KOTA KINABALU: Miss World 2021 Karolina Bielawska, 23, is in Malaysia to promote her worldwide "Beauty With a Purpose" charity project.
She is the first reigning beauty queen to visit Malaysia.
"I had to admit how excited I was as soon as I arrived here (in Kota Kinabalu). This is my first visit to Malaysia and also the first time a reigning Miss World is here in Sabah.
"But this is definitely not the last one because even though it was my second day (after arriving on Thursday) here, I've already fallen in love with your people, who welcomed us warmly.
"It makes us feel at home," she said at the "Miss World Charity Gala Dinner-Beauty With a Purpose" hosted by Kota Kinabalu City Hall (KKCH) at a resort here yesterday.
The charity dinner is part of her programme ahead of three major prestigious beauty pageants — Miss World Malaysia, Miss Grand Malaysia and Miss Supranational Malaysia — at the Sabah International Convention Centre here.
Bielawska also attended the unveiling of a "Love KK" monument in Jalan Jati here to mark her visit to Sabah.
She advised young women to instil their values before taking part in charitable endeavours to help others.
"We need to have passion and purpose. I remember that when I started a charity project in my hometown, a man approached me because I was a volunteer with Zupa Na Pietrynie (foundation).
"It made me feel so much better because someone recognised me for something that I do for others," said the Polish model and television presenter.
Bielawska, who has a passion for travelling, said she loved outdoor adventure.
"I heard that if your passion is adventure, Sabah is your destination. I absolutely agree with it."
She said the Miss World Organisation had been running the charity project for several years now, and that each year, all the contestants from 140 nations came together with their own projects to serve their communities.
"It doesn't matter if the project is big or small, it is better to light up one candle in the dark than none. So let us all light up more candles in Sabah to create an impact on your communities," said Bielawska.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the state government always prioritised the welfare of the people, in line with the spirit of giving and in support of children battling cancer and thalassemia.
"In terms of welfare aid, the state government has spent RM1.25 billion under Bantuan Khas Covid-19 to lessen the financial burden faced by the people, as well as to save the badly hit economic sectors."
At the charity night, RM150,000 was raised from the sale of dinner tickets, RM100,000 of which was donated to Sabah Women and Children Hospital and RM25,000 each to the Sabah Thalassaemia Society and Tadika Titian Murni.
Julia Morley, chief executive officer and owner of Miss World Limited, had contributed US$10,000 (RM44,675) to the cause.
Present were Assistant Minister for the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir and KKCH Mayor Datuk Noorliza Awang Alip.