08/04/2026

LYFE WEDNESDAY | APR 8, 2026

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‘I can never say never’ o Sandra Lim could return to pageant stage

Lim says her current focus is her acting career. – PIC FROM FACEBOOK @SANDRALIMSH

MALAYSIAN shoe brand Nottingheels presented its Songket Series at the Paris Fashion Week, held at Hilton Hotels Paris, earlier last month. The collection highlights the heritage and craftsmanship of Malaysian songket-weaving, combined with Nottingheels’ patented bunion-support technology to provide maximum comfort. Nottingheels showcased its four-inch heels featuring bunion support, crafted using songket, on the Paris fashion stage. Songket, a traditional Malaysian handwoven textile made with gold or silver threads, symbolises the nation’s cultural heritage and artisanal craftsmanship, making this presentation a tribute to Malaysian identity. Adding glamour to the occasion were international models from Norway and Mongolia, alongside Malaysian model Clara Hulme, who is also the founder of the Clume brand. Nottingheels founder and creative director Amy Chiew expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to showcase Malaysian culture on a global stage. The event was also attended by dignitaries from the Embassy of Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia Paris and Matrade Paris, underscoring the importance of cultural diplomacy in promoting national identity. Nottingheels continues to elevate A FTER creating a sensation by breaking tradition and carving her own record in over five decades of Malaysia’s participation on the prestigious Miss Universe stage, action actress Sandra Lim admitted her heart remains attached to the pageant world. However, the 25-year-old said any decision to return cannot be made hastily, as her current focus is on her acting career. “For me, I really follow what God plans for me. Like I (have) said before, Miss Universe was never in my plan, it was never my intention to be, but God brought me there. “If God really leads me back to Miss World or Miss International, I see it as another platform to show the message, to always portray the kind of women we can be,” she told Bernama after the gala night and premiere screening of Gayong 2 last Thursday. Lim said she does not deny her longing for the pageant stage remains strong and did not rule out a return in the future. “Right now, I’m fully focused on my film work. I feel complete with my Miss Universe journey, so it’s hard to say if I want to go back, but I can never say never, because I’m only 25, still young. “Besides that, I desire the stage so much. If I could join Miss Universe again, I would definitely do it, but other than that I’m not sure. I really miss the stage, I cannot lie,” she said. Previously, the media reported Lim ended Malaysia’s 54-year wait by making it into the Top 30 of Miss Universe 2024 in

Mexico City, marking Malaysia’s first placement since Josephine Wong reached the Top 15 in 1970. Sharing about her debut in the action film Gayong 2 , Lim described the experience as deeply meaningful as it allowed her to challenge her physical abilities and acting skills in a large-scale production. “Acting in this film truly feels like a dream come true. I love trying and fighting, everything was done raw and with full commitment. “This film is not just about fight scenes, but (it) emphasises sincerity in every action performed, without relying too much on assistance. For me, my role in this film is to show what I’m capable of,” she said. Lim shared one of the most challenging scenes was during the filming of the final fight sequence, where she accidentally injured co-star Beto Kusyairy. “I really had to hit him in that scene. I did ask if he wanted to wear protection, but he said it wasn’t necessary, so we went ahead. After that, seeing the bruises he suffered, I felt very guilty,” she said. Despite the relatively short preparation time due to overlapping commitments with her participation in Miss Universe, Lim said her background in martial arts greatly helped her perform the action scenes. She also stressed the opportunity marked an important beginning in her acting journey. “I’m still new and have a lot to learn, but this is an early step for me to continue growing in the acting industry,” she said.

Nottingheels brings Malaysian songket to Paris Fashion Week

Chiew (fourth from left) and Eldeen (fifth from left) launching the Walk of Malaysia 2026 in Paris.

Walk of Malaysia 2026 The event also saw the launch of The Walk of Malaysia 2026, a six-day journey across Malaysia from south to north, with stops at historical sites and Unesco locations before culminating in a fashion show in Langkawi on Aug 1. The ceremony was officiated by Ambassador of Malaysia to France, Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, together with Chiew. The Walk of Malaysia 2026 welcomes participation from other countries to showcase their traditional attire, cultural arts, local products and tourism packages, making it a platform for cultural exchange and business collaboration that fosters international cooperation.

Malaysian craftsmanship onto the international stage, blending tradition with modern innovation. Nottingheels heels featuring bunion support.

Chiew (fifth from right), Hulme (fourth from right) and models at Paris Fashion Week.