Muhammad Afiq Zul Suhaile, a 27-year-old fitness studio manager from Taiping, Perak, made Malaysia proud by emerging as the male champion in Super Model Universe 2023 international grand final held at Wyndham Grand Bangsar Kuala Lumpur on Sept 30.
The 172cm (5’ 7.7”) tall winner was also awarded two subsidiary titles for Best National Costume and Best Body.
In the female category, Irina Kirsanova, a 35-year-old model and pageant organiser from Moscow, Russia was named the Super Model Universe 2023 female champion.
The Russian winner, who stands at 174cm (5′ 8.5″), also bagged the Best Posing subsidiary title.
Afiq has become the first Malaysian to win the Super Model Universe title in the male category.
“I feel blessed to represent Malaysia and make my country and loved ones proud,” said Afiq who has described his goal as advocating for fitness and healthy lifestyle.
“After achieving success, my future can be shaped by my aspirations and goals. I might see myself in a position of greater influence or leadership in my industry,” he said.
“Success can open doors to new opportunities, allowing me to pursue my passions and make a positive impact on my community,” he added.
Additionally, Malaysia’s Venna Margarita, a 31-year-old medical doctor from Kuala Lumpur, was named the Super Photo Model Universe 2023. She also won two subsidiary titles – Best Performance and Best National Costume for wearing the Petronas Twin Towers-themed outfit.
Both Afiq and Venna were crowned Super Model Universe Malaysia 2023 champions on May 13 this year and represented Malaysia at the Super Model Universe 2023 international grand final held for the first time in Malaysia.
The competition consisted of contestants from countries including France, USA, Syria, Sierra Leone, Pakistan, Nigeria, Moldova, Russia, Netherlands, Philippines and host Malaysia.
Present at the coronation night were Mrs Universe Ltd owner Ioan Karamfilov and Mrs Universe Ltd chief executive officer Megi Savova.
“This year, all the contestants had a great bond between them. They really enjoyed themselves. They took part in a lot of activities together. I saw there was unity but what I loved is when they stepped on stage and all of them were professional, they gave their best and they were ready to win,” said organiser Super Model Universe Malaysia national director Ammetta Malhotra Bergin.
“I hope the foreign delegates enjoyed the hospitality and the sights and culture of Malaysia and the people during their stay here,” added Ammetta.
The grand finale had a panel of celebrity judges who included, among others, Priyanka Raghoe (Super Model Universe 2022), Reene Tang (Super Model Universe Malaysia Ambassador 2019), Carl Graham (global model), Francis Yip (fashionista and creative director) and Chanel Sii (model and fashion designer).
The final event of the night were two other contests – the Mrs Universe Classic Malaysia 2023 and Woman of the Universe Malaysia 2023, with Dharshini Nadarajah and Selvarani Chelvakumaran crowned the champion respectively.
Dharshini will be representing Malaysia at the Mrs Universe Classic 2024 in Gibraltar in April next year, while Selvarani will go on to represent Malaysia at the Women of the Universe 2023 world final in Dubai in November this year.
Here are a few more pictures from the event as captured by our photographer Kamarul –
This article has been updated since its original publication.
