KUCHING: Daring to challenge herself to perform on the Miss Universe Malaysia stage, Joann Tiong Hau Ping admits she wants to be an inspiration to the younger generation.
The 21-year-old lass said being a student was not an obstacle for her to achieve her dream of being one of Miss Universe Malaysia finalists.
“I am an undergraduate student majoring in Computer Science and Psychology at the University of St Andrews, United Kingdom.
“Before this, I had always watched the progress of the Miss Universe Malaysia competition and wanted to be one of the contestants in this competition,” she said when interviewed by Sarawak Voice recently.
Besides having big dreams of being a “role model” for young people, the Kuching-born lass also wants to raise public awareness about children’s rights and youth empowerment at the highest level.
For Joann, children are vital assets for the country’s future and deserve to be guided and cared for in order to lead the next generation.
“I am very excited to highlight the importance of these two groups because many are less concerned about their role in society,” she said.
On the topic of youth, Joann said that society needed to change its perception of the younger generation because they, too, were capable of contributing to society.
“For example, I am now doing something in the field of study that I am involved in even though it is quite difficult.
“This encourages me to be more proactive in revealing the advantages and strengths of the youth that need to be known,” she said.
According to Joann, youth need to have the courage to take the first step in believing in themselves to achieve their goals and dreams in life.
“Never surrender to the environment that seems to prevent you from achieving the life you deserve.
“This is because all the things that are done are ultimately not impossible when we believe in ourselves,” she said.
According to Joann, youth need to know that they have to take responsibility for their own lives in order to stand on their own feet in changing the family’s destiny.
“For me, youth need to change their mindset and believe that they are worthy and have the ability to do great things for society.
“What is most important is to build their self-confidence to stand out among the trusted age group,” she added.
Joann is passionate about business and aspires to become a famous female entrepreneur one day.
“My mother is my source of inspiration in the field of business because my mother, too, runs a business,” she said.
Joann added that she used to run a small scale biscuit business called Beverly Bake with her best friend during the COVID-19 pandemic that hit the country two years ago.
Speaking about her participation in the Miss Universe pageant, Joann said she started by approaching the programme’s official Instagram page beforehand.
“A lot of information was shared about the search and the terms and conditions to participate in the Miss Universe competition.
“At that time, I was still in Kuching and in the process of making a visa to return to the United Kingdom to continue my studies.
“I am interested in following it because it is a good platform for me to spread awareness and kindness to the public,” she said.
Joann said that contributing and making a difference in children’s lives was one of her biggest dreams.
“Seeing children happy and appreciated is a magical experience and this is just the beginning and there will be more advocacy events that I will do after this,” she added.
On cultural heritage, Joann also called upon everyone to preserve and maintain the traditional cultures and legacies of their ancestors.
Joann hopes to work and contribute more funds to poor children and victims of abuse in this country.
She also intends to influence many other young women to pursue their dreams regardless of stereotypes.
