Experience the fusion of beauty, culture and heritage as the Legend Universal Beauty Pageant is set to light up Borneo in 2025.
A celebration of beauty, talent, cultural diversity
The grand final of the Legend Universal Beauty Pageant 2024/2025, held at the HXC Grand Ballroom of United Point Mall in Kuala Lumpur, was a night to remember.
The event brought together 46 contestants from 16 countries, creating a vibrant celebration of beauty, talent and cultural diversity.
More than just a competition, the evening highlighted the power of unity and the shared stories that transcend borders.
For Maggie Leong, the founder of Legend Universal, this event was the realisation of a dream years in the making.
Yet, even as the glimmering lights of the ballroom faded, the night left an air of excitement for what lies ahead.
In a thrilling announcement, Leong unveiled that the next grand final would take place in Borneo, a land rich in tradition, history, and unparalleled natural beauty.
Borneo beckons: Stage of new possibilities
The decision to host the pageant in Borneo has already ignited a wave of enthusiasm among participants, directors, and international audiences.
“Borneo is a treasure trove of traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. It’s the perfect setting for our mission to celebrate diversity and cultural exchange,” Leong shared passionately.
Known for its lush rainforests, unique indigenous cultures, and world-renowned culinary delights, Borneo offers an extraordinary backdrop that will elevate the pageant to new heights.
Contestants and directors from around the world have expressed excitement about the opportunity to experience the vibrant heritage of this Southeast Asian gem firsthand.
To bring this vision to life, Leong will collaborate with Kimi Tomas, the Legend Universal Beauty Pageant’s Borneo director.
This marks their first partnership, a synergy rooted in their shared passion for empowering women and celebrating culture.
Kimi, a celebrated advocate for preserving Borneo’s rich heritage, will play a pivotal role in ensuring the pageant reflects the true essence of the region.
“This partnership goes beyond simply hosting the pageant — it’s about sharing the heart and soul of Borneo with the world.
“I’m thrilled to welcome the Legend Universal team, led by Ms Leong, to Borneo as they bring the international pageant to our shores.
“I’m also excited for the national directors and contestants from across the globe to experience the beauty, culture, and spirit of my home,” she said.
A night of milestones
The grand final celebrated champions across four categories, each representing the pinnacle of grace, talent, and purpose:
Miss Legend Universal 2024: Jennipher Ly (Vietnam)
Mrs Legend Universal 2024: Bebekelly Dai Wei Lin (Malaysia)
Mrs Legend Universal Classic 2024: Minako Morishige (Japan)
Mrs Legend Universal Elite 2024: Zhang Yi Lan (Taiwan)
Beyond the grand champions, the night also recognised the Top 5 winners in each category, showcasing the breadth of talent and diversity present in the competition:
Miss Legend Universal:
World: Joyse Gan Huey Yin (Malaysia)
Global: Hannah Dahlim (Borneo)
Earth: Dai Wei Fen (China)
International: Crystal Zao Hui Kai (Taiwan)
Intercontinental: Tiffany (Hong Kong)
Mrs Legend Universal:
World: Sanjeewani (Sri Lanka)
Global: Cai Jia Qin (Taiwan)
Earth: Erika Sugihara (Japan)
International: Lee Seok Yin (Singapore)
Intercontinental: Sakura Chichibu (Japan)
Mrs Legend Universal Classic:
World: Ani Mustapah (Borneo)
Global: Ashlynn (Brunei)
Earth: Candi Tan (Malaysia)
International: Miho Ishizaki (Japan)
Intercontinental: Hozue Kouno (Japan)
Mrs Legend Universal Elite:
World: Yang Li Qin (Taiwan)
Global: Lin Mei Mei (Hong Kong)
Earth: Miki Hoshino (Japan)
International: June Liew (Malaysia)
Intercontinental: Catherine Muguerza (Philippines)
The star of the evening was undoubtedly Jennipher Ly, the 29-year-old Miss Legend Universal 2024 grand champion from Vietnam.
Her journey to the crown was as inspiring as it was remarkable, a testament to her resilience and unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Hailing from a rural province in Vietnam, Jennipher grew up in challenging circumstances that fuelled her determination to create opportunities for others.
She focused on improving access to education for underprivileged children in Southeast Asia, a cause close to her heart.
During the talent segment, Jennipher delivered a moving spoken-word performance about the transformative power of learning, earning thunderous applause from the audience.
In the question-and-answer round, she articulated her vision with eloquence, emphasising the importance of using platforms like Legend Universal to inspire change and uplift communities.
“Jennipher embodies everything this pageant stands for: confidence, inner strength, and a commitment to making a difference,” Leong said during the crowning moment.
Her victory was not just a personal achievement — it was a shining example of how the Legend Universal Beauty Pageant empowers women to become catalysts for change in their communities.
While the spotlight shone brightly on the winners, the grand final was ultimately a celebration of unity.
Contestants from diverse backgrounds shared stories, performances, and traditions that resonated with the pageant’s motto: “Confidence comes from inner strength, and cultural exchange makes beauty boundless.”
Backstage, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and mutual support. Contestants cheered for one another, forming bonds that transcended competition.
New chapter awaits in Borneo
As the evening drew to a close, Leong delivered a powerful message about the future:
“As we step onto the stage in Borneo in 2025, we’re not just hosting a pageant — we’re connecting the world to the heart of Southeast Asia.
“Together with Kimi, we will create an experience that celebrates both the beauty of the contestants and this extraordinary land,” she stressed.
As the Legend Universal Beauty Pageant prepares to take its global celebration to Borneo, anticipation is already building for what promises to be an unforgettable event.
With its lush landscapes, vibrant cultures and warm hospitality, Borneo is set to provide a stunning backdrop for this international celebration of beauty and unity.
Join the Legend Universal team as they embark on this exciting new chapter, where the stage will shine brighter than ever, and the stories of the contestants will inspire the world.
