Student crowned Miss Malaysia Earth 2011

STUDENT Joyce Tay is very clear about the issues close to her heart. She wants to be a part of the effort to preserve Mother Nature and make Earth a better place to live in.

Now, she will have the opportunity to do so - she beat 20 beauties from all over the country to win the Miss Malaysia Earth 2011 title recently.

The 24-year-old stood out among the other contestants with her confidence and beauty.

“My reason for participating in this pageant is that it stands out among others; it champions a vital cause that will affect everyone on the planet.

“Now, I am honoured to have the opportunity to do more as Miss Malaysia Earth 2011,” she said after winning the title.

She urged everyone to work together to preserve Mother Nature, adding: “I hope with this title, I will be able to influence everyone to make the necessary changes to our lifestyle and actions.”

The spunky lass also wants to become a social leader to make a difference not only in her community but in the corporate sector.

“With my interest in business, I want to find ways where we can get more companies to organise environmental programmes as part of their corporate social responsibility,” said the undergraduate, who is majoring in international business.

During the question-and-answer session, Tay confidently replied when asked whether the bicycle would still be in use 10 years on: “I believe so as it is environmentally friendly, gives you a form of exercise and reduces the parking problem in urban areas,” she said.

Tay also won the subsidiary title of Miss Malaysia Earth Facebook Gorgeous Award.

Also smiling from ear to ear was first runner-up Crystal Eve Huminodun, 23, who won the title Miss Malaysia Earth 2011 Air.

“I am really excited about the title. I had a great time getting to know the other contestants,” she said.

Hailing from Sabah, the undergraduate clinched three subsidiary titles - Miss Malaysia Earth Glamour Look, Miss Malaysia Earth Photogenic and Miss Malaysia Earth Audience Choice Award.

“Everybody needs to take care of the environment just like their own health and when we do that, we can create a better environment for our future generations,” Crystal said.

The electrifying night began with all the 20 finalists entering the Syuen Hotel ballroom wearing futuristic bridal gowns by The Wedding Station.

Constructed from recyclable materials such as straws, egg cartons, wires and even sponges, the finalists kept the audience captivated with the LED-illuminated gowns and dancing slowly to the tune of Katy Perry’s ET song.

After the session of self-introduction, the finalists proceeded to the first round of adjudication, sporting black eco-casual wear with red trimmings.

In the swimwear round, finalists impressed the audience with their hour-glass curves in deep-blue swimsuits while in the final round, the eveningwear enhanced their beauty and charm.

The audience was also treated to lively performances by three finalists, namely Elvina Chua, 20, with her golden wings and belly dancing, Josephine Loo, 20, with her energetic modern dance and Teh Wei Ling, 18, who amazed everyone with her strong voice and ballet-inspired dance.

After the riveting performances, a group of 10 finalists were chosen and questions on environment conservation and issues were posed to them.

Appy Rowena Janwin made her final parade on stage as Miss Malaysia Earth 2010 before Tay took over the reign.