Tag Archives: Miss Amazing Malaysia

ACES AWARDS CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY WITH SOCIETAL AWARENESS

13 Disember, 2023 GAYA HIDUP & SEMASA 0

The ACES Awards, in commemoration of its 10th Anniversary, kicked off the festivities at the Mandarin Oriental tonight with an extravagant display of talent and culture. The evening commenced with a mesmerizing catwalk performance by the Miss Amazing Malaysia 2023/2024 finalists, adorned in exquisite creations by designers Hasfitri and Evita Mairesse.

Prior to the captivating runway showcase, the audience was setting the stage for an evening that seamlessly blended fashion, culture, and celebration.

Adding to the grandeur, Miss Amazing Malaysia founder Maynicca Devi Rajamanikam presented an eloquent speech about Miss Amazing Malaysia, extending gratitude for the ACES Awards’ invitation and sharing profound insights on the importance of celebrating diversity. Her address illuminated the evening, aligning with the core values of ACES Awards.

CEO of MORS Group and President of the ACES Awards and ACES Council, Shanggari B believes that the longevity of the ACES Awards is testament to the number of corporate leaders who are aware that changes must be made to the way businesses are governed and run.

“More than ever there is an increasing belief in the corporate sector that with great power comes great responsibility. It is no longer enough for businesses to turn a profit. Societally-aware business leaders now know that they are being appraised not just by their Boards, but also by consumers of their brand’s products or services. With consumers becoming more aware, purchases are now subject to a consumer’s scrutiny of a brand, the organization behind it, and how it treats its employees, as well as the way it sources raw materials and produces its products. We live in an era of accountability, and the ACES Awards is one of the best gauges of accountability,” Shangggari stressed..

ACES Awards winners thus far have collectively generated over US$361 billion in revenue, emphasizing the financial viability of sustainability-driven businesses. Their commitment to ESG principles has also led to a significant decrease in waste production as well as carbon emissions, and a commendable increase in the utilization of renewable energy sources. ACES winners have brought transformative changes across 52 over industries, and provided employment to over a million individuals.

“We have been around for ten years and have tracked these numbers over those ten years. Our evidence is irrefutable: good leadership and sustainability initiatives can and do work. Our goal for the next ten years to come is to keep amplifying this message aided by our past winners, ACES Institute and more ACES Summits,” concluded the dynamic Chief Executive. ‘

In a business world of superegos and greenwashing the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards (ACES) has led the charge for greater accountability in leadership and sustainability reporting for the past nine years. This year the ACES turns ten, and recommits to its mission of bringing to greater prominence the leaders making positive industry and employee-wide changes in their organizations, as well as turning a spotlight on to corporations with stellar ESG and sustainability accomplishments.

In this milestone year the ACES received its most number of submissions to date, with 580 would-be nominees from the melting pot of Asian business vying for a mention at the Awards. The 580 submissions were from over 52 industries from 15 countries, which was a testimony to the positive reach of the ACES. After an expansive, thorough, and unbiased review process, there emerged 82 winners across 21 categories from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Topping the list of winners was Philippines, with 23 winners, followed by Malaysia with 15 winners. The roll of honour at this year’s ACES included Somphote Ahunai, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Energy Absolute Public Company Limited for Entrepreneur of the Year, Nisa Ismail, Chief Executive Officer, SEDANIA As Salam Capital Sdn Bhd as Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, and Hoe Kian Choon, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, CUCKOO International (MAL) Sdn Bhd as Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Ayala Corporations was named Asia’s Most Sustainable Company of the Year.

Far from the mere bestowing of laurels on winners, the ACES has made it a mission to go beyond award presentations, and move into the sphere of public policy. Its contribution to corporate and sustainable advocacy comes into play via the triumvirate of the ACES Council, ACES Institute and Goeman Bind.

