Charissa Chong is Miss Global International Malaysia 2013/2014

MIRI: A 19-year old student Charissa Chong is Miss Global International Malaysia 2013/2014.

Tall, petite and musically talented, Chong scored high points with her show of confidence and intelligence during the question and answer session in the grand final on Saturday.

“The most difficult decision I ever made between my profession and personal life was whether to continue my study or work.

“But then I chose both because I thought that was the best way for me to take care of my mother, and I am proud that I was able to do so.

“I must say that decision had not only taught me about responsibility, but I learned to juggle my time while multi-tasking, which really prepared me for the competitive world,” was how she answered one of the questions.

Chong who hails from Kuala Lumpur beat 17 other finalists to take the title from reigning queen, Sherine Tan, during the four-hour competition at Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club.

She also won the subsidiary title of Miss Courteous.

Chong will be representing Malaysia at the world-level of Miss Global International pageant in Albania in November.

Julies Lucas from Miri and Julie Tan from Kuala Lumpur, tied in the accumulated points, were made to share the first runner-up position.

Meanwhile, 22-year old Elvina Tan from Selangor won three subsidiary titles — Miss Eastwood Popularity, Miss Perfect Body and Miss Charisma.

The subsidiary title of Miss JD’s Personality was won by Sharon Kow while Miss Charity went to Gwendeline Loh, an education centre manager who hails from Johor.

Eva Yap, also from Johor, and Quek Choon Chin from Malacca each won the subsidiary titles of Miss Crowning Glory and Miss Magic Beauty.

Nancy Marcus, a 27-year-old financial consultant, won the subsidiary title of Miss Imperial Talent.

All 18 contestants had spent a 10-day pageant week here, participating in various activities around Miri, Batu Niah and in some longhouses, as well as took lessons on self-defence, attended educational talk, golf clinic and a beauty workshop.

The proceeds from the sales of tables at the gala dinner will be channeled to the Miri Autistic Association and Zero Strays Miri.