Than Kuyil Thayalan, 42, a business owner from Selangor was crowned Mrs Earth Malaysia 2023, and Shakila Saiful, 27, an animal activist from Johor has been named Ms Earth Malaysia 2023 at the Mrs Earth Malaysia pageant final at Royale Chulan Damansara, Petaling Jaya on July 2.
According to Mrs. Earth Malaysia national director Ammetta Malhotra, both Kuyil and Shakila will be going as a team to represent Malaysia in the Mrs Earth grand final in the Philippines.
“We are so proud to have Kuyil and Shakila as our Earth warriors,” she said.
“Kuyil and Shakila will head on to represent Malaysia to compete in their respective Mrs and Ms category, at the 2023 Mrs Earth finals in the Philippines on July 18-23, 2023.”
Ammetta revealed the winners were determined by how they performed in all the activities presented throughout the six weeks of pageantry, as well as in the grand final based on the judging system which assess performance in national costume, introduction, swimwear, evening gown, catwalk and the final Q&A. All these rounds carry 10 points each.
“We were impressed by the dedication, the enthusiasm and the commitment to quality shown by all the contestants. They performed beautifully and spoke well on their advocacy, and all deserved to be the winners.
“It was a tough choice but the panel of judges made their final decision based on the scores accumulated,” said Ammetta, who has co-national director Previtha Rajah on her side.
Speaking of her win, Than Kuyil Thayalan, a former Malaysia Airlines flight attendant and business woman said she was surprised over her victory but attributed her success to her hard work and performance.
“It was an unexpected winning, however I am happy and humbled been given an opportunity to prove myself.
Kuyil thanked Mrs Earth Malaysia national director Ammetta Malhotra and co-national director Previtha Rajah and acknowledged her family members and friends for their love and support in her journey.
Kuyil hopes to improve herself before she competes in the international pageant.
“I am very eager and proud to represent my fellow contestants and Malaysia in the Philippines. Having very little time in hand, I have been multitasking preparing for the interview sessions, costumes, evening wear, introduction and advocacy while juggling my duty as a mum.”
The mother of one said she was inspired by her son to participate in the pageant.
“My son was a eco warrior in his school, that intrigued me a need to do more and give back to Mother Earth.
“Thus, this platform suited the cause at the right time. Now gaining the title, the recognition will help me to fulfil my advocacy to raise awareness about plastic pollution and waste management, amongst others by educating the younger generation about environmental problems that need to be solved for a better future.”
“As they say, charity begins at home. So, creating awareness on plastic pollution and waste management has to also begin from home with first educating ourselves, family and close relatives.
“I believe every micro action will have a macro effect. Therefore, every little effort will save Mother Earth from further destruction.”
During the national costume round, Kuyil went on to win the Best National Costume subsidiary title by wearing a peacock-styled outfit, complete with feathered headpiece and wings which was custom made by her mum Saroja Thayalan.
“Peacocks are known for their vibrant and beautiful appearance, which you can relate to the splendour of Mother Earth.
“By connecting the beauty of the peacock to our planet, you celebrate the wonders of nature. It’s a lovely sentiment that showcases my mother’s craftsmanship and our appreciation for the natural world.
“I enjoy wearing the dress, embodying the beauty of nature and the creativity of my mum.”
Shakila said she feels proud and honoured that she will be representing Malaysia in Mrs Earth 2023.
“I am overwhelmed and truly grateful to be crowned as queen and given the opportunity to represent my country in Mrs Earth 2023, and I will do the best I can.
“Special thanks to my national director Ammetta Malhotra and co-national director Previtha Rajah for their continious guidance and support throughout this pageant.
“If it’s not for them I might not be here today. And my message to my nation is to have the courage to dream big, because by dreaming is when you will shape the destiny as you desire. Never be afraid to stand out, you are unique in your own way and you deserve to be heard. Always remember, anything is possible when you truly believe in yourself”.
Looking ahead, Shakila who also picked up the Best Talent subsidiary title, said she will go all out in preparing for the international pageant.
“I need a lot of preparation in terms of organizing my national costume, preparing myself both mentally and physically for what might lie ahead. I do however have confidence in myself and I believe I have what it takes to uphold my country’s name in the international arena and making Malaysia proud.
“I know it will not be easy journey but I will definitely do my best.”
The 27-year-old animal activist said that creating public awareness of caring for stray animals will be her advocacy at the Mrs Earth.
“I am an animal activist and my advocacy is to reach out to as many people as possible about the importance of “Adopt, Don’t Shop” and to stop animal cruelty.
“Animals don’t have a voice, I felt that it is my responsibility to be the voice for them.
Shakila advocates adopting homeless animals from shelters instead of buying from pet stores and puppy mills, and ultimately, reduce the number of strays together.
She is keeping herself busy with rescuing stray animals especially dogs and cats for many years and has saved and rehomed most of them.
“I am also a part of the Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) team which basically trap strays, neuter and release them to prevent overpopulation of the strays.
“I have adopted most of the stray animals myself.”
“By reducing the number of strays, we can contribute to the society little by little, such as preventing overpopulation of strays in the community which otherwise can negatively impact delicate ecosystems through pollution and the spreading of disease.
“I honestly believe that we are all connected to earth, and animals are playing an important role in balancing our circle of life as well.”
