“Miss World Beauty with a Purpose Tour” amplifies Sabah’s position
News Date: July 25, 2024
Media : Warta Oriental
KOTA KINABALU: The “Miss World Beauty with a Purpose Tour” in Sabah will promote the beautiful state and amplify its position on the world tourism map, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew told a press conference Tuesday.
She said the Miss World Beauty’s maiden visit that will be documented as part of the “Beauty with a Purpose” documentary will undoubtedly enhance our tourism appeal and attract more visitors to our shores.
“We are deeply grateful for the Miss World Organisation’s dedication and for choosing Sabah as a pivotal part of its tour. For this reason, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah (KePKAS) is giving the ‘Miss World Beauty With A Purpose Tour’ in Sabah its full support.
“We are thrilled and immensely honoured to have you both with us. Your presence here underscores the global significance of the Miss World festival, a prestigious event celebrated by over 140 countries, and your commitment to humanitarian efforts worldwide.
“Indeed, it is not just the appearance that matters, it’s beauty with a purpose, beauty with a heart of gold,” Liew said in welcoming the CEO cum Chairman of Miss World Organisation, Mrs Julia Morley, CBE, from the United Kingdom, and the reigning Miss World 2024, Krystyna Pyszkova from the Czech Republic.
“Sabah’s rich cultural heritage and the people’s warm hospitality have captivated my heart,” said 23-year-old Pyszkova, a top model in her country, who also related her experience working with children plagued by poverty and hunger in Africa. The towering figure is 180cm tall.
According to Liew, since 2022, Morley has been visiting Sabah annually, bringing with her the reigning Miss World. “This consistent commitment speaks volumes about her affection for Sabah and her unwavering support for our community.”
The Minister also acknowledged the National Director of Miss World Malaysia, Dr Sean Wong, PBM, who is the Licence Holder of Miss World Malaysia, for his invaluable efforts in making this 2024 visit possible. Dr Wong’s tireless work has not only facilitated this tour but has also significantly promoted Sabah tourism and supported local communities over the past three years, she noted, adding that State Heritage Council member Joanna Datuk Kitingan plays a significant role in preserving Sabah’s cultural heritage.
“We chose Sabah as our destination because of its beautiful natural landscape and beautiful people,” remarked Dr Wong, while thanking Liew for her steadfast support since the Miss World Malaysia 2023 beauty pageant hosted by Sabah last year.
The Minister was impressed with Morley’s and Pyszkova’s participation in environmental conservation efforts and tree-planting activities, and their visit to Penampang’s flood-affected homes with donations of disaster relief packages, apart from their support for children with autism and those suffering from cancer as well as adult cancer patients in need. “These acts of kindness and generosity in helping disadvantaged families resonate deeply with our community and exemplify the true spirit of ‘Beauty With A Purpose’,” she said.
Turning to our reigning Miss World Malaysia 2023, Saroop Roshi, who was crowned in 2023, Liew said : “I wish you all the best for your journey to Miss World next year. I am sure you will make Malaysia proud.” Roshi, who hails from Perak, holds a degree in psychology, and has a special interest in the well-being of autistic children in her endeavour to bring hope to them for a better tomorrow, a better future.
In 2019, she founded an online suicide prevention organisation called “UnmaskYourself” to create awareness and promote prevention and intervention efforts for suicide in Malaysia.
“We work with people with mental health issues, especially children and teenagers from marginalised communities,” said the 26-year-old fashion model who stands at 176cm tall.
