By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Miss World 2025, Suchata Chuangsri, emphasised the importance of preserving heritage and nurturing nature for future generations.
“Coming from Phuket, an island in southern Thailand, I see many similarities with Kota Kinabalu. I see beautiful trees standing tall and providing shade and breeze for the people.
“I recognise that the people here deserve to protect and cherish their culture, heritage and surroundings,” Suchata said.
She was speaking at the “Atkinson Clock Tower – A Timeless Commitment” Heritage and Environment Preservation event here.
The event was officiated by City Hall Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah.
On the Miss World “Beauty with a Purpose” mission, she likened caring for culture and the environment to tending a garden.
“Taking care of a garden requires someone who stays, who puts heart and time into watering and nurturing the plants.
“It is the same with culture, heritage and the environment. It takes a whole community working together, dedicating time, heart and soul to preserve and nurture them,” she said.
During the week-long visit to Kota Kinabalu, Suchata and the Miss World delegation paid a courtesy call on State Governor Tun Musa Aman at Istana Seri Kinabalu, visited University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) for a sharing session, and carried out initiatives including collaboration with the Sabah Autism Society, outreach at Likas Hospital, as well as tourism and cultural programmes highlighting Sabah’s heritage and landscape.
Miss Malaysia World 2025, Taanusitya Chetty said even though she is based in Kuala Lumpur, she discovered that the sunsets in Kota Kinabalu were truly beautiful.
She emphasised that initiatives such as tree planting not only benefit the environment but also serve as vital lessons for children.
Using the lifecycle of butterflies as a metaphor, Taanusitya drew parallels between nurturing nature and personal growth.
“Many don’t notice the metamorphosis. The caterpillar stage may seem unremarkable, but when it transforms into a butterfly, it reveals its unique beauty.
“Just like our national butterfly, the Raja Brooke, with its neon and black wings, every part of the journey is important,” she said.
She encouraged families and educators to involve children in planting activities.
“Every seed they plant has the potential to bloom into their own favourite flower, attracting their personal butterfly. It is a lesson in patience, care and appreciation for the environment,” she said.
Miss World Malaysia and Singapore licence holder Sean Wong said the Miss World organisation is committed to carrying out social impact programmes through its “Beauty with a Purpose” mission.
“Our mission is to empower young people to create meaningful change in their communities and to turn their ideas into action,” he said.
Miss World Malaysia had shared several initiatives months ago, and together they worked to bring some of these plans to life during the visit, he added.
He praised Miss World Organisation chairman and chief executive officer Julia Morley for creating a platform that has touched thousands of lives globally.
“Working together, we can pool resources, empower youth and create lasting social change,” he said.
Suchata (right), and Taanusitya at the Atkinson Clock Tower.
