Lavanya Sivaji, a medical graduate from Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia is the 2021 Miss World Malaysia.
The 25-year-old doctor from Rawang, Selangor beat out 36 finalists to take the Miss World Malaysia crown at the pageant virtual final on Oct 16, 2021.
She also won a subsidiary title of Head To Head Challenge Award.
Lavanya stands 175cm tall (5’ 9”) and in 2019, won the third runner-up in Miss Malaysia Indian Global.
She will be representing Malaysia in the prestigious Miss World 2021 Final to be held in Puerto Rico this December.
Lavanya was shocked when her name was announced as the pageant’s winner.
“I’m still lost for words. I’m processing all that happened during the finals and words cannot describe how happy and excited I feel. It’s such an honour and privilege to take up the responsibility of being the next Miss World Malaysia,” she said.
Lavanya said she never thought she could win the Miss World Malaysia title as every girl in this year’s pageant was talented and experienced.
“I least expected it. There were so many talented and experienced girls this year and all of us were equally good. I was already glad to be in the Top 6 and received recognition for my project, but being crowned as Miss World Malaysia is something beyond my imagination, and I feel so grateful.”
The Miss World Malaysia 2021 pageant was conducted online this year by the organizer for health and safety concerns because of the coronavirus pandemic. The pageant final was broadcasted live via an interactive online TV platform www.hyperlive.tv.
Lavanya said she enjoyed the virtual pageant experience which allowed her to adapt to changing circumstances to showcase her talent and abilities.
“It was a different yet fun experience. I got to meet girls from various backgrounds. It was so enjoyable to be with all those girls. We connected with each other through social media and this sisterhood has been a great support for all of us. We also had a lot of fun doing live-streaming sessions via hyperlive.tv to garner support from the online audience.”
For the Miss World final, Lavanya would be working hard on improving her skills to compete on the global stage.
“With the assistance of Miss World Malaysia organisation and guidance of former pageant queens, I’ll be training myself in all aspects such as public speaking, catwalk and enhancing my project. I wish I could present the best version of myself representing Malaysia at the international stage.”
Lavanya cares about giving back to the community. She has always been passionate about charity works focussing on improving communities.
She founded the “4Them Malaysia”, her “Beauty With A Purpose” project which provides advocacy for the health and nutrition issues of Orang Asli indigenous community in the country.
“I believe that health should be equal for all, hence I worked together with an NGO called Projek Asal to help fundraise milk packets for Orang Asli children at Royal Belum State Park.
“Currently, I’m also in talks of doing small scale health and hygiene education classes in collaboration with different organisations working with the Orang Asli community.”
Miss World Malaysia 2021 national director Sean Wong said the show had to be produced virtually for the first time in the pageant history due to uncertainty of travel restrictions and safety of contestants.
“What is interesting this year is that the events were held virtually with all contestants streaming via their mobile phones from their own homes.
“Despite the challenges faced in these difficult pandemic times where safety is a major concern, the Miss World Malaysia Organization has innovatively pivoted into digitalization and produced this show in an entirely new format, without even meeting the contestants physically, not even once. Yet there was active audience interactions and engagement throughout the period of the contest,” he said.
A total of 39 finalists participated in the pageant. The contestants from all walks of life included doctors, lawyers, professionals, beauty queens, performing artistes and influencers. Two contestants later withdrew due to work commitments.
“These beautiful and talented ladies had to participate in a number of pre-event activities such as showcasing their talents, display their public speaking skills and most importantly share what social causes they wish to advocate for their Beauty With A Purpose projects,” added Sean.
Miss World Malaysia 2021 Official Results
Winner – Dr. Lavanya Sivaji
1st Princess – Anya Kimberly
2nd Princess – Charissa Chong
3rd Princess – Menaka
4th Princess – Natalie Ang
5th Princess – Dr. Crystal Tung
Subsidiary Awards
Miss Personality – Jessica Gomez
Miss Photogenic – Menaka
Miss Beautiful Hair – Charissa Chong
Miss Elegance – Dr. Crystal Tung
Top Model – Charissa Chong
People’s Choice – Menaka
Miss Hyperlive – Charissa Chong
Top Talent – Nisha
Miss Goodwill Ambassador – Anya Kimberly
Head To Head Challenge Award – Dr. Lavanya Sivaji
Top 12
Adlyn Jayne
Anya Kimberly
Charissa Chong
Dr. Crystal Tung
Haylynn Tan
Jessica Gomez
Dr. Lavanya Sivaji
Menaka
Natalie Ang
Nisha
Shanny
Vivy
