By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will host the Grand Finale of the 2nd Miss Cultural International 2025 on 8 November at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), bringing together delegates from 10 countries.
Organising chairman Ken Wong said the event is more than a beauty contest, serving instead as a cultural platform.
The winner will receive prizes worth RM10,000 in cash, along with other rewards.
“Miss Cultural International connects participants through their stories, values, and heritage. It fosters mutual respect, peace, and cultural diplomacy,” he said.
Wong added that hosting the event will raise Sabah’s profile as a cultural tourism hub and highlight Malaysia’s creative economy.
Delegates from Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, Mongolia, China, South Korea, Indonesia, and India will compete by showcasing ethnic fashion, cultural performances, native language expressions, and social advocacy projects.
Malaysia’s national selection process is ongoing.
Sabah held its state competition on 16 August, followed by Sarawak on 7 September in Kuching.
The National Final will be staged on 20 September in Kuala Lumpur to decide the country’s representative.
Wong confirmed that Taiwan completed its national selection on 28 August, choosing three finalists to compete in Kota Kinabalu.
“The Taiwan event was a vibrant showcase of cultural assets, setting a strong precedent for international participation,” he said.
Wong also thanked sponsors, cultural organisations, and communities for their support, noting that their contributions strengthen Malaysia’s reputation in arts, diplomacy, and heritage.
Also present at the announcement were Miss Cultural International 2024 winner Marimar Magallanes from the Philippines and Sabah representatives Pang Nai Ee, Jane Ong Jia Huang, and Isabelle Ruth.
