Eighteen-year-old Warapon Mae Yarbrough from Thailand was declared the winner of the Miss Asia Global 2022 pageant held at the Setia Spice Convention Centre last night.
A total of 38 contestants from all over the world took part in the glittering contest which was the first of its kind held after the lockdown.
Among the contestants were from Brazil, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Finland, Australia, Bhutan, Mongolia, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Netherlands, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka and of course Malaysia along with others.
First runner-up was Miss Philippines, Angelica Lopez followed by Miss Estonia, Lisa Shefer Miss Miss Canada, Christina Harp and Miss Ukraine Anna Avedenko.
Earlier in his speech, State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Yeoh Soon Hin said that Penang, which is more than a city, is the home to some of the world’s most beautiful history, culture and heritage.
“Not to mention, we have a UNESCO heritage site and a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, with Penang as its beating heart.
“I am pleased to note the significant progress that our state has achieved after two years of hiatus. Ever since our international border reopens, Penang has been hosting several major events for the past few months- revitalising our industries.
“We have come a long way. And this year, Miss Asia Global World Finals could finally resume here in Penang,” said Yeoh.
The contestants had earlier paraded in their national traditional costumes which was won by Miss Brazil. The ladies also paraded in the baju kebaya parade and evening wear as they took to the catwalk.
Judging was based on personality, intelligence and overall appearance. The contestants were narrowed down to the top 20 and to the final top five in the evaluation.
Subsidiary titles were also presented to the participants. Among them was the Miss Talent won by Miss Chinese Taipei, Miss Congeniality (Miss France), Miss Solidarity (Miss Georgia), Miss Online Personality (Miss Chinese Taipei), Miss Sensational (Miss Montenegro).
The pageant also saw the Miss Asia title went to Miss Korea, Miss Asia Global Africa to Miss South Africa, Miss Asa Global Europe to Miss Finland, Miss Asia Global North America to Miss Canada, Miss Asia Global South America to Miss Colombia and Miss Asia Global Oceania went to Miss Australia
Meanwhile, the main sponsor of the event is URKLinik. who are specialists in skin pigmentation treatment and therapy. They were represented by their chief executive officer Dr Fong Toh Jeng.
Also present was HE Diego Velasco, the Chilean ambassador to Malaysia, Pegasus Global director Dr Ajit Ravi, Ms Alice Lee Chan, Dato Syed Aidid, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer, Ooi Chok Yan, Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) CEO, Ashwin Gunasekeran, St-Giles Wembley general manager, Tony Goh among others.