The ACES Council comprises of five visionary corporate and thought leaders whose world view helped shape the ACES Awards. They are international corporate lawyer, author and public policy advocate Hemant K. Batra; Dr Jayanthi Desan, former Executive Director of the Malaysian Centre of Regulatory Studies, University Malaya; Harvard graduate and FDI consultant James John Ku; Luis Bueno Nieto, CEO and Founder of Naterial Concept; and Shanggari B, Chief Executive Officer of MORS Group and Asian business market development specialist. The ACES Council uses their individual and collective expertise to gather individuals to further the cause of the ACES Institute.

The ACES Institute is the vanguard of Asia’s sustainable growth, with its prime objective being the igniting of progress through research, expert insights, standards, and strategic alliances. Committed towards the raising of Asia’s business potential, the ACES Institute is leading the charge in fostering economic prosperity, equality, and environmental development through dialogue, information sharing, and the exchange of insights by successful corporate thought leaders, bodies and think tanks.

The ACES Institute consists of an assembly of noteworthy experts who believe in ambitious change within the corporate world. The ACES Institute seeks to unite stakeholders in meaningful ways by dialogue and leadership programs and initiatives which address critical issues of the corporate world, foster collaborations among key stakeholders, and propel innovation.

Adding critical insights and knowledge of the diaspora to the coalition is Goeman Bind HTO, a non-profit international development, public policy, and law research think-tank headquartered in India. Goeman Bind has recently become a part of the ACES Institute as a Center of Excellence, sharing its access to eminent academicians and intellectuals from across the globe who believe in the cruciality of sustainability, and the importance of knowledge sharing. The ACES Goeman Bind Center of Excellence will serve as a knowledge hub, nurturing a culture of learning and enriching the discourse within the ACES community.

The combined experience of the three bodies is already seeing its first fruits by way of the inaugural ACES Summit. The ACES Summit, which took place on 23 November 2023, a day before the ACES Awards, was held at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur.

Themed “Actioning Asean’s ESG: A Vision for Sustainable Progress,” the Summit provided a unique platform for business leaders, sustainability advocates and thought leaders to explore and debate strategies for transformative actions to achieve an equitable, resilient and sustainable future for business and generations to come. The one-day event featured ACES Council member, Dr Jayanthi Desan, together with ACES Awards past winner Niko Safavi, Chief Executive Officer of PT Mowilex under whose direction the organization was named Best Managed Company in Indonesia by Deloitte.

Other ACES Summit Core Members included Marla Garin-Alvarez, Vice President & Head, Sustainability Office, Compliance Group, BDO Unibank; Eric Roberto M. Luchangco, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Head of Strategy and Finance of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), another ACES Awards winner; and Laura Canas da Costa, Senior Global Policy Expert, United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI).

The high-level discussions included sessions on technology and innovation (Circular Business Models and Reinventing Supply Chain Decarbonization), financing and investment (Climate Financing for Positive Change, Navigating Impact Investing in Asia), and human capital (Future of Social & Community Impact).

This by-invitation only Summit targeted representatives or owners of businesses who are interested in advancing efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions, and individuals passionate about driving Asia’s responsible business agenda.

Miss Amazing Malaysia 2019 Finalists

7 Mac, 2019 GAYA HIDUP & SEMASA 0

Siti Nur Aisyah, 19, Student (Down Syndrome)

A friendly and down to earth person, Aisyah loves travelling and has explored New York, Europe and many parts of Asia. A happy, sporting person, who would strike up a dance when she hears a good beat and enjoys singing too. Despite her condition, Aisyah enjoys both extreme sports participating in events like Spartan Race and MMA, as well as a leisurely ride on her bike.

Charmaine Chan, 29, Toy Library Admin (Down Syndrome)

Charmaine works at Toy Library in Malaysian CARE and also enjoys serving customers with food and her smile at Tender Hearts Cafe. Charmaine is involved in bowling training under Special Olympics Selangor She loves theater and has performed in a theater show called “Black Cat”. She is a huge fan of America’s Next Top Model, so watch out for her catwalk.. She can strut it on the runway and is able to belt out a song or two as well.

