Sherilyn Marissa Kee recently won the title of Miss Grand Sea Asia 2022 and right now she is focused on winning the next beauty pageant.
Coming from Malaysia, Marissa will be representing Asia at the upcoming Miss & Mr Grand Sea World 2022 finals in Bulgaria on June 24.
Born in Selangor and grew up partially in Selangor and in Negeri Sembilan, her journey started off performing in primary school, training models and running events in the university to now running events professionally. From fashion shows, marathons to beauty pageants and many more, she has come a long way since then.
“Now, I am a beauty queen surrounded by an amazing team and with support from God, my family and friends it has all been worthwhile,” she said.
Marissa is of mixed Asian and European descent with many layers of European and Asian heritage, including Portuguese, Arab, Japanese, Chinese and Indonesian.
She is a psychologist, event planner, linguist, pageant trainer, runway coach, singer/songwriter, model and national pageant director for Miss & Mrs Curvy International Beauty Pageant.
Her ability to balance her successful career as psychologist, all while performing a variety of tasks is admirable.
Marissa won her first beauty pageant Miss Curvy Malaysia 2019, and last year awarded Miss Curvy International Ambassador 2021/2022.
She is inspiring, hardworking, dedicated and is looking forward to make the country proud by bringing home the prestigious international crown.
What preparations do you think you need for the world finals in Bulgaria?
“There is an incredible amount of preparation to be done in terms of wardrobe and pageant training. I would say that everything is going well so far. I believe that it’s not just about preparations in terms of appearance but also the mindset where we have to prepare for it mentally, emotionally and psychologically.”
What in your opinion is the most important part of a beauty pageant?
“I believe that the most important part of a beauty pageant is to be able to impact the world and its people. To stand for a cause and to have the opportunity to affect change the world and to create a better world for our future generations. It is to be able to have a voice and to speak out for those who can’t. Be the voice the unheard and unspoken for.”
What qualities should a beauty queen have?
“A beauty queen should honour her title, conquer her fears, build her strength and love her people. For a queen is nothing without her queen-dom.”
Your definition of beauty.
“My definition of beauty is the presence you give when you walk into a room. It’s not about the physical traits but more about the aura and energy you emit out into your surroundings. The ability to speak and for others to listen. That is beauty. Beauty in the presence and power.”
What or who inspired you to be in this pageant industry?
“I have always had a love for the arts. I came from a family of art and entertainment lovers: performing and liberal arts. My love for this industry was instilled in me since young. My family and friends gave me lots of encouragement to challenge myself and with their support, I am here today.”
What is your philosophy of life?
“Do unto others as you would have others done unto you. Everyone makes mistakes, take some time everyday to reflect on yourself so you can be better than you were yesterday.”
What is the most important lesson for us to learn from life?
“Life is unpredictable yet precious. We never know when we have run out of time therefore, use your time wisely. Make great contributions, inspire others, be kind and humble.”
Can you tell us something about the charity?
“I am really passionate about charity because it offers the chance to give something back to the community and the difference it makes. It is important that we care and help each other.
“I have been working with Institut Onn Ja’afar for many years now. It is a non-profit organization with volunteer mobilization team for programs to help the underprivileged, homeless and disabled children.
“I am also grateful for the opportunity to be volunteer teacher, teaching refugees. I also contribute to World Vision and Unicef supplying food, supplies and necessities to organizations in and out of Malaysia.
“I have recently founded my very own foundation called Hermanas Bellas Foundation for women in Malaysia with plans of expanding internationally.”
Tell us something more about you that others may not know.
“Well, I am a huge nerd who loves to read. I can spend the day reading about history, cultures, traditions, languages, experiments and so on. I can go on and on about fun facts. I love trivia and quizzes, and I love fiction and sci-fi.
“I am a huge fan of superheroes and action movies and I have always wanted to be a stand-up comedian, doing accents and impressions.
“I speak 10 languages and counting and I can sing in more than 10 languages. I am also a fashion designer, singer and songwriter. I model part time for brands and products.”
What is the one thing that you want to achieve?
“My ambition is to be able to fund and run my own foundation that I recently founded called Hermanas Bellas Foundation. This foundation is about sisterhood and how empowered women empower other women. The foundation is about creating a positive, uplifting organization that will not only support but would also walk a mile with you.”
What message would you like to convey to all the young women out there?
“Be the person who can affect change, be the person who you would want to look up to, to interview and have the honour of meeting and be the person who leaves a positive impact on those you leave behind.”
