CONTESTANTS representing 37 countries and regions were introduced at the Miss Global Asia Malaysia 2026 preview dinner at St Giles Wembley Hotel Penang recently, ahead of the pageant’s coronation night on Oct 24.
The line-up includes representatives from Bashkortostan, Burundi, Chile, China, Chinese Taipei, Egypt, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, the Philippines, Poland, the Republic of Guinea, the Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Samoa, Siberia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tatarstan, Thailand, Tonga, Turkiye, Uzbekistan and Zambia.
Founded in 2015, Miss Global Asia aims to showcase Asian and Eurasian cultures, promote tourism and empower young women through an international platform.
Miss Global Asia Malaysia 2026 organiser and national director Grace Teoh welcomed the contestants and thanked them for travelling to Malaysia to participate in the event.
“Thank you for travelling to Malaysia and being part of this occasion. Over the coming days, we have planned opportunities for you to discover Penang’s rich heritage, its diverse cultures and, of course, its wonderful food,” she said.
Teoh said the pageant represented more than beauty, highlighting the importance of culture, grace, empowerment and learning from people with different backgrounds and experiences.
She also encouraged the contestants to give their best while making the most of the opportunity to build friendships and gain new experiences.
“As the competition begins, give it your very best, but remember to enjoy yourselves too. Take time to talk, to laugh and to learn from one another.
“My hope is that every one of you will leave Penang with greater confidence in yourselves, new friendships and something meaningful to carry into the future,” she said.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who was also present, said hosting an international pageant provided an opportunity to showcase Penang’s multicultural heritage and strengthen international connections.
“Our state has long been recognised for its multicultural heritage and its ability to bring different communities together.
“When we bring the world together in Penang, we create opportunities not only for cultural exchange but also for stronger international relationships that can continue beyond the event itself,” he said.
Wong added that the event could also benefit local tourism businesses by introducing visitors to the state’s attractions and hospitality.
“Beyond the pageant itself, visiting contestants and accompanying delegates have opportunities to experience our hospitality, discover our attractions and support our local tourism businesses.
“We should also consider the awareness it creates, the relationships it develops and the interest it generates in visiting Penang,” he said.
The preview dinner continued with a sashing ceremony, during which the contestants took to the stage to receive their sashes. The sashes were presented by Wong, Teoh, Miss Asia Global 2022 winner Carol Lye and pageant producer Ivan Choo.
Five contestants representing Mongolia, Georgia, Poland, India and Malaysia also showcased their talents through traditional dances and vocal performances.
The Miss Global Asia Malaysia 2026 coronation night is scheduled for Oct 24 at Harris Hotel and Conventions at Sunshine Central Penang, beginning at 6.30pm.
Story and pix by Ammar Mikhail Aamer