Nur Athirah Idrus, 17, Student (Down Syndrome)

Despite being the youngest contestant, Athirah is very poised and lady like. A shy person in nature, she has managed to crack the walls and has improved her social skills via Miss Amazing. We are looking forward to seeing her in full bloom during the gala night.

Susanna Cheah, 19, Student (Down Syndrome)

A very bubby and happy person in nature, Susanna loves make up and dressing up. A passionate girl about all things art, she loves to dance and watch movies. Susanna also enjoys the water and swims in her free time.

Tabitha, 18, Student (Down Syndrome)

A cute and talkative person in nature, there is not one boring moment with Tabitha. Perhaps her love for comic books brings out the funny side in her. Naturally friendly, Tabitha loves to bake and dance whenever she is free.

Wan Alyaa Azri, 19, Childminder (Down Syndrome)

Alyaa has a heart of gold. Despite her condition, she is a childminder for special kids. Regardless of her tender age, she has the maturity to match her passion. Alyaa has adventurous tastebuds and often explores new food. She is a fan of Justin Bieber and enjoys grooming in her free time.

Nik Norziehana Che Isa, 33, Teacher (Scoliosis)

Recently graduating from UiTM with a Doctorate in Chemistry, she also does part time modelling. In her free time, she loves to read and write. Maybe one day we will be able to read her writings.

Nor Athira Sujino, 24, Commis Chef (Lupus)

A Funny person in nature, Athira loves singing, reading novels and dabbles in some poetry writing too. Meet her in person and we assure you a time of laughter with this joyful and caring human being

Nurhana Md Yusof, 28, Student and Full Time Model (Albinism}

Despite her condition, Hana believes that her albinism makes her beautiful. This has proven with her pursuing modelling as well as hosting. Hana hopes one day she can make her dream of acting come true. She spends her free time learning about the different cultures in the world, current interest: Japanese

Sofia Lovi Ramasamy, 38, Human Resource Business Partner
(Psoriatic Arthritis)

A soft spoken and humble person, Sofia does social work and constantly looks out to lift people and break from their limited beliefs. She has also worked with media to create awareness for those who are differently-able like herself. A huge fan of Bollywood actress & Miss World 1994 Aishwarya Rai.

Rachel Siew, 29, Community Advocate (Morquio A Syndrome}

A very familiar public figure, Rachel graduated with a Law Degree from the UK and is actively raising funds for a charity she established, The Rachel Siew Suet Li Trust Fund to raise awareness for her rare condition. An accomplished writer, with her book, “Little Book, BIG Secret” to raise fund for charitable cause she established.Rachel also does some modelling and actively empowers others to not limit themselves despite our limitations.

Lynda Lim, 23, Student (Autistic)

A natural born artist, Lynda loves drawing and painting and has even sold some of her artworks in the KL Arts Centre. She enjoys music in her free time, singing and playing Ukulele. She also sews in her free time.

Punitha Palaniaapan, 34, Admin Executive (Teacher Collins Syndrome)

An extremely confident young woman who enjoys baking and photography at her free time. A friendly person in nature, Punitha loves meeting people and living life to the fullest.

FIRST OF ITS KIND PAGEANT UNVEILS 13 AMAZING WOMEN WITH DIFFERENCES WHO REDEFINE THE CONSERVATIVE TERM OF BEAUTY

7 Mac, 2019 GAYA HIDUP & SEMASA 0

The Miss Amazing Malaysia 2019 finalists were officially revealed during a press conference which was held at Westlane Place in Petaling Jaya, this afternoon, just over a week ahead of the Grand Finals of this unique pageant which will take place at the same venue on 9^th March 2019.

After a six-month long search, selection and transformation, 13 amazing women with differences have made it to the finals of Miss Amazing Malaysia 2019. These bright, bold and capable women decided to challenge themselves despite their differences, and utilise the Miss Amazing Malaysia platform to enrich and empower themselves, to showcase their various talents and to seek inclusivity in all aspects of their lives.

