‘Beauty With A Purpose’ Tour Recognises Government and NGO Efforts to Improve People’s Lives

15 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah 2026 ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ tour, featuring Miss World 2025, Opal Suchata, and Miss World Malaysia 2025, Taanusiya Chetty, visited the state to witness first-hand the efforts of the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in improving the lives of its people.

During their five-day visit to Sabah, from 5 to 10 February, the delegation inspired and brought hope to university students, persons with disabilities, educators, patients and healthcare workers in hospitals, village communities, and volunteers engaged in social work across the state.

The Chief Executive Officer of HyperLive Entertainment and owner of the Miss World Malaysia franchise, Dr Sean Wong, described the tour as having successfully fulfilled its mission of bringing meaningful contributions to Sabah through the initiative of young women, particularly Miss World.

He also expressed deep appreciation for the efficiency of the state administration and the people of Sabah, whom he described as possessing a strong spirit and culture of compassion.

According to him, the tour also observed how the state’s leadership and its people have built an environment in which tourism continues to thrive while the welfare of residents remains well cared for.

“Throughout the visit, the tour team witnessed how Sabah’s progress is guided by committed leadership, active community organisations and a shared sense of responsibility among its citizens to uplift one another.

“The ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ mission is designed to inspire, encourage and complement the hard work already undertaken by government agencies, educational institutions, hospitals, NGOs and community leaders, bringing together young people, partners and volunteers to contribute positively in their own ways,” he said in a statement issued here on Wednesday to mark the conclusion of the tour.

The Miss World delegation was also joined by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Miss World Organisation, Julia Morley CBE.

Sean described it as a privilege to bring Morley and Miss World to Sabah to showcase the efforts undertaken by various parties in the state to enhance the well-being of the community.

“Beauty With A Purpose is about inspiring hearts, motivating young people and bringing together partners who care.

“Sabah is a state governed with vision and compassion, where leaders, communities and institutions work hand in hand. It is a privilege to bring Morley and Miss World to Sabah to witness this spirit and to play a small role in inspiring collective efforts that uplift lives and strengthen social good,” he said.

He explained that during their five days in the state, the delegation visited the Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital (HWKKS), also known as Hospital Likas, to bring cheer to paediatric cancer patients and to express appreciation for the dedication of the medical team.

The delegation also visited the Sabah Autism Society, where Morley reiterated her support for the progress and strong leadership demonstrated since contributing USD10,000 in 2024.

After observing programme developments, outdoor learning initiatives and positive outcomes for autistic children, Morley announced a further contribution of RM300,000 towards the development of a new school with improved facilities.

“This commitment is made in support of existing initiatives undertaken by the government and the community, recognising that humanitarian work is most effective when carried out collectively.

“The delegation also visited Sekolah Kebangsaan Pendidikan Khas Kota Kinabalu, where deaf and special needs students performed confidently and proudly.

“Impressed by their talent and the dedication of their educators, Morley announced a contribution of USD5,000 to support the expansion of programmes and educational resources, complementing existing government efforts to further strengthen opportunities for students,” he said.

In addition, the Miss World delegation visited University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF), where Miss World served as an inspiration to students regarding the social initiatives undertaken by young people, including women who embody the Miss World image.

“At UCSF, its Vice-Chancellor, Datuk Dr Rafiq Idris, expressed the university’s aspiration to build long-term collaboration with the Miss World Organisation to develop ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ as a sustainable platform linking education with humanitarian action,” he said.

Sean added that the delegation also visited Kampung Dambai and other rural community areas in collaboration with a local welfare organisation, Persatuan Kebajikan dan Usahawan Tavan Sabah, whose mission is to work closely with existing community and public initiatives.

He explained that this was part of outreach programmes aimed at engaging children and families through conversations, encouragement and the distribution of basic necessities.

“These engagement sessions were designed to complement existing government efforts by offering additional motivation and moral support, while upholding the dignity, welfare and respect of the families involved.

“Through this collaborative approach, the visit sought to inspire, strengthen community ties and encourage positive relationships between international humanitarian platforms and local initiatives, contributing to the long-term sustainability and well-being of the community,” he said.

The delegation also took part in an event organised by Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) at the historic Atkinson Clock Tower as a symbolic expression of the shared belief that heritage and nature must be preserved for future generations.

At the conclusion of the tour, the delegation led by Sean paid a courtesy call on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, at Istana Seri Kinabalu as a mark of respect and appreciation for the state’s highest institution in advancing prosperity and well-being for its people.