Empowering Women Through Meaningful Acts of Giving

7 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is poised to gain international attention as Miss World 2025 Opal Suchata, lead the Beauty With a Purpose Tour in Sabah 2026. The humanitarian and community outreach mission, taking place from 4 to 10 February 2026, highlights Sabah’s commitment to social empowerment, cultural preservation, and sustainable community development.

A key figure exemplifying these values is Datuk Eliza Goh, proprietor of the Zara's Boutique Hotel, whose work reflects the spirit of Beauty With a Purpose through meaningful acts of giving. A passionate entrepreneur and advocate of state culture and tradition, Eliza consistently champions local heritage by uplifting grassroots artisans and underserved communities.

During the visit, Eliza presented Miss World with a locally crafted dinner purse made by an ordinary woman from a rural community.

"I just happened to meet the creator of the bag at UCSF (University College Sabah Foundation) and had a chat with her. She is a staff of USCF, who told me she is just starting to learn the craft. I quite like it, so I got it from her," she shared.

While simple in origin, the handmade piece carried extraordinary significance—bringing international recognition to local craftsmanship and shining a spotlight on the untapped creative potential of rural women.

Through initiatives such as this, Eliza empowers women from rural areas by ensuring their creativity is acknowledged and their handmade wares are positioned as viable tourism products. Her efforts not only preserve Sabah’s cultural identity but also create sustainable economic opportunities, enabling local women to gain confidence, visibility, and dignity through their craft.

As Sabah welcomes the Miss World Organisation, the act of giving like Eliza reinforce the message that true beauty lies in purpose, generosity, and the empowerment of communities, values that resonate far beyond the state’s borders.