During the course of the pageant, the finalists have undergone various programs that encompassed skills growth such as sportsmanship, emotional intelligence, self defense, health emergency training, poise, public speaking, catwalk training, photo shoots, styling, etiquette, self grooming, confidence building, talent showcasing and much more. They also developed friendships and memories that will last a lifetime

The inaugural Miss Amazing Malaysia pageant provided opportunities for women with differences to test their boundaries and take on new challenges, while nurturing a sisterhood that will offer a chance for women from different walks of life to learn from each other and develop a valuable support system. It also increased their visibility by providing a public platform for them to define themselves on their own terms and accomplish amazing things.

Among the participants who made it to the finals were a full time model, a community advocate with a law degree, an artist, a commis chef and a teacher with a doctorate in Chemistry, highlighting the fact that their differences were not an obstacle for personal achievement.

Miss Amazing Malaysia which is organised by Amazing Girls Solution, is an unconventional attempt of redefining beauty pageants, and is the very first of its kind in Malaysia. It aims to provide a platform for women with Down syndrome, Lupus, Scoliosis, Vitiligo, Autism and other disorders, to be part of a beauty pageant.

In her welcome speech, pageant founder Maynicca Dewi Rajamanikam, who was the first runner up of Mrs India Worldwide Malaysia 2018, shared her feelings about the Miss Amazing Malaysia’s great journey since it was first launched and some of its highlights.

“Miss Amazing Malaysia’s mission was to provide an opportunity for women with differences to build confidence in a supportive and fun environment, while enabling them to reach their full potential. In an atmosphere built around encouragement and support, Miss Amazing Malaysia believes it can bring these individuals together and promote further inclusion for these beautiful women with special needs”, Maynicca explained.

Maynicca also reminded Malaysians to recognise that there is a great potential within each differently abled women. “It is our duty, as a progressive society, to empower them to fully realize it.”

Maynicca also spoke about the “Bidadari Project”, a noble initiative to give its finalists an opportunity to work with an influential personality in the pageant scene with the aim to provide exposure and preparation to them, and introduced Miss Amazing Malaysia’s “Bidadari”, Datin Harveen Kaur who is the National Director of Mrs Malaysia World and who is very involved in helping children with Down’s syndrome at the Kiwanis foundation.

MAM Finalists, Organiser, Advisor, Bidadari & Main Sponsor

Miss Amazing Malaysia was open to all Malaysian single women with Down Syndrome, Vitiligo and other differences*, aged 18 to 36, regardless of their ethnicity or religious beliefs.

(* except for those who are wheelchair bound, blind, deaf or mute.)

Auditions for the pageant were held at LOKA Malaysia on 7^th October, 2018.

Throughout the pageant period, the finalists also earned points and were evaluated for their attendance, commitment, participation and transformation.

Among the highlights of the pageant was the successful staging of its Talent Night which was hosted alongside Malaysia Leo Clubs in January.

Gracing the event were Dato’ Raj Chelliah, President of main sponsors Puteri Malaysia Ambulance and Dato’ Watson Peters principal owner of official venue partner Westlane Place.

The Grand Finals of Miss Amazing Malaysia will take place at the Westlane Place in Petaling Jaya on 9^th March 2019. Apart from the main title, the finalists will also be by vying for various subsidiary titles.

Miss Amazing Malaysia is endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism & Culture (MOTAC) and is supported by Puteri Malaysia Ambulance as pageant co-partners and main sponsors. Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia are collaborative partners to the pageant, with Westlane Place as the official venue. Also supporting the pageant are Wolfpack Lab, Flower Chimp. Emma Mohd MUA Stylist, Mobiversa, Nottingheels, Devi’s Corner, PEKATAN, ADLA, Pixsura, Hard Rock Cafe KL, Tlovescraft, Unified Fitness, Tribal Asia, Lions International Club, Wangi World, The Lower Penthouse, Amber Chia Academy and official media partners Rentak Sejuta.