Viviana first Iban to win Miss Grand Malaysia, to represent country in Bangkok
KUALA LUMPUR (July 31): Viviana Lin Winston, from Kuching was crowned Miss Grand Malaysia (MGM) 2025 during the grand finale of the beauty pageant held last night at the HGH Convention Centre here.
The 25-year-old captivated the panel of judges with her grace and intellect, earning her the title along with a cash prize, jewellery and various exclusive packages.
With this victory, the Iban lass will go on to represent Malaysia at the Miss Grand International (MGI) pageant, which is expected to be held in Bangkok in October.
The first runner-up was Dr Nisha Thayananthan from Negeri Sembilan, while third place went to Rochil Sagarino from Sabah.
Viviana, fondly known as Vivi, is the first Iban woman to win the Miss Grand Malaysia crown.
'This achievement is not just a personal victory on a beauty pageant stage, but a chance to celebrate diversity and prove that the uniqueness of Iban culture also deserves a place on the global stage.
'I hope this success inspires young people from all backgrounds to believe in themselves and keep striving,' said the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak student.
Viviana added that this win also comes with a great responsibility, especially in representing Malaysia at the MGI stage and continuing the legacy of past Malaysian representatives who ranked among the world's best.
'From now on, I want to focus on working with experienced individuals so I can elevate Malaysia's name even further. Winning (on the global stage) is not impossible with consistent training, proper guidance and teamwork,' she said.
Meanwhile, MGM 2025 national director Melisha Lin said Viviana's win was the result of her hard work and strengths in all five core areas assessed at the international level, namely 'beauty, body, brain, behaviour, and business'.
She said the organisation hopes that Viviana will be placed among the Top 20 at this year's Miss Grand International, adding that Malaysia secured sixth place (fifth runner-up) in the previous edition. — Bernama lead Miss Grand Malaysia Viviana Lin Winston
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hype Malaysia
a day ago
- Hype Malaysia
Miss Universe Malaysia 2025 Announces Their Top 16 Candidates
On 31st July 2025, the Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation (MUMO) introduced the Top 16 finalists of Miss Universe Malaysia 2025 during a press conference at Holiday Inn Bangsar. The occasion also marked a significant shift for the organisation as it welcomed Charissa Chong—Miss Grand Malaysia 2022 and Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 runner-up—as the new National Director. The application period began on 4th May 2025 and drew hundreds of entries from across the nation. This edition saw a notable increase in both diversity and quality, a reflection of the inclusive eligibility guidelines introduced the previous year, which opened participation to women of all backgrounds — including those who are married, divorced, mothers, and of any age. This year's Top 16 finalists embody the changing identity of Malaysian womanhood — a dynamic blend of beauty, grace, heritage, and drive, all sharing a common goal of representing Malaysia internationally. Private and virtual auditions were conducted in June with a distinguished panel of judges comprising Datin Seri Livonia Ricky Guing, MUMO Chairperson; Charissa Chong, MUMO National Director; James Tan, Founder and Director of Evenstar Management; and Rubini Sambanthan, actress, model, and former Miss International Malaysia. Here are your Top 16 finalists: Bhadrani Nagendran, 27 years old Chloe Chin, 24 years old Chloe Lim, 27 years old Elaine Cheah, 26 years old Elina Cheah, 24 years old Jen Li, 28 years old Joey Leng, 25 years old Kavita Sanglish, 26 years old Keerthanaah Parthipan, 25 years old Malveen Kaur, 31 years old Priscilla Yap, 25 years old Priyaa Simmi, 30 years old Priyanka Sockanathan, 24 years old Ranmeet Jassal, 33 years old Tan Su Jie, 25 years old Valenice Tiong, 36 years old Contestants were evaluated on intellect, cultural intelligence, communication ability, poise, and self-assurance, leading to 26 being shortlisted for the Top 16 voting round. The final 16 were chosen via a 50:50 voting system, with half the decision from the judging panel and the other half from public votes, ensuring an equitable and representative result. The judges looked beyond physical beauty, identifying those with the potential to evolve into impactful global figures under MUMO's mentorship. This year's Top 16 showcases an impressive spectrum of talent, including experienced pageant contestants and newcomers with exceptional promise. Highlights include a Tsinghua University postgraduate who addressed the United Nations, a medical doctor with international humanitarian experience, and a former Mrs Malaysia World promoting women's financial empowerment. Also among the finalists are a TEDx speaker who founded a non-profit supporting refugee children's mental health and education, a model and dive trip coordinator, and a business strategist excelling in fields like investment and shooting sports. Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Remembering a fallen hero
