Sarawak can now proudly say that another Miss Universe Malaysia from Sarawak as Francisca Luhong James who is from Kuching, Sarawak was crowned as this year’s Miss Universe Malaysia beating 17 finalists.
Last Saturday, 5 September 2020, in a Gala Night (e-Gala) event that took place in Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Francisca came up with an exciting and extraordinary performance to win the title.
Francisca returned home with the stunning crown by Habib featuring a 10-carat diamond set in white gold worth RM2.38 million, cash and sponsored prizes valued RM180,000 and a full education scholarship from HELP University.
Miss Universe Malaysia 2019, Shweta Sekhon, crowned Francisca as Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 after being judged by actor-director-producer Datuk Hans Isaac, Miss Universe Malaysia 2011 winner Deborah Henry and fashion designer Carven Ong.
The 25-year-old Kuching-born Dayak native, who is a mixed parentage, with a Kayan father, James Bungan, is of Oran Ulu descent from Ulu Sungai and Iban mother, Pauline japok, from Kanowit comes from a culturally rich background.
Francisca is currently working in the public relations and marketing field in Kuala Lumpur as well as a part-time model, though her vision is actually to help improve the lives and socio-economic standing of those in rural areas, extending her support for the Sarawak government’s digital economy initiatives.
Her philanthropy isn’t just for show, either.
The newly crowned Miss Universe Malaysia believes that women can reach greater heights when they support each other, following her Women Rise movement. Francisca also serves as an active voice #StirringUpBorneo, undertaking charity work in the rural areas of Sarawak.
“I want to make children smile and cry with joy too. To see them grow to be successful people and make their family smile, to see them going to school and get the education that they deserve. It’s a satisfying feeling that I can never describe. It’s beyond words. Amazing how women can make such wonders” said Francisca to Borneo Post.
Meanwhile, Charissa Chong Su Huey, 26, from Selangor was named first runner-up; Serene Chai Yong Bin, 26, from Johor was second runner-up; and Neha Varma, 22, from Kuala Lumpur was third runner-up.
Francisca will represent Malaysia at the Miss Universe competition, which is expected to be held in the first quarter of 2021, at a location yet to be announced.
Good luck to the Miss Universe Malaysia 2020, Francisca for her future undertakings! Congratulations to all three winners!
Info via: Malay Mail | Borneo Post Online