Passionate about education for children
Bringing the colours of Sarawak abroad, Larissa played the sape on the big stage, and introduced our culture to the world.
The 20-year-old of Chinese-Kenyah descent initially joined the pageant as she saw the Miss World pageant is a platform for participants to help the underpårivileged. She had been following the pageant since the reign of Dewi Liana Seriestha in 2014 and when the time presents itself, she felt that there was no harm in partaking on the experience, especially since the audition was held in Kuching, Sarawak. “After all, I’m there for a good cause, and I’m there to win it because it’s for the people that need my voice.”
During her one year reign, she had empowered the Penan children of Long Seridan, Baram, learned and play with the autistic children, taking part in charity events and gave motivational talks to students. On top of that, she is currently a first year Law student.
Before handing over the crown to the next Miss World Malaysia 2019, New Sarawak Tribune approached the friendly lady for an interview with the 2018 crown holder.
What are your best memories during your reign?
Running my ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ project in Long Seridan, Baram. Reaching out to the Penan children in Long Seridan to me was really memorable because I learned so much about them and also myself. To see these kids being so adaptive to whatever I teach them and to whatever changes we made to the school really touched me because they are willing to learn something new for the betterment of their future. It will always be a lifelong memory because the kids and I grew really close in less than a week, and leaving the village was one of the hardest part of the trip. The kids will always have a special place in my heart.
Representing Malaysia at Miss World was definitely fun but it was also challenging. Having to to travel to Sanya, China all alone with 9 luggage bags, to do my own hair and make up every single day and having my phone missing in a foreign country was tough but a lot of blessings came in return. Now I have friends all over the world, and this whole experience has really made me appreciate and love myself more. It was really beautiful to see 118 contestants coming together to share their respective ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ project in their country and to be inspired by what they do.
What did you learn from your Miss World experiences?
I’ve learned that the title is only temporary and there is only so much that we can do, but the intention and the heart to do it is what matters most. Nothing comes easy. Passion and hard work will bring you to your goals and that your family are the ones who will always be there no matter what. At times, people will always try to bring you down, but it’s up to you to take it as a discouragement or to take it as a motivation to do better. You know yourself better than anyone else. So let your actions speak.
Your advocacy?
I advocate for indigenous children in the rural areas to have access to quality education. Why? Because my mother was raised in the same environment and condition, and I wanted to do my part to ensure that proper education to be provided to every single child in the village and it is not taken for granted of.
Along the way, I started advocating for other causes as well such as animal abuse, autism, baby hatches, and others and try to help as much as I can.
Why are you very passionate about helping children?
I’ve always had this special connection with children, and I strongly feel that good education for children can really shape the future of our country. I also believe that education is a right and no child should ever be stopped from going to school. Not much has been done to ensure primary school children in rural areas will continue to secondary school as there are still a lot of children who end up working or helping their family. There is still a huge gap between communities in the rural areas and the city. I just want to do my part to bridge the gap, and no groups should be left behind as our country continues to grow.
The future for you?
I hope to be able to have my own organisation specifically to help children to access quality education and to be able to apply my knowledge in my effort to help underprivileged children.
Curious to know what else will she embark on in the future, do follow Larissa on her social media accounts @larissaping at Instagram and Twitter, and @larissapingliew at Facebook.
