KUALA LUMPUR: MALAYSIA’S Shweta Sekhon is ready to take on the world in the 68th edition of the Miss Universe pageant in Atlanta, the United States, on Dec 8.
While Malaysia has yet to bring home the crown in the pageant’s long history, the articulate 22-year-old has the poise, confidence and ability to give us a good chance of landing the title.
Shweta, who intends to further her studies in communications, believes her voice is her strongest asset.
She is championing women’s empowerment and encouraging young women to build their self-confidence and self-esteem. She speaks to MEERA MURUGESAN about how the pageant is an avenue to create an impact on issues close to her heart.
ON PAGEANTS
Question: Do you think beauty pageants are a meaningful platform for women’s voices to be heard?
Answer: Let’s compare pageants then and now. Back then, it was more about pretty faces, about segments where they showcased beautiful dresses and introduced cultures and traditions.
Now, it is different. The pageant has evolved so much. The focus is more on women’s empowerment and the opportunity is provided for us to boost awareness and voice our opinions.
I believe pageants today are platforms to transform girls into queens. Women get to speak on issues, raise awareness, as well as motivate and change the way people think.
Pageants have evolved in a good and positive manner. It is no longer just about glitz and glamour.
Q: The idea of a beauty pageant seems outdated and even frivolous to some people.
A: I wouldn’t deny that because I was someone who had that perception. I used to wonder why they even needed a swimsuit segment. Why can’t they just remove it?
But my mother told me something that changed my mind. She said don’t you think a swimsuit is a type of attire?
And if you have confidence and are able to embrace yourself for who you are, you wouldn’t be embarrassed to walk down the ramp in a swimsuit. I realised she was right.
I have been working hard towards my fitness goals and there are two segments in Miss Universe that I’m looking forward to — the national costume and swimsuit rounds.
When I walk down that ramp as someone who feels confident and beautiful, and as someone who is advocating the goal of “Your Body Your Say”, which is my campaign, those who look at me as a role model will feel empowered too.
Q: Do you believe that a Malaysian will one day hold the Miss Universe title?
A: Yes. My mentor, Elaine Daly (national director of the Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation), keeps telling me that we have an equal chance of getting there as much as anyone else.
Malaysia might just be that dark horse that triumphs one day. We are going to elevate ourselves one day and win that title.
It is all about strategy and I believe that miracles can happen when you least expect them.
Some day, the crown will come to Malaysia. It is just a matter of time. I am someone who believes that if it is meant for you, it will come to you.
Q: What are your views on contestants who undergo plastic surgery to have a stronger standing in pageants?
A: I will never look down on people who have undergone plastic surgery. Let’s respect people’s choices.
If you want to change your appearance, for example, from having a “nugget” nose to a sharp nose, and it boosts your self-confidence, why not?
There are people who need it, like those with scars from accidents. But for me, personally, the answer is “no” because I am someone who is happy with what God has given me.
My grandmother always told me as a child that we have another life beyond this one and I want to go back the way I was born.
ON BEAUTY AND ROLE MODELS
Q: What message do you want to send to young girls about beauty?
A: As long as you are confident in your own skin, you are beautiful. People often believe that you need to have the best outfit, make-up and look all proper.
I am not saying that it is wrong, but sometimes, your personality shines better.
If you are someone who is radiant, smiling all the time and approachable, you are beautiful. Don’t let the outfit wear you, you wear the outfit!
Being confidently beautiful is so important. As long as you embrace and love yourself, no one can bring you down. No matter how many “swords” or “arrows” are thrown at you, they won’t reach you.
Q: Who are the women you find most influential or inspirational?
A: Locally, it would be Deborah Henry (Miss Universe Malaysia 2011). She is someone who knows her stand and what she wants to do. She defines the concept of being confidently beautiful.
Internationally, I would say Michelle Obama because she comes across as someone who is humble and beautiful — inside and out — and very welcoming.
Her personality is amazing. She approaches people in such a vibrant manner.
ON THE NATIONAL COSTUME
Q: What are your thoughts on the national costume that has been designed for the pageant?
A: It is something that speaks and even screams Malaysia. People don’t even need to think where the costume comes from.
