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KUCHING, July 29: Aaliyah Wunch has won the coveted crown of Miss International Malaysia Sarawak (MIS) 2023.
Aaliyah, 18, born to a Malay mother and a German father, walked away with the grand prize of RM15,000.
She will also represent Sarawak in the grand finale of Miss International Malaysia 2023 scheduled to take place from Aug 18 to 20, in Kuala Lumpur.
Speaking at the event, representing Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, his deputy Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the role of beauty pageants in promoting tourism and economic growth must not be trivialised.
According to Snowdan, pageants serve as a platform for showcasing local cultural heritage to the world and played a significant role in shaping the identity of Sarawak as a culturally vibrant destination.
“It showcases the various aspects of Sarawak’s heritage and unifies people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate their shared history.
“Additionally, they provide opportunities for local businesses to showcase their products and services to tourists who congregate during these events,” he said.
He said that pageants have also been seen to bring substantial economic benefits.
He also said one of the most significant ways in which pageants promote economic growth is by supporting local businesses.
“Its ability to attract visitors from around the world, showcasing myriads of different cultures and ethnicities while serving as a platform for promoting local attractions while simultaneously showcasing beauty, talent, and poise.
“In addition, pageants create opportunities for businesses to thrive by providing an influx of customers who come to witness these events, and above all, it fosters cultural exchange among participants and spectators alike, which contributes greatly to enhancing social harmony,” he added. — DayakDaily
