SINCE last year, the Miss Malaysia Universe franchise has been held by Beyond Entity with Syeba Yip as event director and Heah Sieu Lay
as chairman. Known more for his financial dealings than beauty queen wheelings, Heah is convinced a Miss Malaysia will bring home the Miss Universe crown or at least be in the top five, a feat he sees as possible. Both Heah and Yip run MIFA (Malaysian International Fashion Alliance) and are injecting new ideas to raise the local standard. Among the initiatives is the newly- established Miss Malaysia Universe Hall of Fame comprising former winners who have gone on to make a name. “They embody the essence of beauty and personal success and have continued to be in the limelight through their work,” Heah said. “Include in this year’s Hall of Fame are Nancie Foo, Maggie Loo, Elaine Daly, Datuk Yasmin Yusuf, Anna Lin and the mother and daughter winners Datin Josephine Fonseka and Andre Fonseka who is famous in Singapore.” “The past winners will mentor the 18 finalists and give invaluable tips based on their experiences. Maggie Loo, for instance, has groomed more than half a dozen Miss Malaysias while Nancie Foo went on to be an actress and now producer. Datuk Yasmin Yusuf was a singer, MC, agency owner and recording artiste and Elaine Daly graduated in law.” They will also be involved in fund- raising and charity work in future events organised by Beyond Entity.
To add glamour and prestige, Miss Universe 2005 and Misss Canada Natalie Glebova will grace the finals on May 30 at Royale Chulan.