The time has finally come to crown Miss Universe Singapore 2021, as eight finalists battle it out for the prestigious title. Shortlisted from a pool of over 60 applicants, these young women will be competing at the first-ever hybrid version of the event, set to be livestreamed on 17th September 2021 at 9pm as part of The Front Row, Singapore’s definitive virtual fashion festival.
This year’s competition is aimed at highlighting women’s empowerment, inclusivity and sustainability, while putting the spotlight back on Singaporean designers and artists to bring our homegrown creations to the international stage.
“We are proud to present eight confident and captivating young women with aspirations and ambitions, whom we will be training and grooming for the Singapore finals competition next month. We are excited for their journey ahead and hope that Singaporeans will come together to support them as we continue to bring empowered Singaporean voices to a global stage,” said Ms Valerie Lim, National Director of Miss Universe Singapore Organization.
The eight finalists are:
- 19 year old medical student Cate Lin Loo, whose sister and mother are pageant titleholders
- 18 year old student and Singapore National Team football player Lila Tan
- 22 year old consultant and frequent sustainability volunteer Mardhiah Azizan
- 21 year old SMU Business Management and Information Systems student Nandita Banna
- 21 year old NUS sociology student and scholarship recipient Nur Kalynskye Binte Mohamed Adrian
- 21 year old biochemistry student, swimmer and water polo player Rachel Jumeidi Alexander
- 21 year old model Serena McNeill, who holds a diploma in accounting, and is a frequent volunteer and animal lover
- 24 year old biomedical student Sharon Auxilia, a church volunteer and a tutor offering free education to low income families
As a lead up to the Singapore finals, this year’s edition will feature a series of fashion films crafted by local filmmakers, showcasing the eight finalists in collaboration with homegrown designers featured on The Front Row, namely, Max Tan, ITT Swim and Marilyn Tan Jewellery. Free-to-view, these films will premiere from 27th August 2021, and culminate in the hotly-anticipated finals to crown the new titleholder. She will then represent Singapore in the international finals to be held in December 2021 at Eilat, Israel. This year also marks the 70th edition of the Miss Universe competition, a significant milestone.
“I am excited to be part of this year’s team to put together a unique competition in line with the changing times, and contribute by setting the creative and fashion direction to showcase Singapore, our culture, and what we have to offer. I hope to change the way local fashion is perceived, and show that we can be fashionable, responsible, and inclusive,” said Mr Daniel Boey, Creative/Fashion Director of Miss Universe Singapore Organization.
With a focus on Singaporean creativity, culture and sustainability, this year’s coveted crown will be designed by Marilyn Tan Jewellery, a familiar name in the Singapore jewellery scene, who has been crafting timeless pieces for over 20 years. Partnering with Presenting Sponsor The Better Diamond, which aims to revolutionise the diamond industry with sustainable and ethical alternatives to natural diamonds, the crown will be crafted with almost S$100,000 worth of lab-grown diamonds.
“Is is an honour to design crown for the Miss Universe Singapore competition this year,” says Marilyn. “The crown is inspired by a diamond Kerosang set that belonged to my Peranakan mother-in-law. The 5 stars represent the virtues in the Singapore flag, and the waves illustrate our resilient island. I am excited to work with lab-grown diamonds as a way forward to a more sustainable future while keeping our traditional handmade craftsmanship alive.”
Besides the one-of-a-kind crown by The Better Diamond, this year’s winner will also receive prizes from sponsors, including a smile makeover by Orchard Scotts Dental, treatments by BH Medical Aesthetics, Beaute Hub and Shunji Matsuo, and products from M.A.C. Cosmetics Singapore.
This year’s finals will see an impressive international panel of judges including former titleholders. They are Ms Hiroko Mima, winner of Miss Universe Japan 2008, who finished Top 15 at Miss Universe 2008, and Ms Shamcey Supsup, crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2011, who emerged Top 5 at the global competition that year. Other judges include Mr Winston Ling, National Director of Miss Universe Brazil Organization.
Miss Universe Singapore will be livestreamed on 17th September 2021, 9pm as part of The Front Row. Follow Miss Universe Singapore on Instagram @missuniversesg
Whats The Plan Please 