Kishweni wins Miss Grand Kuala Lumpur 2019 title

PETALING JAYA – The 19-year-old business student from Puchong, Selangor charmed her way into the judges’ hearts

Kishweni Jaganathan, 19, is being crowned Miss Grand Kuala Lumpur 2019 by outgoing Miss Grand Kuala Lumpur 2018 Taanusiya Veerapandian (partly hidden). Sharing her joy is MGKL state director Jacqueline Liwanag Malabuyoc (right). (Photo credit: Are Mint)

The number 13 is often considered unlucky that brings bad luck but not so for Kishweni Jaganathan, with contestant number 13, who was rewarded with good luck.

The 19-year-old business student from Puchong, Selangor charmed her way into the judges’ hearts to win the Miss Grand Kuala Lumpur 2019 title.

KIshweni beat 15 fellow contestants to claim the crown at the pageant’s coronation night held at Grand Pacific Ballroom, Evolve Concept Mall, Ara Damansara in Petaling Jaya on 9 March 2019.

“I was overwhelmed when my name was called out as the winner. I didn’t expect I will become the winner of Miss Grand Kuala Lumpur 2019 (MGKL) at the age of 19.

“I felt a sense of accomplishment in my life. It’s the beginning of my career and many more to come.

“I’m young but I don’t feel intimidated because I know what I want and I’m always prepared to stand out in any kind of competition. For me, age is just a number. I truly know that people won’t see me as a young beauty queen,” she said.

A new queen has been chosen. The crowning of Kishweni Jaganathan as Miss Grand Kuala Lumpur 2019. (Photo credit: Are Mint)
Kishweni Jaganathan beams her dazzling smile after being crowned Miss Grand Kuala Lumpur 2019. (Photo credit: Are Mint)

Kishweni who stands 166cm (5’ 5.3”) tall also grabbed four subsidiary titles for Best Dress, Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimsuit and Best Catwalk.

With her win, Kishweni is now in the race vying for the coveted national title of Miss Grand Malaysia 2019 at the grand finals to be held in Miri, Sarawak on 28 April 2019.

“I’ll be well-prepared mentally and physically for any kind of obstacles at the finals of the national-level competition where I will be competing among the best of the best,” she said.

Kishweni Jaganathan is stunning in her evening gown which won her the Best in Evening Gown subsidiary title. (Photo credit: Are Mint)
Contestant No. 13 Kishweni during the swimsuit part of the 2019 Miss Grand Kuala Lumpur. She won the subsidiary title for Best in Swimsuit. (Photo credit: Are Mint)

Kishweni shared about her pageant experience that she holds as her greatest memories.

“The experience in MGKL was great. There were many ups and downs during training. I learned many lessons from my other pageant sisters because there are much older than me and also very experienced. I couldn’t be happier to meet good friends through this journey. They are like family, even after winning the crown I realised that the people who are true to you will stand by your side.

“I would like to thank MGKL state director Jacqueline, and Ian and Ellays of MGKL team which make my journey a memorable one and ultimately rewarding,” she said.

Kishweni has entrepreneurial ambition and after graduation, she aims to carve out her own unique career path.

‘My ambition is to become an entrepreneur someday, not just to create a platform for myself but also help others in society to create better job opportunities for others. I would want to have my own brand someday,” she said.

Kishweni said she loves getting involved in producing YouTube videos and watching them.

“I love making YouTube videos and I love watching them as well as using this social media platform to not only create hood contents for viewers but also create awareness for the younger generation,” she said.

Miss Grand Kuala Lumpur 2019 Top 3 winners: From left: Anna Jhia-Jhia Tan (2nd runner-up), Kishweni (winner) and Chermaine Kang (1st runner-up) (Photo credit: Are Mint)
Miss Grand Kuala Lumpur 2019 Top 5 winners: (From L-R) Rindsay Rachelle Laige (3rd runner-up), Anna Jhia-Jhia Tan (2nd runner-up), Kishweni (winner), Chermaine Kang (1st runner-up) and Easter James (4th runner-up) (Photo credit: Are Mint)
Miss Grand Kuala Lumpur 2019 first runner-up Chermaine Kang Yi Ting. (Photo credit: Are Mint)
Miss Grand Kuala Lumpur 2019 second runner-up Anna Jhia-Jhia Tan. (Photo credit: Are Mint)

Music school manager and piano teacher Chermaine Kang Yi Ting, 26, and bank executive Anna Jhia-Jhia Tan, 25, secured the first runner-up and second runner-up spots respectively. Taking the third runner-up spot was 21-year-old law student Rindsay Rachelle Laige while 25-year-old cabin crew Ester James, took the fourth runner-up spot.

The top two winners, Kishweni and Chermaine Kang will earn automatic qualification to the Miss Grand Malaysia national finals to be held in Miri.