How Joannabelle got her groove back

ABOUT a year ago, Joannabelle Ng Li Vun suffered a serious fire burn from an accident that left visible and emotional scars on the 21-year-old.

“Whenever I leave the house I had to make sure I wore long sleeves and turtlenecks to cover up the burns,” Ng said. The accident left her with little self confidence.

“I got a job in a bank about a year after the accident and a few months into it I came across an advertisement looking for Miss Universe Malaysia 2009 contestants,” Ng said.

Since her request for unpaid leave was not allowed, she decided to quit and her pursue her childhood dream of taking part in the contest.

Winning the crown has brought back Ng’s confidence and has opened up various opportunities for her.

“I’ve been to many places I had never been before and also get to meet famous people,” Ng said.

The lass who hails from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, is planning to go into other ventures once she relinquishes her title.

“I want to be a successful businesswoman. I just opened up a spa about two months ago that specialises in anti-ageing treatments,” Ng said.

She added that once she had achieved financial stability, an aspect important to her because she needed to support her parents and three younger siblings, she wanted to further her studies.

She said to be successful in business, one need to continuously work hard, be professional and never give up.

What do you like about KL?

The night life here because there’s so many different clubs and DJs to experience.

What do you dislike about KL?

Driving here is very complicated because there are so many different roads, highways. Even though I use a GPS system, I still find myself getting lost.

What is your favourite food?

I generally like eating but my first choice will usually be Chinese and my favourite is the famous Hokkien mee from the place behind Tawakal Hospital.

What do you do to relax?

Back home in Kota Kinabalu I’d go to beaches and islands that is only a few minutes drive from anywhere in the town but here it’s harder and I’m still looking for a nearby beach that I can go to.

What’s your favourite place to hang out?

During the day I like going to shopping malls with my friends especially Pavilion or Sungei Wang Plaza but we do go to other places as well. At night I prefer to hang out in Zouk or the new club in Lot 10, Rootz Dance Club.