KOTA KINABALU: Sabahan Wenanita Angang, 26, was crowned Miss Malaysia World 2022 after beating 14 other aspiring finalists yesterday.
The Miss World pageant which took place at the Sabah International Conventional Centre (SICC) here saw Evelyn Ting from Sarawak taking the second spot while another Sabahan, Anya Kimberly Kow was named third place.
Wenanita, who was born and raised in Kota Kinabalu, received the crown from reigning queen Dr Lavanya Sivaji as reigning Miss World 2021 Karolina Bielawska looked on.
On winning the prestigious title, Wenanita shared: "Honestly, I did not anticipate winning any thing. I was just focusing on doing my best, because I don't want to regret later.
"When I was shortlisted for the top six round, in my mind, I just told myself to keep calm as I've already come this far. It is okay. Whatever happens now, I did my best.
"I was happy with my performance which is all that matters to me."
She also thanked her team comprising her mother, fashion designer and make-up artist as well as friends for given the encouragement.
"Without their support and advice, I don't see myself succeeding at the international level," said Wenanita, who has been working as an international conference producer in Kuala Lumpur for the past 10 years.
She will use her crown to advocate hippotherapy, which is a form of horse riding therapy, to rehabilitate autistic children and persons with cerebral palsy.
She said she was captivated to learn how horse riding helps these children to improve their balance after listening to a briefing by doctors at the Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang here.
"I want to do something involving mental health as my upcoming charity project," said Wenanita, who holds a bachelors degree in information science systems.
The global Miss World final is expected to be held in the United Kingdom at the end of this year.
Meanwhile, the top three spots for the Miss Grand Malaysia 2022 went to Charissa Chong from Selangor; Vivienna Alfred (Sarawak) and Angela Quah (Johor).
For the Miss Supranational Malaysia 2023, the winner was Deidre Walker (Sabah), followed by a contestant only known as Vivy (Kuala Lumpur) and Vivienna Alfred (Sarawak).
This is the first time three prestigious beauty pageants were held at the same time in Sabah. Some of the contestants were vying for more than two titles.