GROWING up with rescued dogs led to Miss Universe Malaysia 2025 Chloe Lim’s lifelong connection to animals.
Her early life with those pets developed into a commitment to animal welfare, she said.
“They were not just pets to me, they were family.
“They taught me unconditional love, compassion and loyalty,” Lim said during a visit to Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor in Ampang.
Her experience with animals shaped her perspective, she added, especially when she encountered cases of neglect or cruelty.
“Every time I heard about an abandoned or neglected animal or any cruelty to animals, I felt this strong pull in my heart to do something.”
While pursuing her master’s degree in law in the United Kingdom, Lim focused on animal welfare rights.
Through her studies, Lim said she came to understand that change was not only about laws but also about public awareness and collective action.
Lim was recently appointed ambassador for SPCA Selangor, where she hopes to raise awareness on adoption, neutering and humane treatment of animals.
In this capacity, Lim said she would focus on promoting adoption, encouraging volunteerism and supporting spay-neuter efforts to address overcrowding in shelters.
SPCA Selangor chairman Christine Chin said the ambassador appointment aimed to strengthen the organisation’s outreach.
“Having a new face to say the same things in a different way is always refreshing,” she said.
Chin said one of SPCA Selangor’s key priorities remained the humane management of stray animals.
Spay-neuter programmes, she said, remained one of the most effective approaches to managing the stray population.
Chin said Lim would be involved in upcoming awareness campaigns, fundraising efforts and volunteer-driven initiatives, as well as making appearances at SPCA events.
Upcoming initiatives include activities in conjunction with World Animal Day in September, which Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin is expected to attend.
A pickleball event is also being planned for October.
Chin said the organisation also hoped to involve Lim in activities at its shelter in Ampang to encourage greater public participation in volunteer work.
Separately, Lim has raised RM50,810 for the Lighthouse Children’s Welfare Home in Kuala Lumpur.
The funds have come at a crucial time, after heavy rain caused damage to the home, including roof leaks, water seepage and power disruptions.
“The children cannot stay in a place like that.
“We got everything fixed with money from the fundraiser,” said Lim.
Her history with the home dates back to her secondary school years, when she spent time reading to the children and engaging in activities at the care home.
“I left to pursue my studies in the UK for about eight years, and when I came back, I got back in touch with the care home.”
Her involvement has evolved into her “Beyond the Crown” initiative – a service-driven platform linked to her beauty queen role that focuses on bridging opportunity gaps, particularly through education for underprivileged children.
Lim said the fundraising effort was carried out through an online campaign supported by friends, family and corporate donors.
“We had some amazing corporate donors who were very generous and we eventually reached the target.”
She added that her decision to support the home more actively came after learning about its financial struggles.
The home, run by Jacinta Stevens and her husband Steven Silvaraju, both in their 70s, currently houses more than 40 children.
Jacinta described Lim’s support as timely, as the ageing facility had begun to show signs of wear and tear.
“We had roof leaks, which even caused issues with our neighbours, as well as clogged toilets.
“The repairs came at the right time and were completed last October,” she said, adding that five children had also recently joined the home.
Describing Lim as approachable and committed, Jacinta added that she was very down-to-earth.
“She helps the children a lot and has been with us since she was young.”
