KLANG: Puteri Membara Malaysia, the record-breaking national costume worn by Mrs Malaysia World 2024, Dr Shalini Devi Ramachandran, is poised to wow the global stage at the prestigious Mrs World 2024 pageant in Las Vegas later this month.
The costume, featuring a 121m-long train, has secured a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records as the longest train ever crafted for a national costume.
Designed by Sarawak-based Saran Lagong, the ensemble seamlessly combines intricate traditional batik and songket motifs with contemporary artistic elements, showcasing Malaysia’s cultural heritage and creative excellence.“This remarkable achievement not only signifies grandeur but also represents the boundless possibilities that come from pursuing dreams with passion and determination,” said Datin Harveen Kaur, Mrs Malaysia World Sdn Bhd national director.
“The red and black hues of the costume reflect the strength, passion and resilience of Malaysian women while paying homage to Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.
“The red embodies unity, love and determination, while the black signifies sophistication, power and grace – qualities that define the Malaysian woman,” she explained during the costume reveal here on Saturday.
She highlighted that the costume embodies Malaysia’s vibrant identity, cultural pride and the empowering strength of its women, making it a perfect symbol to represent Mrs Malaysia World on the global stage.
Dr Shalini, 37, a medical doctor from Selangor, will represent Malaysia at the Mrs World 2024 pageant, scheduled for Jan 29 to 30.
In addition to operating a clinic with her husband, Dr Yuveneswara Murti, 37, she is also a certified sports nutritionist, the founder of wellness studios in Malaysia and Singapore, and a passionate advocate for lifestyle medicine.Through a disciplined approach to lifestyle changes, she successfully overcame health challenges, including diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome and hypothyroidism, achieving an impressive weight reduction from 124kg to 60kg.
During the pageant in Las Vegas, she will model sustainable fashion through three outfits designed from vintage sarees and dresses over 30 years old, along with upcycled materials.
“I will collaborate closely with Kloth Cares, a women-inspired company in Malaysia that specialises in recycling and upcycling clothes,” Dr Shalini told Bernama.
Her environmental initiatives extend to schools through the Go Green Programme, where she educates children on waste reduction, tree planting and the importance of preserving ecosystems.
She also promotes indoor planting in fitness studios and inspires schoolchildren to stay active with fitness activities like Zumba.
Additionally, she collaborates with the Pertubuhan Kesihatan dan Kebajikan Umum Malaysia team in Chow Kit to further her advocacy efforts.
Dr Shalini’s dedication to community health and environmental sustainability has earned her the title of Malaysia’s Most Popular Trainer 2024 at the Nambikkai Star Icon Awards.