18 September, 2018
National University of Singapore sociology graduate Zahra Khanum was crowned Miss Universe Singapore at the coronation night organised by The New Paper and held at One Farrer Hotel on Aug 31.
After two months of pre-pageant activities together with 14 lovely candidates, she emerged as the nation’s 59th representative to the Miss Universe pageant which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand in December.
Tiong Jia En, 23, rhythm cycling instructor, took the 1st Runner up position whilst 26-year-old realtor Jaslyn Tan took the title of 2nd Runner up.
Jaslyn also took home a special award newly introduced this year, Miss Dream Lady, presented by Dream Cruises. Finalists Sharin Kiong and Renee Kee took home the Miss Alluring and Miss Aspirational awards sponsored by Cosmoprof and BeauteHub respectively.
Zahra wowed the judges with her eloquent reply to the final question which was relevant to a current political situation. Her reply received positive cheers from the over 200-strong crowd present and most importantly, her mother, who single-handedly raised her.
After her win, she exclaimed, "I am happy, I am excited, I am proud of everyone. But most importantly, I am really happy I am able to make my mum proud."
Mr Eugene Wee, editor of The New Paper and also one of the judges on the panel this year said that Miss Khanum had “that extra sparkle that set her apart.”
He was joined by six other judges, including Wendy Jacobs, a former top model and super mum, who also served as the finalists' catwalk coach, together with renowned individuals from the pageant circle, including Miss Universe Malaysia's National Director Elaine Daly and former Miss Universe Singapore, Lisa Marie White.
The pageant results were audited by top accounting firm KPMG.
This is the third year that The New Paper organised the event in partnership with the Miss Universe Singapore Organisation. The event saw a new presenter in Dream Cruise with existing sponsors who carried on their sponsorship this year: Beaute Hub, Orchard Scotts Dental, Cosmoprof and Apgujeong Hair Studio.
Keen to see a telecast of the Miss Universe Singapore 2018 finale? Watch here!