Miss World Team Calls on Sabah Head of State

9 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Miss World Opal Suchata, Miss World Malaysia Taanusiya Chetty and Miss World Chair and Chief Executive Julia Morley CBE paid a courtesy visit to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Musa Haji Aman, at the Sabah State Palace here on Monday.

They were accompanied by Dr Sean Wong, Miss World licence holder for Malaysia and Singapore; Mr Liaw Sin Kuang, Press Officer to the Chief Minister of Sabah; and Datuk Dr Rafiq Idris, Vice-Chancellor of University College Sabah Foundation.

Following official protocol, the delegation was received and briefed before Tun Musa greeted each member personally. Dr Wong introduced the delegation and outlined the work of Miss World Malaysia and the Miss World Organisation, highlighting the global humanitarian initiatives carried out under the Beauty With a Purpose programme led by Morley.

Dr Wong also briefed Tun Musa on a new building for autistic children made possible through contributions from Morley and Beauty With a Purpose. Tun Musa said he was aware of the project and welcomed initiatives that delivered tangible benefits to the community.

Tun Musa said the Miss World platform enabled young women to contribute meaningfully to society by transforming personal strengths into service.

He shared Sabah’s natural attractions, including Mount Kinabalu and its internationally recognised dive sites, as well as the hospitality and multicultural character of its people.

Morley said she had visited Sabah over many years and expressed her affection for the state and its people, noting the importance of promoting Sabah and its tourism offerings internationally. She reiterated that Miss World focused on compassion, service and positive social impact, not physical beauty alone.

Opal Suchata described Sabah as reminiscent of Phuket, citing its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, while Taanusiya Chetty highlighted Sabah’s cultural diversity, noting that more than 120 languages are spoken across the state.

During the meeting, Dr Wong suggested the possibility of Sabah hosting a future Miss World Festival. Tun Musa expressed his support for the idea.

Morley also shared an anecdote about former South African president Nelson Mandela’s support for Miss World following his release from prison, recalling his personal engagement with contestants and his role in introducing post-apartheid South Africa to the world.

The meeting extended beyond its scheduled time, developing into an informal exchange of views and experiences.

For the occasion, Opal Suchata and Taanusiya Chetty wore traditional-inspired designs by Olumis Batik & Textiles founder Justina Datuk J. B. Dusing, sewn by Betty Chu. Opal wore a custom-made Songket Borneo outfit prepared specifically for the visit.