13/07/2025

ON SUNDAY JULY 13, 2025 theSunday Special III

Be.The.Change Malaysia aims to foster inclusive education and long-term social impact across Southeast Asia.

service to others. We should all create a culture where kindness is cool and growth is celebrated over perfection,” she said. She is passionate about reimagin ing education’s role to meet students’ emotional and psychological needs. As someone who has faced adversity from a young age, Chetty understands the impor tance of having mentors, role models and a safe environment where young people can thrive. Her approach to teaching is rooted in empathy and engagement, placing as much emphasis on emotional intelligence as academic success. A V WKH ¿QDO FURZQLQJ FHUHPRQ\ RI 0LVV World draws near, Chetty’s strategy is to stay true to herself simply. She aims to continue leading authentically, deepening her advocacy work and preparing holisti cally – mentally, emotionally and physi cally. She is taking a balanced approach to preparation, ensuring she nurtures her body, mind and spirit. H HU JURXQGHG DSSURDFK R̆ HUV D PXFK needed perspective in a society that often places beauty above all else. Rather than chasing perfection, Chetty embraces purpose and sincerity, reminding us that true beauty is not something to be worn but something to live. Her story is a powerful reminder that beauty can coexist with humility, intellect and purpose. Her journey reflects the courage to ULVH DERYH VXSHU¿FLDO H[SHFWDWLRQV DQG use her platform to spark real change – a quiet yet powerful statement in a world too often caught up in appearances. For Chetty, every achievement and milestone is anchored by a sense of service. Whether leading a workshop for children, fundrais ing for school supplies or speaking to youth about resilience, she remains guided by the same core belief: that beauty must be in service of something greater. “I believe that no matter what chal lenges we face, we have the power to rise, KHDO DQG LQVSLUH /LNH D EXWWHUÀ\ ZH WRR can transform our pain into beauty, our struggles into strength and our dreams LQWR ZLQJV ´ VDLG &KHWW\ ÀDVKLQJ D PHJD watt smile.

“Being crowned the new Miss World Malaysia last year was an incredibly emo tional experience for me. At that moment, I thought of my younger self — the girl who had to grow up too soon but never stopped dreaming. This crown isn’t just a symbol of beauty; it is a responsibility I carry with pride to represent Malaysia on the world stage and to shine a light on the causes closest to my heart,” said Chetty. Be the change Chetty was drawn to Miss World’s Beauty with a ‘purpose’ pillar. It aligns very closely with her own philosophy and advocacy. In 2022, she founded a social impact platform called Be.The.Change Malaysia. It focuses on listening, educating and outreach – especially for children and underserved communities. The goal is to create safe spaces where children are heard, empowered and supported, with dignity and care. Be.The.Change Malaysia aims to foster inclusive education and long-term social impact across Southeast Asia, emphasising bridging gaps in op portunity and access. Last year, Chetty developed a self HVWHHP ERRNOHW WR KHOS FKLOGUHQ UHÀHFW on their feelings, express themselves creatively and build inner confidence. The booklet contains guided exercises and prompts, similar to those used in schools by teachers, encouraging young minds to articulate their hopes, fears and dreams. “I conducted sessions with children in orphanages, guiding them through the ac tivities and sharing space for healing. We organised a fundraiser to provide school supplies for children in need. Something as simple as a pencil or backpack can mo tivate a child to keep learning. Pageantry JLYHV PH WKH SODWIRUP WR WDNH WKHVH H̆ RUWV further, become a voice for the voice less and show that beauty is ultimately rooted in compassion, connection and creating meaningful change,” shared the PXOWLOLQJXDO EHDXW\ ZKR LV ÀXHQW LQ 7DPLO

0DQGDULQ 0DOD\ DQG (QJOLVK UHÀHFWLQJ Malaysia’s multicultural environment. Pageantry for her is more than a stage to represent beauty. It is a gateway to amplifying the voices of those who are often unheard. Chetty uses her ‘pretty privilege’ to elevate important conversa tions and bring attention to the needs of underserved children and youth. In doing VR VKH VKLIWV WKH GH¿QLWLRQ RI EHDXW\ DZD\ IURP WKH VXSHU¿FLDO DQG WRZDUG VRPHWKLQJ far more enduring: service, empathy and lasting contributions to society. “Beauty without purpose can be empty,” she said. “But when you combine beauty with intention, you can move hearts and PDNH D UHDO GL̆ HUHQFH ´ E GXFDWLRQ ¿UVW “Education is where my heart truly lies and becoming a teacher has always felt like a calling. But I do believe that education goes beyond textbooks. It’s about listen ing, guiding and nurturing these future generations. Youth culture today often makes these students feel pressured by comparison, especially on social media. I’d love to see a shift toward embracing vulnerability, emotional wellness and

This crown is a responsibility I carry with pride to represent Malaysia on the world stage.”

Chetty

Something as simple as a pencil or backpack can motivate a child to keep learning.