A dazzling celebration of global beauty and cultural unity in Sabah

THE esteemed global spectacle, Miss Tourism International 2023 (MTI 2023), is poised to showcase the beauty and talent of contestants hailing from 44 countries across the globe.

This world-class pageant, a beacon of elegance and grace, is scheduled to unfold its grandeur from Nov 10 to 27, culminating in the breathtaking Coronation Night on Nov 25 at the Sabah International Convention Centre in the captivating city of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Within the shimmering tapestry of this competition, five coveted titles will be bestowed upon the most deserving candidates.

These titles include Miss Tourism International 2023/24, Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2023/24, Miss Tourism Metropolitan International 2023/24, Miss Tourism Global 2023/24 and Miss Tourism Cosmopolitan International 2023.

As the world watches, these exceptional women will vie for supremacy in an arena where grace, intellect and charisma converge.

In addition to the main titles, contestants will participate in a spirited contest for eight subsidiary awards, each a testament to their unique talents and qualities.

These include accolades such as Best in National Costume, Best in Talent, Best in Social Media, Miss Friendship, Miss Popularity, Miss Photogenic, Miss Elegant and Miss Glamour. The pursuit of these titles adds an extra layer of excitement to an already dazzling spectacle.

Backed by the unwavering support of the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and the Sabah Tourism Board, the 26th MTI 2023 World Finals anticipates the presence of approximately 1,300 esteemed guests.

Against the backdrop of the Sabah International Convention Centre, global beauty queens will captivate audiences with their performances and showcase the rich tapestry of their respective cultures through traditional costumes.

The overarching theme of the 18-day pageant, “Bringing the World to Sabah”, underscores the event’s commitment to not only celebrating beauty but also promoting tourism in Sabah.

Contestants will engage in promotional visits to various tourist attractions in Sabah, including the enchanting Floating Mosque and the culturally rich Monsopiad Heritage Village.

This immersive experience aims to highlight the diverse and alluring facets of Sabah’s tourism landscape.

Beyond the confines of the pageant stage, the contestants are set to leave a lasting mark on Sabah by participating in three record-setting events.

These include the ambitious “Most Number of Nations in a Tree Planting Event” at Kawang Forest Reserve, Papar, the delightful “Most Number of Nations in a Coffee Making Event” at Yit Foh Coffee Park, Tenom and the artistic “Most Number of Nations in a Palm Print Event” at the luxurious Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort.

The President of Miss Tourism International, Tan Sri Danny Ooi, envisions the 18-day extravaganza as a bridge between nations, encapsulated by the theme “Bringing the World to Sabah”.

He emphasises that the finalists will not only compete for crowns but will also embark on promotional visits to numerous tourist destinations, fostering a sense of global unity and cultural exchange.

Additionally, a special award awaits a representative from the ASEAN region, further highlighting the international scope and significance of this grand event.

Proudly representing Malaysia in this global celebration of beauty and diversity is Jen Cheang Shi Hui, a 26-year-old management consultant hailing from the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur.

Her journey promises to add a touch of Malaysian elegance to the dazzling array of global beauty on display at Miss Tourism International 2023.