First-time beauty contestant is 70

Khoo (sixth from left) with Chin (on her left) and Ratu DeAge Titanium Beauty 2023 contestants. — Photos: Ratu DeAge Titanium Beauty

Local skincare brand hopes pageant helps women rediscover themselves

LOOKING glamorous in her sequinned dress and voluminous hair, no one would have guessed that Ruby Khoo is actually 70 years old.

The septuagenarian from Petaling Jaya, Selangor, posed and strutted on stage with poise as cameras clicked away.

She was among 13 contestants at the recently concluded Ratu DeAge Titanium Beauty 2023 at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Relating her experience to StarMetro, Khoo said this was the first time she had entered a beauty pageant.

“I have always been physically active. I exercise regularly and make sure to walk at least 10,000 steps a day.

“But a beauty pageant? That’s new, but I was eager to try,” she said, adding that eating a balanced diet was crucial to ensure health and longevity.

Khoo was approached to take part in the pageant when she was shopping at a DeAge Titanium Beauty kiosk at a mall.

“They seemed impressed by how I am keeping fit at my age and suggested that I participate,” said the mother of two.

(From left) Chin and Hishammuddin with Khoo and her prizes.

At the pageant, Khoo won Miss Best Personality and walked away with a bouquet of flowers, crown, certificate and gifts from sponsors.

There were seven pageant categories, including for Best Talent, Body Beautiful, Elegance, Beautiful Skin, Most Photogenic and Friendship.

The pageant welcomed participants aged 27 and above who had bought DeAge Titanium Beauty products.

They could be married or single.

A preview event took place at Bangsar Shopping Centre in June.

Company founder JcQLyne Chin said the women were judged based on their transformation and how they carried themselves on stage.

She said several workshops were organised prior to the competition to provide tips on how to take the catwalk and on improving fitness.

“Bogged down by work and family, many women often neglect to take care of their appearance after a certain age.

“This might affect their confidence,” Chin said, adding that the pageant would hopefully “help them rediscover themselves and feel beautiful again”.

Guest of honour Tengku Datuk Dr Hishammuddin Zaizi hoped the event would help promote locally grown beauty brands.

“The market is very competitive, but I believe Malaysia has what it takes to compete globally,” he said.

At the event, the contestants also modelled outfits sponsored by Yans Creation.