Miss Universe Malaysia
KUCHING: Francisca Luhong James will be entered in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) as the first woman of Dayak descent to hold the title of Miss Universe Malaysia.
The lady who is of Kenyah, Kayan and Iban descent beat 17 other contestants at the beauty pageant held in Kuala Lumpur last Sept 5.
As the winner, she will represent Malaysia in the upcoming Miss Universe 2020 pageant on the global stage.
“It is such a great blessing and a huge responsibility to be able to stand here on the international stage not just to represent this community but also to represent Malaysia.
“I am always proud to associate myself with Malaysia because I am Malaysian.
“I hope to make Malaysia proud by bringing our culture to the global stage,” she said when speaking at her homecoming ceremony held at Shangri La Grand Ballroom, CityOne Megamall here today (Sept 18).
The 25-year-old also mentioned that through the ‘Women Rise’ movement, she aimed to empower women to not doubt themselves and use their talents to boost their economic standing.
At the event, Francisca also wore the stunning ‘Reflection’ crown by Habib featuring a 10-carat diamond set in white gold worth RM2.38 million.
Gracing the event was Sarawak Youth and Sports Assistant Minister’s wife Datin Melinda Claudia Bucking.
Also present were Association of Malay Importers and Traders of Motor Vehicles Malaysia (Pekema) Sarawak president Tan Sri Abang Khalid Abang Marzuki, Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) manager Datin Senorita Linang, Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) general manager Jane Lian Labang, and Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation national director Datin Elaine Daly.
