The Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry has endorsed the hosting of the Miss World Malaysia 2023 beauty pageant, in Sabah on Aug 25.
Its Minister Datuk Christina Liew said she would like to see the prestigious event happening in Sabah as the contestants are regarded as tourism ambassadors.
Liew stated: “We expect them to help promote Sabah as a tourist destination by sharing their experience here.”
She added: “At the same time, I would be happy if this pageant can attract tourists from around the world, and not just Malaysians from throughout the country.”
The Miss World Malaysia 2023, as part of the HyperLive Festival Malaysia, will be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), and more than 1,000 guests are expected to attend the show.
The event is estimated to attract between 25 and 30 finalists who will compete for the Miss World Malaysia title.
CEO of Hyperlive Entertainment and National Director of Miss World Malaysia, Dr Sean Wong, stated that Sabah was specially chosen as the destination for Miss World Malaysia 2023 for the second year in a row, emphasizing the event’s focus on promoting tourism.
He said: “Every Malaysian finalist must come to Sabah to compete. The winner can be from any state.
“This year’s Miss World Malaysia will represent Malaysia at the Miss World Final for 2024.
“Hence, she becomes an ambassador for tourism. She can promote Malaysia, and may gain global followers by the millions on social media platforms.”
He added that there will be no swimsuit segment for Miss World Malaysia, emphasizing that the pageant is a portrayal of culture, apart from the requirement to showcase their talents.
“In fact, they will take part in a debate to score points in order to get to the Miss World Finals 2024,” he said.
The Miss World Malaysia 2022 pageant winner, Wenanita Anggang, a Sabahan, will be representing Malaysia in the Miss World 2023 Grand Final to be held in the UAE later this year.
