Sofia Lovi Ramasamy, a 39-year-old full time banker, who is afflicted with arthritic psoriasis, was crowned the very first Miss Amazing Malaysia. Taking the runner up spot was Nurhana Md Yusof, a 28-year-old student and full time model who was born with albinism, while Nor Athira Sujino, a 24-year-old Commis Chef with Lupus, was crowned third. Despite their various differences, all three empowered winners proved that nothing could stop them from achieving their dreams and being a greater part of society. The grand finals of the pageant was held at Westlane Place in Petaling Jaya.
The unique pageant was organised by Amazing Girls Solutions and is headed by its founder Maynicca Dewi Rajamanikam.It aimed to provide a platform for women with Down syndrome, Lupus, Scoliosis, Vitiligo, Autism and other disorders, to be part of a beauty pageant and sought to prove to the world that women with differences should be given greater opportunities to pursue their goals and live their lives to their fullest potential.
After a six-month long search, selection and transformation, 13 amazing women with differences made it to the finals of Miss Amazing Malaysia 2019. These bright, bold and capable women decided to challenge themselves despite their differences, and utilise the Miss Amazing Malaysia platform to enrich and empower themselves, to showcase their various talents and to seek inclusivity in all aspects of their lives.
During the course of the pageant, the finalists underwent various programs that encompassed skills growth such as sportsmanship, emotional intelligence, self defense, health emergency training, poise, public speaking, catwalk training, photo shoots, styling, etiquette, self grooming, confidence building, talent showcasing and much more. They also developed friendships and memories that will last a lifetime
The inaugural Miss Amazing Malaysia pageant provided opportunities for women with differences to test their boundaries and take on new challenges, while nurturing a sisterhood that will offer a chance for women from different walks of life to learn from each other and develop a valuable support system. It also increased their visibility by providing a public platform for them to define themselves on their own terms and accomplish amazing things.
Miss Amazing Malaysia was open to all Malaysian single women with Down Syndrome, Vitiligo and other differences*, aged 18 to 36, regardless of their ethnicity or religious beliefs.
(* except for those who are wheelchair bound, blind, deaf or mute.)
Auditions for the pageant were held at LOKA Malaysia on 7th October, 2018.
Throughout the pageant period, the finalists also earned points and were evaluated for their attendance, commitment, participation and transformation.
Among the highlights of the pageant was the successful staging of its Talent Night which was hosted alongside Malaysia Leo Club’s event in January 2019.
In her welcome address, pageant founder Maynicca Dewi Rajamanikam, who is the first runner up of Mrs India Worldwide Malaysia 2018, shared her feelings about the Miss Amazing Malaysia’s great journey since it was first launched and some of its highlights.
Miss Amazing Malaysia’s mission was to provide an opportunity for women with differences to build confidence in a supportive and fun environment, while enabling them to reach their full potential. In an atmosphere built around encouragement and support, Miss Amazing Malaysia believes it can bring these individuals together and promote further inclusion for these beautiful women with special needs”, Maynicca explained.
Maynicca also reminded Malaysians to recognise that there is a great potential within each differently abled women. “It is our duty, as a progressive society, to empower them to fully realize it.”
Maynicca also spoke about the “Bidadari Project”, a noble initiative to give its finalists an opportunity to work with an influential personality in the pageant scene with the aim to provide exposure and preparation to them, and later introduced Miss Amazing Malaysia’s “Bidadari”, Datin Harveen Kaur who is the National Director of Mrs Malaysia World. Harveen is very involved in helping children with Down’s syndrome at the Kiwanis foundation.
Performing on the night with a heartfelt rendition of “Colours of The Wind” was Miss Wheelchair Malaysia 2018 Nur Ashikeen. Also performing on the night was iconic Malaysian singer Franciscca Peter.
Gracing the event was Dato’ Maria Bernard Sinsoi, the Director of Jabatan Pembangunan Orang Kurang Upaya (JPOKU). She was presented with a beautiful painting created by Lynda Lim, one of the finalists of the pageant. Also attending was Dato’ Raj Chelliah, President of main sponsors Puteri Malaysia Ambulance.
Miss Amazing Malaysia is endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism & Culture (MOTAC) and is supported by Puteri Malaysia Ambulance as pageant co-partners and main sponsors. Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia are collaborative partners to the pageant, with Westlane Place as the official venue. Also supporting the pageant are Wolfpack Lab, Flower Chimp. Emma Mohd MUA Stylist, Mobiversa, Nottingheels, Devi’s Corner, PEKATAN, ADLA, Pixsura, Hard Rock Cafe KL, Tlovescraft, Unified Fitness, Tribal Asia, Lions International Club, Wangi World, The Lower Penthouse, Amber Chia Academy and official media partners Rentak Sejuta.
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Results
The competition was divided into two categories – one for those with Down Syndrome & Autism, and one for those with other differences. All finalists in Category 1 (with Down Syndrome & Autism) were crowned with individual titles.
Category 1 Winners:
Miss Congeniality: Siti Nur Aisyah
Miss Best Attitude: Lynda Lim
Miss Optimistic: Nur Athirah Idrus
Miss Strong: Susanna Cheah
Miss Loving: Charmaine Chan
Miss Best Talent: Tabitha Seow Tong En
Miss Photogenic: Wan Alyaa Azri
Category 2 Winners (Main Titles):
Champion: Sofia Lovi Ramasamy
Runner Up: Nurhana Md Yusof
2nd Runner Up: Nor Athira Sujino
