KUCHING (May 22): 20-year-old Andreana Celly from Lundu has become the first Sarwakian to be crowned Miss Supranational Malaysia, etching her name in history.
Last night, she triumphed over five other finalists at the coronation night at the Royal Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur.
Miss Supranational Malaysia 2023 Deidre Walker presented Andreana with the 2024 crown, crafted by Ceres Jewels and valued at US$1.5 million (RM7.035 million).
Deidre Walker, the Miss Supranational Malaysia 2023, crowned Andreana. Ceres Jewels have made the crown which costs a whopping $1.5 million. (RM7.035 million). Andreana also received a gift from Ceres Jewel worth RM25,000.
“I did not expect to win due to my short preparation time. I had just returned from a modelling competition in Vietnam the day before and had less than three hours to do fittings for my final gowns and traditional costumes before the competition started,” Andreana told The Borneo Post.
She said her manager Nickson Sim played an important role in her participation and encouraged her to compete despite the time constraints.
“Nickson encouraged me to take part in Miss Supranational Malaysia 2024, believing I had nothing to lose and could gain valuable experience,” she said.
The Bidayuh girl will represent Malaysia in the 15th edition of Miss Supranational, scheduled for July 6 in Nowy Sącz, Poland.
She will promote the Sarawak culture, particularly bidayuh traditions, on the international stage during the three-week competition.
“I am excited to start this journey with less than three weeks to prepare and can’t wait to celebrate my win with my family back home for Gawai Dayak Festival,” she said.
“I still find it hard to believe I won the title, especially as the youngest contestant. I am grateful for the opportunity given by the national director, Dr Sean Wong, CEO of Hyperlive TV, and look forward to working with the organisation as a titleholder.”
The 170cm tall Andreana, the third of four siblings, hopes to get admission to local universities after completing her Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia.
Andreana has been competing in beauty pageants since she was 16 and holds several titles at the state and national level.
She plans to pursue a career in modeling and is considering moving to Kuala Lumpur for more opportunities.
“Winning the title of Miss Supranational Malaysia 2024 provides an excellent platform for me to establish myself in the industry,” she added.
Andreana also won secondary titles: the People’s Choice Award and the Top Model award in addition to the main title. Miss Supranational Malaysia started in 2009.