MISS Georgia, Ani Stepanishvili, was crowned Miss Asia Global Malaysia 2026 at Harris Hotel and Conventions in Sunshine Central Penang, Air Itam, last night.
The pageant brought together 37 contestants, who spent the previous 10 days preparing for the competition and exploring Penang’s attractions before taking to the stage to showcase their talents, cultural heritage and evening wear.
Stepanishvili emerged as the winner among the top five finalists, followed by Miss Malaysia Teh Jing En in second place, Miss Uzbekistan Shokhida Rasulova in third, Miss Thailand Patchariya Chantelle Riddell in fourth and Miss Mexico Karla Maria Diaz De Leon Kemp in fifth.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who attended the event, said the pageant supported efforts to promote Penang beyond George Town by highlighting the state’s heritage, food culture, natural attractions and tourism potential in Seberang Perai.
“It also reinforced our efforts to promote the state beyond George Town, highlighting our heritage, food culture, natural attractions and the tourism potential of Seberang Perai,” he said.
Wong also highlighted the importance of international connections in improving Penang’s accessibility and creating opportunities to develop new tourism markets.
“These connections are important because they make Penang more accessible and give us opportunities to develop new tourism markets.
“We will continue working with airlines and industry partners to strengthen route sustainability and generate demand for these services,” Wong said.
He added that the pageant promoted women’s leadership, confidence, and social responsibility beyond the crown, while giving international visitors a chance to experience Penang.
Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, who also attended the event, highlighted the connections forged through international gatherings abroad and the opportunities they created for Penang to welcome visitors from around the world.
“They come to connect. They keep engaging with us, because today is a testimony to that. The world is here,” he said.
Miss Asia Global 2026 chairman Datuk Seri Syed Mohamad Aidid Syed Murtaza also addressed the gathering, highlighting the role of the event in bringing people together.
The event was graced by the presence of former Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and his consort, Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor.
Also present were Pegasus Global chairman and Miss Asia Global founder Dr Ajit Ravi, Miss Asia Global Malaysia 2026 organiser and national director Grace Teoh, pageant producer Ivan Choo, Miss Asia Global 2022 winner Carol Lye, and Miss Asia Global 2025 winner Angel Bianca Agustin.
The evening featured several competition segments, including national costume and self-introduction presentations, a traditional dance performance featuring four Malay dances in kebaya attire, a talent showcase involving the top six contestants, and an evening gown parade.
In the national costume and self-introduction segment, Miss Singapore took first place, followed by Miss Mexico as first runner-up and Miss Japan as second runner-up.
For the talent showcase, Miss Mongolia won first place, while Miss Chinese Taipei and Miss India secured first and second runner-up positions, respectively.
As for the evening gown parade, Miss Slovakia won first place, followed by Miss New Zealand and Miss Philippines.
The other subsidiary titles went to Miss Thailand (Miss Grace with a Purpose), Miss Philippines (Miss Beauty with a Mission), Miss Egypt (Miss People’s Choice), Miss China (Miss Glamour), Miss Romania (Miss Charming), Miss Tajikistan (Miss Congeniality), Miss Thailand (Miss Popular), Miss Indonesia (Miss Photogenic), Miss Poland (Miss Confidence), Miss Republic of Congo (Miss Natural Beauty), Miss Japan (Miss Personality), Miss Zambia (Miss Fashionista), Miss South Africa (Miss Humanity) and Miss Malaysia (Miss PETACE Elegance).
Story by Ammar Mikhail Aamer
Pix by Siew Chia En