KUALA LUMPUR JAN 3: Melissa Mohan Tyndall was crowned as the first Malaysia Plus World Icon 2020, while Shakti Chhabra won the Malaysia Plus Intercontinental 2020 title at the grand finale gala held in Zenith Hotel Putrajaya last night (Jan.2).
The two winners also received a scholarship each worth RM2,500 from “RuangCikgu” and other prizes.
Meanwhile, the Humanitarian Ambassador title was grabbed by Jastina Mohd Junus who had expressed happiness for her charitable work all this while had been appreciated and recognised.
“I have a special child who is deaf and mute and I sent him to a special school where there were many poor students.
“Every year I will organise donation drives to help the people in need including sponsoring school fees or any help necessary,” she said to the media after winning the title.
Lianne Alychia Hendriks was crowned the 1st runner up and Nadia Rosli 2nd runner up of the Plus World Malaysia Icon 2020.
As for the Plus Intercontinental Malaysia Icon, Zeenat Malik Khan emerged 1st runner up and Zulienna Piarruddin 2nd runner up.
Best National Gown went to Zulienna Piarruddin, Nadia Rosli, Dayshendri P. Pequan and Zahrina Azmi.
At the main event, Jeishwari Balbir Singh, Ej Ismail and Riena Azmi were selected and won the MWPM `Best Models’ award for their stunning catwalk on the runway throughout the entire gala night fashion shows and performances.
The gala event turned so glamorous and exciting with the wonderful show presented by talented contestants and creative outstanding fashion designers, Mr Amaratpal Donnie and Madam Uvaraani (UVA) who showcased stunning, unique, and exclusive evening gowns collections.
Regarding Yadim’s objections and the PAS on the organization of the pageant “Miss Malaysia Plus World” at the initial stage, the organiser had changed its name to “Malaysia Plus World Icon ” and Malaysia Plus Intercontinental Icon” after having discussed with PAS Youth representatives.
According to the organizer, the Plus World Malaysia Icon program is not based on beauty but more to the search for talent, promoting plus size ladies’ intelligence, confidence, women empowerment, and providing humanitarian services across the nation, and creating awareness against body shaming and discrimination.
Among the audience present were some distinguished women in the corporate world and honourable guests including Ms Rafiqha Hanim binti Mohd Rosli, Legal Advisor, Ministry Of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Datin Nur Sharmila Dato’ Seri Shaheen, Executive Director Securiforce Logistic Sdn. Bhd., Datin Norzihan Ahmad, Founder of Ruang Cikgu, Dato’ Latt Shahriman Abdullah, Adviser of Ruang Cik Gu, Ms Sarimah Mohamad Sabudin, President, Business & Professional Women Malaysia (BPWM), and Dr Aishah Tul Radziah, Chief Executive Officer Dr Aishah Solution Sdn. Bhd.
Meanwhile, National Director of Malaysia Plus World Icon 2020, Mr. Ziinine A.S Britshi said, the event was a good platform to establish sisterhood ties among the multi-racial communities in Malaysia.
“The event did not involve contestants wearing bikinis or unethical clothing but it had focused on their confidence level, talent and the women empowerment qualities along with their contribution to humanitarian and voluntary work,” he said.
Ziinine said, at the initial stage they were 24 finalists but three Muslim contestants withdrew while two from Sabah could not come for COVID-19 reasons and the gala was left with 19 finalists who had proven their talents and confidence on the stage yesterday evening.
