Joannabelle gets back in groove

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

“Whenever I left the house, I made sure to wear long sleeves and turtlenecks to cover the burns,” Ng said. The accident also caused her to lose her self-confidence.

“I got a job at a bank about a year later and after a few months at the job I came across an advertisement seeking Miss Universe Malaysia 2009 contestants,” she said.

Her request for unpaid leave was not allowed, so she quit the job to pursue her childhood dream of taking part in such a contest.

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

“I have now been to many places and met famous people,” she said.

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

“I want to be a successful businesswoman. I opened a spa recently that specialises in anti-ageing treatment,” she said.

Once she achieves financial stability, an aspect important to her as she is supporting her parents and three siblings, she wants to further her studies.

To be successful in business, one needs to work hard, be professional and never give up, she said.

What do you like about KL?

The night life here, because there are so many different clubs and DJs to cater to varied music tastes.

What do you dislike about KL?

Driving here is very complicated because there are many roads and highways. Even though I use GPS, I still get lost.

What is your favourite food?

My first choice is Chinese food and my favourite is the Hokkien mee available behind Tawakal Hospital.

What do you do to relax?

Back home in Kota Kinabalu, I go to beaches and islands. The beaches are only a few minutes drive from the town. Here, it’s harder, and I’m looking for a nearby beach to go to.

What’s your favourite place to hang out?

During the day, I like to go 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 at Zouk, or the new Rootz Dance Club in Lot 10.