KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawakian Francisca Luhong James was crowned Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 on Saturday night.
The Kayan-Kenyah-Iban lass from Kuching beat 17 other contestants in the livestreamed Miss Universe Malaysia Gala Night (e-Gala), here.
The 25-year-old public relations and marketing executive cum model walked away with the stunning "Reflection" crown by Habib – featuring a 10-carat diamond set in white gold worth RM2.38 million – cash and sponsored prizes valued at RM180,000, and a full education scholarship from HELP University.
Miss Universe Malaysia 2019, Shweta Sekhon, crowned Francisca.
The eldest of two siblings, Francisca also won the Best in Evening Gown and Miss Auto Bavaria Elegance subsidiary titles.
Meanwhile, Charissa Chong Su Huey, 26, from Selangor was named first runner-up; Serene Chai Yong Bin, 26, from Johor was second runner-up; and Neha Varma, 22, from Kuala Lumpur was third runner-up.
Francisca will represent Malaysia at the Miss Universe competition, which is expected to be held in the first quarter of 2021, at a location yet to be announced.
The beauty said she did not expect to win, but nevertheless worked hard throughout the journey and continued her advocacy of women's empowerment.
"It feels surreal. I didn't expect this, but I worked really hard throughout the journey and I am grateful, blessed for this opportunity and I would like to say thank you for all the love and support that I have received from my parents, friends and followers.
"My advocacy is on women's empowerment and I believe that this begins with yourself. I realised that when I fell and got back up, a lot of people lost their trust in me during my journey.
"What I learned is that believing in yourself is the most important thing in order to achieve your goals. I've been on this pageant journey for a long time and I actually wanted to give up on pageants, but something told me that I should join Miss Universe Malaysia, therefore I just followed my heart," she said In a statement issued by the Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation (MUMO).
Its national director Datin Elaine Daly said Francisca must persevere, trust in the process, work hard and enjoy her reign throughout the long road ahead of her.
"Congratulations to our new queen, welcome to the MUMO family, and we look forward to working with her to put Malaysia's name on the world map again," she said.
The e-Gala's panel of judges, comprising seven prominent figures, were actor, director and producer Datuk Hans Isaac; Glojas by Smart International Aesthetic chief executive officer Datin Selwinder Kaur; La Jung Aesthetic Clinic medical director and aesthetic media practitioner Dr Nicholas Lim; former Miss Universe Malaysia 2011 Deborah Henry; Carven Ong Couture creative designer Carven Ong; Esthetics International Group executive director Janet Chieng; and Shawn Cutler Group of Salons celebrity stylist, founder and creative director and L'Oreal Artistic ambassador Shawn Loong.
As a new feature, this year's competition afforded viewers the opportunity to vote for their favourite finalist in three categories: Miss Body Beautiful, Best in Evening Gown, and winner of Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 during the live show.
Twenty per cent of proceeds from ticket sales for the e-Gala will be donated to the Lighthouse Children Welfare Home Association Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
