness, Wenanita works closely with prominent organisations such as National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) and Early Autism Project (EAP), in addition to her ongoing work with Sabah’s sole mental institution – Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang – in conducting a focused project on hippotherapy.
Among her volunteer work with multiple humanitarian projects, Wenanita has tutored at the Myanmar Refugee Community Learning Centre in Kuala Lumpur and organised a hygiene workshop for an Orang Asli community in Muadzam Shah, Pahang.
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“Our journey began with a simple yet profound goal – to elevate autism awareness and cultivate a culture of acceptance and inclusion.
“We embarked on numerous ventures, partnering with organisations like the Nasom, EAP, Sunway University and College and Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang. Our collective efforts touched the lives of over 400 autistic children – we raised RM30,000 to support the autistic community, engaged with nearly 1,000 university and college students, and reached over half a million online listeners,” she shares.
Wenanita’s journey with the project took the volunteers across eight states to connect with educators.
“Autism awareness is more than statistics and numbers; it’s about embracing diversity, practicing inclusivity, and championing equality,” says Wenanita.
Wenanita is committed to her role as an alum of Miss World Malaysia, and hopes to serve as an inspiration for young girls and women, showing them that they can achieve their dreams.
“I will continue to engage with communities through charitable events, fundraisers, and outreach programs,” says Wenanita, who enjoys listening to podcasts and reading in her free time.
What does being placed in the Top 40 of the 71st Miss World Festival mean to you?Placing in the Top 40 is un- doubtedly a remarkable accomplishment, both for me and for Malaysia.
Personally, it signifies a culmination of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
It validates the effort put into preparing for the competition, not only by me, but every committed Malaysian talent who worked with me from the beginning until the end of my reign. On a broader scale, this achievement holds significance beyond the individual contestant.
Placing in the Top 40 symbolises the potential and talent of the nation’s youth and highlights Malaysia’s presence and influence on the world stage.
As a Miss World participant, I had the opportunity to connect with contestants from around the world.
As an ambassador of the country, it became a daily responsibility to promote Malaysian values, traditions, and achievements, besides embracing cultural exchange, promoting understanding and fostering longlasting friendships.
Could you talk a little bit about the designs you wore to the pageant?
Ultimately, a majority of the designs I chose reflected on my personal belief that art can serve as a means of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.
Through modern pieces, artists can reinterpret traditional fabrics and customs, ensuring they remain relevant and accessible to contemporary audiences, while safeguarding cultural heritage.
The various Malaysian cultures also added authenticity and richness to creative works that stood out throughout the month-long competition.
I worked with over 20 talented and unique designers from all over Malaysia who used luxurious fabrics and exquisite embellishments to symbolise our appreciation towards the beauty of our country’s textiles and heritage.
What is the most fulfilling aspect about the philanthropic work you do?
There is a profound satisfaction in philanthropic work that stems from knowing you are part of something larger than yourself and you are making a tangible, positive impact on people’s lives.
It is rewarding to see the direct and indirect effects of your actions, just as I have personally seen multiple times throughout my works with the Malaysian autism community.
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How would you describe your personal style?
Over time, I have experimented with many looks to figure out which one works best for me.
Now, I would say that my personal style could be described as casual yet polished.
Quality and comfort are important to me, so I opt for well-made pieces that I can mix and match effortlessly.
What do you enjoy doing that is separate from your job/responsibilities in the pageant world?
I am an avid reader, so diving into a good book, especially one with historical accounts, is always a joy for me.
I find history fascinating because it is a record of humanity’s journey through time.
It is filled with stories of triumphs, failures, innovations, conflicts, and everything in between.
I also enjoy running as it provides a mental break from the stressors of daily life, allowing me to clear my mind and focus on the present moment.
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