Reenacting the battlefield: Police personnel performing in the 'Zabri, Pejuang Sang Saka Biru' pantomime in conjunction with the 2025 Warriors' Day ceremony at Dataran Pahlawan in Putrajaya. — Bernama PUTRAJAYA: For Sarjan Jafri Khairul Mohd Jaafar, playing the role of a national hero who was killed in combat with communist insurgents was not just about acting. 'This role is heavy. It's not just acting. It's a responsibility,' said the 44-year-old member of the elite VAT 69 Commando unit, reflecting on the experience of portraying the late Asst Supt Mohd Zabri Abdul Hamid in a pantomime held in conjunction with the 2025 Warriors' Day ceremony yesterday. Sgt Jafri Khairul, who has served with the special forces based at the Sultan Nazrin Shah Camp in Ulu Kinta for two decades, admitted that he did not expect the task of performing in the pantomime to be so emotionally overwhelming and touching. 'ASP Mohd Zabri is not just a figure in our unit's history. He's a legend and playing him reminded me of my late comrade, ASP Zulkifli Mamat,' he told Bernama, his voice breaking as he fought back tears. He said he was present during the bloody Lahad Datu incident on March 1, 2013, which claimed the lives of ASP Zulkifli and nine other security personnel, adding that the tragedy remains etched in his memory. 'When I stepped onto the stage, I didn't see the lights or the audience. All I saw were the faces of those who are no longer with us,' he said quietly. The pantomime titled Zabri, Pejuang Sang Saka Biru (Zabri, Warrior of the Blue Banner) by the police took the audience through the heroic tales of VAT 69 commando ASP Mohd Zabri. The 15-minute performance portraying the struggles of ASP Mohd Zabri, famed as the legendary wielder of Kerambit Kembar (twin curved knife), was brought to life by 142 police officers and personnel. It was followed by a video, which was creatively produced by the Royal Malaysia Police team using 80% artificial intelligence technology to illustrate the true story. ASP Mohd Zabri, who was on a mission to pursue and stop the insurgents from escaping across the border, had stepped on a booby trap. The explosion severed his right ankle, causing massive blood loss. Before drawing his last breath, ASP Mohd Zabri delivered a final message to his men, urging them to continue the mission of hunting down and defeating the nation's enemies, even in his absence.
Barnama
2 days ago
- Barnama
Darth Vader's Star Wars Lightsabre, Keaton Batman Suit Go To Auction
LONDON, July 31 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- A lightsabre used by Darth Vader in "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" (1980) and a Batman suit worn by Michael Keaton in the 1989 film of the same name are among movie memorabilia going to auction, reported PA Media/dpa. The Propstore auction will also see a bullwhip, belt and holster from "Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade" (1989) and a costume worn by Jane Fonda in "Barbarella" (1968) go on sale between September 4 and September 6. Darth Vader's lightsabre, which the auctioneer claims is the first of its kind to be offered for sale, is expected to fetch between US$1 million and US$3 million, while Keaton's Batman suit is estimated to reach between US$250,000 and US$500,000. bootstrap slideshow Ford's Indiana Jones items, which Propstore claims are the first complete set of their kind to be offered at auction, are expected to make between US$250,000 and US$500,000, while Fonda's Barbarella costume is estimated at between US$20,000 and US$40,000. Brandon Alinger, Propstore chief operating officer, said: 'We've assembled one of the most impressive selections of authentic props and costumes ever brought to market - pieces of genuine cultural history that continue to inspire awe decades after their debut. 'Whether it's the craftsmanship of an original Batsuit, the power of a Star Wars lightsabre, each item tells a story. 'We're proud to offer this exceptional collection and to give collectors and fans a rare opportunity to claim a tangible piece of the films and shows that shaped our imaginations.' Other items in the sale include Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man costume from the 2002 film of the same name, estimated to make between US$100,000 and US$200,000, and a flamethrower used by Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley in "Aliens" (1986), which is predicted to sell for between US$125,000 and US$250,000. An animatronic Billy the Puppet with a remote from "Saw III" is expected to sell for between US$30,000 and US$60,000, while a Captain America shield used by Chris Evans in "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (2015) is estimated to fetch between US$60,000 and US$120,000.
