Why Miss Universe Malaysia 2019, Shweta Sekhon Is Cut Out To Be A Winner!
Female Malaysia|February 2020
With her sultry good looks, thirst for knowledge and a goal to help others, it’s easy to understand why Miss Universe Malaysia 2019, Shweta Sekhon is cut out to be a winner. She talks to Sarah Hani Jamil about overcoming self-doubt, pushing past her limits and making a mark in the world.
Sarah Hani Jamil
Why Miss Universe Malaysia 2019, Shweta Sekhon Is Cut Out To Be A Winner!

It was a sunny Monday morning in December when I greeted the beauty queen, who had recently returned home from the Miss Universe 2019 pageant finals in Atlanta, USA, at our photography studio. It was during that time between Christmas and New Year when most people were away on holiday, yet Shweta arrived bright and bubbly, not complaining one bit about having to work. I asked her where she gets her energy from and she says, “This is just me! I’d call myself an outgoing introvert. If you put me in a room with two other people who aren’t talking, I’ll be the person who’ll make sure that all of us start a conversation. I feed off a person’s positive vibe and run with it.”

DREAM BIG

It’s been 56 years since the Miss Universe Malaysia Organization (MUMO) was established and along the way, there have been many amazing women holding the title such as Datuk Yasmin Yusoff (1978), Datin Elaine Daly (2003), Andrea Fonseka (2004) and Deborah Henry (2011), among other notable names. For the 23-year-old of Punjabi descent, joining a beauty pageant has always been a dream of hers.

“I grew up watching Miss Universe on national TV and remember loving the Q&A segment cos I loved to see the way people think. But actually joining a beauty pageant myself was unexpected,” shares Shweta. “Coming from an Indian family, I never knew that they’d be open to it as I had always assumed that they don’t welcome these kinds of things. I had self-doubts but it was my grandmother who ultimately gave me that push.”

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM FEMALE MALAYSIAView all
Finding Symbiosis From Within
Female Malaysia

Finding Symbiosis From Within

The rise of pre- and probiotics in skincare has resulted in a beauty revolution like no other as they support skin's microbiome with their healing and nurturing properties. Take this time of self-reflection to learn which microbes would work well with your skin.

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2020
You With The Good Hair
Female Malaysia

You With The Good Hair

For those of us who have a healthy, full head of hair, we might not realise how much we take it for granted. But there are others out there who don’t, and they find comfort and strength in knowing that a hairpiece or wig is there to make them feel beautiful. Sarah hani jamil talks to hairstylist and founder of hair menu wigs, david shaw on how the hair plays a big role in boosting self-esteem.

time-read
8 mins  |
May 2020
A Show of Hands
Female Malaysia

A Show of Hands

A Show of Hands

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2020
PUTTIN'ON THE SPRITZ
Female Malaysia

PUTTIN'ON THE SPRITZ

ONE WOMAN’S JOY CAN BE ANOTHER’S POISON BUT WHAT’S FOR CERTAIN IS THAT THE SAME SCENT MAY NOT SMELL ALIKE ON EVERY WOMAN. HERE ARE SOME CLASSIC FRAGRANCES THAT HAVE ENJOYED MORE THAN JUST A DAB SINCE THEIR LAUNCH MANY YEARS AGO, PLUS A SELECTION OF NEW SCENTS THAT POSSESS TIMELESS APPEAL.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2020
STAYING ONE STEP AHEAD
Female Malaysia

STAYING ONE STEP AHEAD

AMIDST RUNNING HER OWN FASHION BRAND AND MANAGING MULTIPLE BUSINESS VENTURES, NOOR NEELOFA MOHD NOOR, OR POPULARLY KNOWN AS NEELOFA, ADDS ANOTHER FEATHER TO HER CAP – A COLLABORATION WITH INTERNATIONAL SHOE DESIGNER, GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI. SHE TELLS SARAH HANI JAMIL ALL ABOUT IT.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2020
The Acid With Better Skin Benefits
Female Malaysia

The Acid With Better Skin Benefits

Polyhydroxy acids are the new superstars of over-the-counter chemical exfoliants. They’re milder than their alpha-hydroxy acid cousins, gentle enough for sensitive skin, and nourish and protect in ways other acids don’t. Engracia ang investigates them.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2019
Tales From The Hair Maestro
Female Malaysia

Tales From The Hair Maestro

With over 35 years’ experience as a hairdresser, Ecru New York’s creative director, Lisa Lobosco is a notable trendsetter and style enthusiast. Nabila Azlan catches up with her during the brand’s launch in Kuala Lumpur via a partnership with shins.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2020
Having The World At His Feet
Female Malaysia

Having The World At His Feet

His fancy footwear is favoured by the well-heeled the world over but despite his fame and recognition, Italian Designer Giuseppe Zanotti is as grounded as they come. He talks to Sarah Hani Jamil about his spring/summer 2020 collection in the living room of his swanky home in Milan over tea and pastries.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2020
Aesthetics: Pros & Cons
Female Malaysia

Aesthetics: Pros & Cons

It’s a face-off when it comes to botulinum toxin injections and dermal fillers. Ng Yi Lian has no qualms about doing them, while kayce teo shuns all invasive aesthetic treatments. It’s about ageing gracefully, they both say. Where do you stand?

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2020
Why Miss Universe Malaysia 2019, Shweta Sekhon Is Cut Out To Be A Winner!
Female Malaysia

Why Miss Universe Malaysia 2019, Shweta Sekhon Is Cut Out To Be A Winner!

With her sultry good looks, thirst for knowledge and a goal to help others, it’s easy to understand why Miss Universe Malaysia 2019, Shweta Sekhon is cut out to be a winner. She talks to Sarah Hani Jamil about overcoming self-doubt, pushing past her limits and making a mark in the world.

time-read
10 mins  |
February 2020