KUCHING: Nurelyana Baharin, crowned Dewi Remaja 2023, emphasises the significance of confidence plus a background in the arts for success in beauty pageants.
Choosing to delay her entry into the pageant until completing a bachelor’s degree in theatre performance, Nurel attributes her success to a lifelong immersion in the arts.
Raised in an artistic environment, she engaged in dancing, theatre, and television commercials from a young age.
After exceling in her Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM), Nurel pursued theatre arts at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM). She perceived Dewi Remaja as an ideal platform to showcase her talents and gain exposure.
She highlighted her family’s influence, saying: “I was raised in the arts. I started dancing at a young age, joined theatre, and developed an interest in television commercials (TVC).
“So, after completing my Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM), my mom advised me to excel in it if I wanted to pursue the arts.
“After exceling in SPM, I received an offer from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in theatre arts. I felt that Dewi Remaja was the perfect platform for me to gain significant exposure. That gave me the confidence to join Dewi Remaja.”
The first Sarawakian to win Dewi Remaja, Nurel views the competition as a positive gateway to the arts industry. Stressing the importance of a positive mindset, she credits her success to the knowledge gained in her studies at UiTM, aligning with challenges presented by the judges.
Nurel believes Dewi Remaja’s stage exemplifies the value of the arts and sees her achievements as contributing to elevating Sarawak’s profile. Her advice to aspiring participants, especially girls: Embrace confidence and have a basic understanding of the arts.
Nurel expressed gratitude for her journey in the arts, saying: “Throughout my journey in the arts, from grade three until now, the knowledge I’ve gained is enough for me to participate in Dewi Remaja.”
The Dewi Remaja 2023 winner looks forward to a promising future in the entertainment industry. Astro, a prominent media agency, has approached her for acting and hosting collaborations, signalling potential growth in her career.
“All Heroes (male) and Dewi Remaja (female) winners have received contracts with Astro, but the duration is still confidential. We are still discussing the upcoming projects that they are offering,” she said.
The Hero Dewi Remaja 2023 competition, spanning eight episodes, concluded with Nurel’s victory in Kuala Lumpur last December. Both Hero and Dewi winners, including Nurel, received a cash prize of RM10,000, along with a trophy and sash.
