Joyce Nyupeh, 2023 Mrs Petite Global International winner, talks about her experiences, greatest accomplishments, the difficulties she conquered, and more. She is currently eight months pregnant, yet she is still passionate about carrying on her advocacy work to help those in need.
A fusion of beauty and benevolence
Joyce Nyupeh was crowned Mrs Petite Global International in February of last year, and also received the subsidiary titles of Best in Interview, Best Catwalk, Congeniality, and Darling of the Crowd.
This native of Kampung Apar, Singai in Bau, kept on with a range of social and humanitarian activities after attaining the triumph, particularly those involving rural primary schools in Sarawak.
Her advocacy
Putting Hhen Nie, 2017 Miss Universe Vietnam, up as her idol, Joyce expressed her admiration for the beauty queen for using her financial standing to build a library in her village and provide scholarships to qualified kids.
“It opened my eyes because not everyone has such a pure heart.
“As a teacher who dreams of a bright future for my pupils, I also want to be like Hhen Nie — to help as many young people as possible.
“In addition to setting an example for my pupils and encouraging them to work hard in their studies and never give up on their goals, I also use this platform to advocate for others. I seek people to donate school supplies like stationery and uniforms so that children can learn more comfortably and enthusiastically.
“I continue to visit rural schools, hospitals, and animal shelters as part of my welfare activities to this day, apart from doing other voluntary work.
“I give priority to all these activities because it is my advocacy — wanting to help people in need,” said the English teacher, who teaches at a primary school in Kota Samarahan.
Highlights of success, eye-opening encounters
The 30-year-old Bidayuh lady, who will soon become a mother of two, said that founding the charity, GAPAI, in August 2022 — during her time as Mrs Petite Global — was her proudest accomplishment.
Since then, Joyce and her team have effectively completed over a dozen charitable efforts, which she defined as particularly significant to her because her family members have participated in each endeavour.
“There’s no denying that I have learned a great deal and had numerous opportunities to perform charitable activities along the way.
“As the founder and president of a non-profit organisation that depends on funds from votes from the voting system of beauty pageants and funds from individuals and companies, I call on all of you, who are willing to collaborate with us, to lend a helping hand either in terms of financial support or goods, so that we can continue our charity activities smoothly,” she said.
Over the past year, Joyce has not only participated in numerous charitable activities but has also received invitations to judge both international and local beauty competitions.
She has also shared her story with the media, given public speeches, and taught catwalk classes to young people who are new to the world of beauty pageants.
This English teacher, who had previously worked at a primary school in the interior of Simunjan, went on to say that she had personally witnessed a great deal of people, including her own pupils, who were incredibly excited and motivated by her victory and all of the charitable work that she and GAPAI carried out.
“This demonstrates a significant and favourable influence on them. By involving my family members and friends in charitable activities, I am also confident that my daughter, Immaculate Kolvia, will learn new things and take lessons from her own experience (who was also involved in doing charity work),” she said.
She added that her eyes were opened to a variety of things through charity and social work, one of which was visiting children with cancer.
“It served as a helpful reminder to me that, despite our own difficulties, there are those who endure far worse hardships than we do. So, constantly be grateful for our lives. Share your extra money with those in need if you are financially secure,” Joyce pointed out.
Obstacles
Joyce’s greatest struggle as a wife, mother, and teacher is managing her time effectively; she needs to make sure that all of her obligations are met.
She remarked that the secret to her success in all of her accomplishments to date has been her mother and husband’s unwavering support, for which she is extremely appreciative and blessed.
“Throughout the competition, my partner, Kohlberg Favine, will take care of our daughter and handle all of the household responsibilities. I am also really fortunate that my husband helps me with styling, catwalking, and makeup.
“I think I might not be able to win the title of 2023 Mrs Petite Global International winner if my husband and family weren’t behind me. They are my source of motivation,” she said.
Mrs Petite Global
Nickson Sim, a Sarawakian, founded Tiara Management, the organisation in charge of this beauty contest. It has now entered its second edition internationally, where the first one was won by Joyce.
As the winner of the first edition, Joyce said that this competition truly gives married women — including single mothers, divorced, and widowed — the chance to fulfil their aspirations and advocate for causes on a platform of great prestige.
Mrs Petite Global advocates for women’s empowerment, giving married women the chance to change, speak up, serve as role models, or inspire other women, children, and younger generations.
Additionally, it is specifically designed for ladies who are 168 centimetres or shorter, which is why it is named petite.
Joyce believes that this competition has provided one of the best opportunities for petite women to develop their advocacy, learn fresh skills and knowledge, and achieve self-confidence.
Aspirations, future plans
“I hope that people will stop viewing competitions like these as nothing more than the world of glamour and body shows. It truly benefits women, kids, and the general public, in addition to serving as a constant reminder for us to be conscious of today’s issues.
“The beauty competitions do a great deal to uplift the younger generation, speak for and represent women globally, and obliquely encourage foreign travellers to visit our humble home, Sarawak.
“At the same time, I really hope that the next winner can carry Mrs Petite Global’s name with pride, continue with charity activities, and continue to be a source of inspiration for the people,” she said.
Speaking of future plans, Joyce said she will carry on with the GAPAI welfare initiatives and will hold public speaking and catwalk classes for those who are interested.
