PAGEANT Circle

Miss Universe Malaysia Organization (MUMO) released an official statement on Tuesday, August 17 in regard to Malaysia's non-participation at the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel this December. "Unfortunately, due to the worsening COVID-19 situation, which has resulted in limited international and domestic travel, we have been unable to hold our local Miss Universe Malaysia 2021 pageant," the MUMO said. "We have therefore declined the invitation to this year's pageant and regretfully would not be able to hold a local Miss Universe Malaysia pageant this year." The national organization has yet to announce when the next Miss Universe Malaysia pageant will take place. Photo: Miss Universe Organization

Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Francisca Luhong James has cried out "stop cyberbullying" after she was incorrectly tagged as "nude model" on the Google knowledge panel. Knowledge panels are information boxes that appear on Google when you search for people, places, organizations, or things and are meant to provide a quick snapshot of information on a topic. The 25-year-old beauty from Kuching, Sarawak, took to social media to air her sentiments against whoever initiated this unacceptable bullying online. In an Instagram story, she said: "You guys really have nothing to do. What is this? Why do you have to do this and lock this information? Any benefits you get from doing this? Have I done anything wrong to you or your family? I think I've been through this enough." Francisca has represented Malaysia at the recently concluded 69th Miss Universe pageant won by  Mexico's Andrea Meza in Hollywood, Florida. Feedback has already been sent to correct the wro...

Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Francisca Luhong James proudly waved her national flag in a Rizman Ruzaini send-off outfit during her departure for the US on Wednesday, May 5. The 25-year-old marketing executive also shared a sneak peek of her catwalk for the 69th Miss Universe pageant before her flight at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. In a post on her official social media page, Francisca wrote a message for her parents who came all the way from Sarawak to support her. "It’s been a long journey. Finally, here we are now. They never stop me from reaching my milestones. I will forever be your Luhong James, your one and only daughter, who is always full of surprises. I’m happy to have both of them by my side before the take off. This is just the beginning," she said. The 69th Miss Universe pageant will air live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on May 16 at 8 p.m. ET. Photos: Miss Universe Malaysia

A 25-year-old part-time model and former public relations and marketing executive, Francisca Luhong James, will represent Malaysia at the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida this May. The Kayan-Kenyah-Iban native from Kuching, Sarawak, is the first woman with full native heritage to win the Miss Universe Malaysia title. She holds a first-class honors degree in mass communications and majored in public relations. Beauty-and-brain Francisca used to be a track-and-field athlete who despite having asthma was awarded three medals and she would like to inspire more native women to pursue their dreams. Besides advocating for women's empowerment, she also started a foundation Beyond Aid to raise money for refugees and underprivileged children. In a recent interview with a Malaysian morning TV show, she was asked "Why should you be the next Miss Universe?" and she genuinely replied: "I should be the next Miss Universe because I am not just representing myself and...