I believe that there are three things that keep Malaysians united — traditions, colours and food — and I told Carven (fashion designer Carven Ong) that as long as he could capture these three elements, it would be great. Then, he came up with the sketch.
We didn’t know what to name it at first, so Elaine suggested “A Peranakan Indulgence”. The name itself screams Malaysia. It speaks of us and I love the idea of a dress designed to look like I am carrying tables filled with kuih because we were all brought up eating these kuih for tea.
The songket dress is a modernised version of a Peranakan bride’s wedding gown alongside the headgear. The wings are inspired by the tail of a goldfish, which signifies prosperity for the Peranakan community.
It is one of the largest national costumes Malaysia would have ever displayed at the pageant. It is heavy but I don’t mind as long as I survive that 30 seconds when I am showing it off.
Q: How would you respond to critics who call the costume over the top and tacky?
A: I am going to draw attention with this dress and that is what I want. It is going to make me stand out. When we see other countries, such as Venezuela, Mexico or the Philippines, they always shine in the national costume segment.
I don’t think Malaysia has ever taken that approach. I hope to make a difference and if this is going to place me in the top 16, why not?
Miss Universe is all about thinking out of the box and when you see this dress in pictures, it doesn’t even justify its magnificence. It is amazing. I love it and for a foodie like me to be wearing “A Peranakan Indulgence” is a miracle.
One day, I can tell my kids that your mummy carried food and entered Miss Universe.
ON CYBERBULLYING AND CRITICS
Q: Cyberbullying is rampant among young people. As a young adult, do you think curbing social media use among young people is the answer?
A: Let’s compare it with medicine. Medicine is good but if you consume more than the recommended dose, it becomes a drug and is harmful.
Likewise with social media. If you limit its usage, it is not harmful. You have the choice to use it to spread good or bad news. Social media can be used to boost one’s confidence and not bring people down.
Without the Internet, how are we going to connect with one another, raise awareness and create an impact?
There is always a nicer way to say things, so stop talking bad about others and put a stop to cyberbullying.
Q: Have you ever been a victim of cyberbullying?
A: I’ve only witnessed cyberbullying recently because of my involvement in the pageant.
Trolls, critics, whatever you call them, are always going to be there. They use the keyboard as a weapon. It does break me sometimes because I am human too. I am not a robot but you can’t satisfy everyone.
I don’t even read bad comments on social media. I just read the good ones.
When my swimsuit picture came out, there were comments that I didn’t look lean or fit enough.
Some people said I am using my “Your Body Your Say” campaign as a reason to be lazy and not hit the gym.
I choose to ignore trolls. I don’t want to let them break me. I aim to be stronger each day. We’re moving towards 2020. The world has evolved, pageants have evolved but when are these people going to change?
I realise that as the competition gets tougher, people get more critical but I take it as constructive criticism. Haters are always going to be there. As long as you know who you are, you are good to go.
ON FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
Q: What do you think are the major stumbling blocks to women’s advancement in developing countries?
A: Cultural stereotypes. The old school mindset. Some people still believe that girls don’t need to be “overly educated” because they are going to get married anyway.
And when it comes to work, why don’t they select more women chief executive officers or leaders? Because they think women are weak or incapable. But never underestimate a woman. We are capable of breaking barriers. Women are filled with compassion and patience, and we make decisions from the heart, thinking of the greater good or the bigger picture.
Q: What do you think will contribute to female empowerment?
A: If men and women could walk hand in hand, the world would be an amazing and wonderful place. That is why we call it gender equality.
Men and women need to be on a par. To clap, you need both hands and in work, relationships, parenthood and friendship, men and women should complement one another.
If you want to develop a country, you need men and women with equal rights. That is how it should be.
However, women’s roles are often segmented and they are forced to choose one or the other. Their choices are always judged. For example, whether they choose work or family, decide to be a mother or choose not to be one, they are still penalised.
But if a lady can be a mother, daughter, sister and friend, all at once, why can’t she do much more than that?
We need to break these stereotypes but first, are we hungry enough for it? We always talk about wanting to make a change but are we doing it?
Actions speak louder than words. It takes a lot of courage to accept change and to say that we are willing to make a change.