Aussie student crowned as 2019 Miss Scuba International

KOTA KINABALU: Twenty-two-year-old Michaela Shuttleworth from Australia was crowned 2019 Miss Scuba International, here, Saturday.

The marine science student defeated 22 other “ocean ambassadors” to grab the title in the pageant which aimed to raise global awareness towards marine conservation.

Shuttleworth is confident that the title will lend a bigger influence to her awareness efforts.

“We have so much work to do as human beings, we have so much to clean up and I am excited that I can be a leading figure in it, because it is something that has been driving me since I was little,” she said after the crowning ceremony.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Sabah revenue hits RM6.97 billion: Hajiji says GRS State Government may see full term

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year.

“This is a step forward into my future – saving the oceans, basically.

“With or without this crown, my work is not going to change. I have already made plans with the other contestants where we will be going to Thailand for eight weeks, doing dive school tours and educating children.

“Now that I have the crown, I have a bigger voice…but regardless whether I have it, the work that I do is not going to change.”

In second spot was Anavaliza Armadja from Indonesia while Flordeliz Mabao from the Philippines grabbed third spot.

Earlier, in a speech, Deputy Chief Minister cum Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew hoped that more contestants will participate in the pageant in future.

“This is the first home-grown international pageant, which attracts many visitors to come and explore the splendour of our underwater world, and at the same time to build friendships with our warm and friendly people in Sabah.

“Indeed, I truly believe that these beauties are the courageous ocean ambassadors representing their respective countries and regions.

“I congratulate them on their effort in helping to promote marine conservation. This noteworthy cause is in line with my Ministry’s mission to protect and conserve the natural environment for the benefit of future generations,” she said.

Miss Scuba International founder Robert Lo said the pageant was initiated in 2011 with only 15 contestants from five countries participating.

Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.

Daily Express Malaysia

“This is a one-of-a-kind pageant where we place a strong emphasis on conservation.

“These beauties are not coming here only for a beauty contest but are being trained to be our conservation ambassadors when they return to their respective countries,” he said.

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00