SUGAR QUEEN
By: SAMANTHA GOH
Since becoming Mrs. ASEAN, one thing I can say for sure is that it’s never dull. After the joys of pageant in Singapore last year, I was preparing to write about my experiences there when a personal passing meant that I was unable to. But in my heart, I know that my Dad is in a better place and I am at a place in my heart where I feel I could write again.
I have to say, the event was fun, educational and at times, a little bit on the cheeky side. It was a week filled with culture, learning and sharing common bonds wherein delegates from each continent travelled to neighbouring countries, taking in the local culture and hopefully, when they return home, pass on those experiences to their friends and families. With understanding, we achieve peace within ourselves and within our communities, this Pageant contributed one step towards that journey.
The trip took the delegates to a Buddhist temple in Batam, Indonesia, steeped in history and belief. Then they saw the grandeur and elegance of the Royal Palace of Johor, Malaysia. Finally, the delegates were able to let loose and strut their stuff in their bikinis on Sentosa Island, Singapore. For me, it was a great honor to receive the award as Lady of Excellence 2018 and I was already very excited about that. But then, to be able to crown the Mrs. Asia Pacific 2018 winner, was for me the Jewel in the Crown. It was also an honor to be there as the National Director for Mrs. Borneo 2018, Esther Moo.
Over 25 international delegates flew to Singapore for this TKS pageant. Countries included New Zealand, Sweden, Nepal, Denmark, Estonia, Australia, Hawaii, Philippines, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Myanmar. This was truly an International event. The ladies illuminated the night with their presence, gowns and culture. Mrs. New Zealand wore a traditional Maori costume and performed a traditional dance. With recent events, having her there made the event that bit more special. To her, may I humbly say, Kia Kaha. Mrs. Singapore brought colors to the stage with her traditional Chinese dance, she even had a troupe of dancers with her. It was truly a spectacular sight.
Then Mrs. Hawaii lit up the floor, when she danced a traditional hula with her coconut top and grass skirt! This culminated in the grand finale which was a mix of tradition and fun. Eyes lit for the tallest entrant from Sweden in a traditional Swedish maid outfit who went on to win Mrs. Intercontinental 2018 From Denmark, we saw Hans Christian Andersen’s “Little Mermaid” brought to life, and she was a really cheeky Mermaid at that! To make the show more poignant, and for the first time, we honoured those who have served their communities by introducing a Senior Mrs. Singapore category. The oldest contestant being an 80 year old great grandmother, making this year’s event a truly special one. The event was graced by the presence of the Royal Family of Yogarkarta Indonesia, cousins of the King himself.
Also there were the people who had made this event possible. The organizers and I would like to take this opportunity to thank those sponsors, including our major sponsor, MITAO which is a Singaporean social E-commerce platform company.
Co-sponsor was MJ01 Hair and Beauty who provided hair and makeup for the beauty queens and contestants, including myself. As you can see from the photos, they did a marvelous job in bringing out the inner beauty of each participant.
In terms of colours, the event started with contrasting red and black for a vibrant beginning, with the grand finale ending with refined pastel colours, culminating with Mrs Vietnam winning title of Mrs International in a white lacey gown that stole the show.
It is my honours to introduce the winners of 2018 for each Mrs Categories: Mrs Intercontinental was won by our delegate from Sweden Singapore took out the title of Mrs Asean Mrs Asia Pacific was won by our delegate from Nepal Philipines took out the title of Mrs South East Asia Elite Mrs International is from Myanmar Finally, Mrs Vietnam won the title of Mrs International 2018. Special mention for Esther Moo, our contestant from Borneo (East Malaysia who was awarded Elite Mrs Borneo International Ambassador 2018. She made our Malaysian team proud.
Besides the pageant, there was another awards gala night where business entrepreneurs from MALAYSIA won 5th Annual Singapore’s TKS Golden Brand Business Awards 2018. On top of the business awards, there was the 12th Annual TKS International Lady of Excellence Inspiration Awards 2018. As the title suggested, women from all over the world who excelled in their respective fields were awarded the prestigious award. I was one of the lucky few who was bestowed the Lady of Excellence 2018. Other performances of the night included local dancers from Singapore and STAR singer from Thailand who sang “Phantom of the Opera” with style. He is Krue Guang who cheoreographs the contestants’ dance for the grand finale and owner of Centrestage, a model, dance and acting academy in Bangkok.
I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to Ms Beverly Tan, founder of TKS pageant, who has inspired and nurtured me to what I have become today in the international pageant industry. Needless to say, I am looking forward to the grand finale of the 13th TKS Mrs International 2019!
