Beauty and personality help lass win

WINNING LOOKS: Miss Malaysia Universe 2006 Melissa Ann Tan Swee Yen is flanked by first runner-up Rehka Athmalingam (left) and second runner-up Daphne Chan. Tan also won five subsidiary titles in the pageant. — STARpic by KAMARUL ARIFFIN

KUALA LUMPUR: Beauty and personality won Melissa Ann Tan Swee Yen the Miss Malaysia Universe 2006 title. 

The 25-year-old brand development associate also charmed her way to five of the 10 subsidiary titles – Miss De Beaute Body Beautiful, Miss Skinnic Perfect Beauty, Miss Wacoal Malaysia, Miss Sachs Personality and Miss TPX Trendy.  

“I will set a good example to attract other potential young women to participate in the pageant during my reign as Miss Malaysia Universe,” the Malacca-born Tan said during the question-and-answer session here last night. 

“That is how I will carry myself as queen for the coming year.” 

Tan won RM5,000, a crown, trophy and designer outfits worth RM50,000 to participate in the Miss Universe Pageant 2006 in Los Angeles on July 5-24.  

The first runner-up was Rehka Athmalingam, 20, and second runner-up 23-year-old Daphne Chan, both students, who won RM3,000 and RM2,000, respectively, as well as other prizes.  

“I will carry Malaysia on the batik front focusing on the country's beauty,” said Rehka who was also voted Miss Love and Photogenic, Miss Nelson's Popular, Miss Pola Natural Beauty and Miss Thomas and Guys Crowning Glory.  

Chan, crowned Miss Congeniality, said after the pageant: “This is a pleasant surprise as I did not see it coming. It has been a good experience and a good learning opportunity while making more friends.” 

The pageant was organised by Pageant Promotions Sdn Bhd.