Beauty pageant to help special women shine

Finalists of Miss Amazing Malaysia 2023/2024 posing for a photo.

FINALISTS of Miss Amazing Malaysia 2023/2024 were revealed at an event in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

Twelve women aged between 16 and 38, who come from various ethnicities, are taking part in the beauty pageant that celebrates differently abled women.

The pageant, which will be held for the second time, is an unconventional attempt at redefining beauty pageants by providing a platform for women who are physically or intellectually challenged (those with autism and Down syndrome).

These resilient women have chosen to embrace challenges and are leveraging on the Miss Amazing Malaysia platform to showcase their diverse talents and advocate for inclusivity.

Pageant founder Maynicca Devi Rajamanikam, a former beauty queen who was first runner-up in Mrs India Worldwide Malaysia 2018, said the beauty contest would hopefully remind Malaysians to recognise that there was great potential within differently abled people.

“The first Miss Amazing Malaysia pageant took place in 2019 and was a success.

“It’s back to create a supportive environment where women with unique qualities can cultivate confidence,” she said.

“This platform endeavours to empower these women, fostering an environment where they can recognise and attain their full potential.”

Maynicca Devi said the finalists had shared with her deeply moving sentiments by expressing how touched they were by the opportunity.

For many, it was the first time they had been offered a platform to showcase their talents.

(Back row, from left) Maynicca Devi, Angelina and Zainalabidin sharing a light moment with some of the finalists.

“Some were even in tears, as they were grateful for the opportunity to reveal their true selves.

“Their emotional responses have touched my heart and have made my efforts truly worthwhile,” she said.

In the lead-up to the grand finals, many self-development programmes have been organised for the finalists.

These include activities for personal growth and interpersonal skills development, catwalk and image consultancy as well as guidance in grooming, makeup and fashion styling.

Participants also underwent training in communications, public speaking and fitness, in addition to going on social responsibility field trips.

During this time, finalists accrued points based on attendance, commitment, active participation and personal transformation.

The grand finals of Miss Amazing Malaysia will take place at Jasmine Banquet Hall, Global Business & Convention Centre in Petaling Jaya, on Jan 7, 2024.

The event to announce the pageant’s finalists was attended by guests of honour singer Datuk Zainalabidin Mohamed and his wife Datin Angelina Asmawi, as well as pageant partners and sponsors.