17/09/2025

LYFE WEDNESDAY | SEPT 17, 2025

FOLLOW

ON YOUTUBE

22

Malaysian Paper

/theSunMedia /

(From left) Priyaa, Lim and Li are the top three winners of Miss Universe Malaysia 2025.

The 16 finalists are evaluated on their confidence, poise and stage presence.

Chloe Lim wins Miss Universe Malaysia 2025

Soo Wincci balancing artistic, academic careers

DESPITE her busy schedule as an academic, former Malaysian beauty queen Soo Wincci’s love for the arts has never faded. According to the Kau Yang Satu actress, her passion continues to drive her return to the screen, especially when offered challenging and quality roles. “I still see myself as an artiste. If I’m offered a good role, I will definitely return. For me, it’s no longer just about payment, but about the challenge, the quality of the script and the satisfaction of performing. “Many lecturers, once they enter academia, completely leave the industry, but I don’t want to do that. I believe we must remain active in our field so the knowledge we teach is more practical and relevant,” she said when met at the Worthy Wonder Women Award 2025 recently. At the event, Soo received the Worthy Community Impact award for her contributions to the community and her dedication to inspiring the younger generation. Most recently, Soo returned to the screen through the drama Kerana Seorang Lelaki , directed by Michael Ang, currently airing on Astro Prima. It marks her first local drama appearance in almost 10 years. “This offer came last year when Ang himself contacted me and explained the strength of the script and storyline, which is full of cultural conflicts and plot twists, similar to a Korean drama. I am very selective with scripts, and when I knew this concept was different from the usual cliches, I immediately agreed. “This time, I had to take a year’s unpaid leave to give my full commitment because this project is big and requires sacrifice,” she said. Soo also revealed that she is currently planning music projects, including releasing a bilingual single (Malay and Mandarin), while also hoping to break into the Indonesian market next year through song collaborations. “I’m interested in producing dramas or films with legal themes because we don’t yet have such works that can educate society. That is one of my dreams,” she said.

o Beauty queen to represent country in Thailand on Nov 21 K UALA Lumpur native Chloe Lim Sue Lyn, 27, has been crowned Miss Universe Malaysia 2025 and will beachwear, national costume, evening gown and a Q&A session.

the girl-next-door who just so happens to be a compassionate beauty queen. “This has been one of the most transformative journeys of my life. I am truly humbled and honoured to be given the opportunity to represent Malaysia on the global stage. “With this title, I hope to inspire Malaysians to embrace their authenticity, pursue their dreams courageously, and I will give my very best to make Malaysia proud,” said Lim. She received the exquisite “Eternal Blossom” crown by A Vintage Collezione. Crafted in 18K white gold and set with 16.39 carats of natural diamonds, the crown is valued at over RM200,000. She also received a cash prize of RM50,000.

Queen’s quest With a global education spanning New York, Portugal, Estonia and the UK, where she earned two master’s degrees in London, Lim has gained profound insight into the barriers created by unequal access to education and safety, which fuels her ongoing advocacy work. Echoing her pledge to bridging the opportunity gap, the newly minted Miss Universe Malaysia 2025 has journeyed across the globe, teaching orphans in Vietnam and helping create safe spaces for girls in Portugal. Adding to her charm, her love for animals, tennis and travelling reveals a warm, approachable side of Lim –

represent Malaysia at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand this November. Emerging as the winner during the Gala Finals last Friday, Lim also bagged three subsidiary titles: Miss Love Life, Miss Fitness and Miss Spritzer. Meanwhile, Priyaa Simmi and Jen Li secured first and second runners-up, respectively. Li took the other four subsidiary titles: Miss Elegance, Miss Photogenic, Miss Bright Skin and Miss Crowning Glory. The 16 finalists vying for the national title competed through several intense rounds, including

Soo is currently planning musical projects, including a bilingual single.

The versatile artiste, who recently completed her second PhD in Artistic Production at the Polytechnic University of Spain, admitted she faces personal challenges in balancing her academic and artistic careers. “I barely get enough sleep and I’ve lost nearly 7kg due to the pressure. But for me, as long as I can still walk, I will keep going,” said Soo, who also serves as an adjunct professor at several local universities. – Bernama Soo says she is interested in producing dramas or films with legal themes. – PICS FROM INSTAGRAM @DR.SOOWINCCI

Lim (left) receives the crown for Miss Universe Malaysia 2025 from her predecessor.