Ummu crowned as this year’s Miss Fair and Lovely

ASPIRING dancer Ummu Khansar Romainoor, 18, won this year’s Miss Fair and Lovely title and took over the crown from Janet Bennet.

Ummu also won the pageant’s Miss Photogenic subsidiary title by beating the 13 other finalists on the first day of the World Harvest Festival at Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching.

Ummu said that winning the pageant on her first try was unexpected.

“To be honest, I thought maybe at best I would be selected as one of the finalists. Even during the preliminary rounds, I was lacking in confidence. I don’t think I managed to shake off my nervousness even at the final on Saturday,” she said.

Ummu said her confidence grew with the support of her friends and family members, whom she described as liberal and open-minded.

“As you know, I aspire to be a professional dancer, and most parents won’t allow that, what more to say about entering beauty pageants,” she added.

Besides the crown, Ummu won a scholarship to study Tourism Management at Segi College in Kuching.

However, the beauty said she would prioritise dancing as a career.

“I love dancing, I’ve been dancing since Primary Two. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than dancing,” she said.

Meanwhile, second place went to Dewi Liana Seriestha, 21, a full time singer.

Dewi, who at 5’10” towered over the other finalists, was not disheartened for not winning the crown

She said she wanted to promote her “beautiful Sarawak”.

“This pageant has been a highlight in my life. I enjoyed myself and will remember the memorable experiences,” she said.

Third place went to Nur Hanie Syarifa Mohd Raymie, who was the frontrunner for the title before the final. Hanie won four subsidiary titles in the preliminary rounds including for talent and fitness.