Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai hails the fine achievement of Penangite, Ms. Ashlyn Ooi Tze Yin from Paya Terubong for clinching third place in the Top 5 Best in the Evening Gown category of the 2024 Miss International Beauty Pageant held in Tokyo, Japan recently.
“I am delighted to share some wonderful news with all of you today. Let me begin by congratulating Miss Ashlyn Ooi Tze Yin from Penang, for her remarkable achievements at the 2024 Miss International Beauty Pageant held in Tokyo, Japan.
“She has made us incredibly proud by securing third place in the Top 5 Best in Evening Gown competition. What a moment of glory for Penang and Malaysia!
“Back in October, I had the privilege of bidding farewell to Miss Ashlyn Ooi as she departed for Tokyo, Japan, to represent Malaysia at one of the world’s four major beauty pageants.
“Today, we celebrate her outstanding achievements. At just 27 years old, Ooi captivated the judges with her talent, professionalism, and grace, securing a prestigious spot in the Top 25 of this global competition.
“What makes this achievement even more special is Ashlyn’s performance in the Best in Evening Gown segment. She shone brilliantly, not only representing Penang but also bringing honor to Malaysia on the international stage.
“Another highlight of Ashlyn’s journey was her collaboration with Penang’s very own designer, Kenny Loh, a Baba Nyonya descendant. Kenny created a stunning bespoke Baju Kebaya Nyonya for Ashlyn, showcasing the elegance and sophistication of Malaysian traditional attire.,” said Wong.
He added that when Ooi stepped onto the international stage in this exquisite kebaya, she didn’t just wear a dress; she embodied the timeless beauty and cultural richness of Malaysia.
“The Baju Kebaya Nyonya is more than a traditional outfit. It represents the harmonious fusion of Chinese, Malay, and other cultural influences. It is a symbol of multiculturalism, a work of art, and a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of our local artisans. Seeing it shine on the global stage was a moment of pride for Penang and Malaysia.
“I would also like to share that Malaysia is currently working alongside Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore to nominate the Baju Kebaya for inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This initiative will be presented later this month at the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asunción, Paraguay.
“Beyond her poise and elegance, Ooi demonstrated another remarkable quality—her linguistic versatility. During the preliminary round, she introduced herself in Malay, our national language, followed by Japanese in honor of the host country, and concluded with fluent English in the Q&A segment. Her effortless switch between languages showcased the essence of Malaysia’s multicultural identity and our unique ability to connect across borders.
“As a Penangite, I am immensely proud of Ooi and Kenny for their contributions. Together, they have brought Penang’s culture and creativity to the international spotlight. This achievement is a testament to the potential of our local talents.
“The Penang State Government remains committed to supporting our homegrown talents. We believe that fostering creativity and empowering individuals like Ooi aligns perfectly with our vision of promoting cultural exchange, deepening international friendships and paving the way for Penang’s sustainable development.
“Let us continue to celebrate and uplift talents like Ooi, ensuring Penang remains a vibrant platform for creativity, culture, and dreams to flourish”, said Wong in a press statement.
Other participants in the pageant were from Vietnam, Bolivia, Spain, Venezuela, Indonesia, New Zealand, Poland, Czech Republic, Honduras, Nigeria, Australia, Taiwan, Cuba, Mongolia, South Africa, Japan, Ireland, Canada, Philippines, Bulgari among other countries.
