Gaigai Saw, a 27-year-old model and entrepreneur is the winner of the first virtual Miss Chipao Malaysia 2021 conducted online because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Standing 163 cm (5’ 4”) tall, Gaigai, whose real name is Saw Jo Yin, said she took it upon herself to participate in this virtual pageant to learn something new from it.
“It’s a pure joy for winning the Miss Chipao Malaysia 2021. The entire pageant was amazing. It was a whole new different experience, where we learn to adapt to new way of training and showcasing our culture to the outside world. Nothing is impossible if we put in effort and give out the best,” she said.
The crowning ceremony for the pageant is expected to take place in a shopping mall with the easing of restrictions under Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan.
Miss Chipao Malaysia is Gaigai’s second pageant. In 2019 she had won a subtitle for ‘Miss Perfect Body’ in her first pageant in Je Suis Un Modele.
With her new-found beauty queen title, Gaigai said she would use the numerous opportunities to better herself and contribute to the betterment of society in whatever way she can.
“The beauty queen title, hopefully, will get me more exposure not only in business but also a new identity where I can promote unity and culture in our country. It’s a new journey where I can continue to learn and grow.”
She feels proud and comfortable donning the traditional chipao or cheongsam outfits because the Malaysian cultural outfit showcases the country’s multiracial society.
“I’m happy to be part of a meaningful event to promote chipao culture and also helping in raising awareness. I feel a sense of unity and belonging where we can showcase the beauty of chipao with other contestants to the world outside.”
This beauty queen is a successful self-made entrepreneur who is always in front of the game when it comes to entrepreneurship. She loves everything about business. She created her own haircare brand name ‘Yumeka’ to cater to various hair care needs among women today.
The product is available at the shelves of department stores in Isetan The Japan Store KL and through e-commerce with customers from not only Malaysia, but also across the world, including from Singapore, Japan and Maldives.
“As a young girl, I dreamed of being an entrepreneur someday. I’m an independent girl. I was 18 then when I started the online business after a friend suggested to me to begin on a small scale. That’s when I realized the full potential of the benefits of e-commerce business and started to learn more about it.
“I believe that nothing is impossible when you really work your best. Working and achieving great result at the same time is quite challenging, but it’s all worth it,” said Gaigai.
Being an entrepreneur isn’t for everyone. Her hard work and dedication to strong discipline that helped her to succeed did not go unnoticed. Last year she was awarded The New Charismatic Successful Entrepreneur Award (TNCSEA) 2020 in recognition of her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership. Her entrepreneurial success is exemplified by the award.
“It was definitely not a smooth sailing but I learn to enjoy the journey and challenge. Good things always come from hard times. To be success, you’ll need to learn what is failure, what doesn’t work out, then try again until you make it. My family always taught me to become more independent. If you want it, you have to earn it.”
Gaigai has some success tips for first time and aspiring entrepreneurs.
“I think that it’s very important to be humble and learn, and the term “successful entrepreneur” not only depends on income but it’s very important to be “flexible” and “easily adapt to the changes”.
Gaigai, who was born in Taiping, Perak and now resides in Kuala Lumpur, said she got her first start as a model by chance that launched her modelling career.
“My modelling journey started in my teen years, at age 18, when a friend chose me to be his model for a photo shoot in a studio in Kota Damansara. I found it interesting and inspiring to pursue further.”
She wasted no time in enrolling at Amber Chia Academy to learn about modelling techniques.
“I was chosen as one of the talents for Panasonic ads. Everything just comes naturally. There were more photo shoot jobs but I moved to runway modelling on my first pageantry. It requires different skill and technique where I can learn new skills. When I get every opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge, I really appreciate it.”
Gaigai graduated with First Class Honours in Bachelor of Communication from KDU university, which is now UOW Malaysia KDU.
“My ambition is to become someone who can overall influence society on women empowerment. My role models are Amber Chia and Carrie Lee.”
Gaigai enjoys hobbies such as music and arts. In her free time, she loves playing the piano, always shares piano videos through online and has performed on the piano during the talent show segment of the pageant.
