Cover Photo: @franciscaluhong/Instagram and Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation
Fun facts about the 25-year-old who represented Malaysia at the Miss Universe 2021 competition in Florida earlier this month

1. She's the first indigenous contestant to represent Malaysia at Miss Universe

Proud of her full Kayan-Kenyah-Iban heritage, part model and former public relations executive Francisca Luhong James recently posted on Instagram about her feelings being the first indigenous Miss Malaysia Universe contestant. 

The eldest of three in her family with two younger brothers, James was thrilled to be crowned Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 last year in an e-Gala ceremony that was live streamed from the Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation website. 

Related: 5 Former Malaysian Beauty Queens Who Inspire Us

2. She made Sarawak proud

Tatler Asia
Above Photo; Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation

Notably, James was the only Sarawakian to make the Top 18 finalists last year in the Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 competition and the first woman of Iban heritage to win the coveted crown, an inspiring milestone for other young women of indigenous heritage in the nation. 

See also: Pandelela Rinong Wins First Gold Medal At Diving World Cup

3. She felt like quitting the beauty pageant scene just before she won

In her winning speech at the Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 e-Gala, a stunned James candidly said: "I’ve been on this pageant journey for a very long time and I actually wanted to give up on pageants before, but something told me that I should join Miss Universe Malaysia, so I just followed my heart."

Related: 6 Malaysian Beauty Queens Across Generations Get Real About Pageant Life

4. She's an advocate for female empowerment

James is an outspoken advocate of women's rights who believes that empowerment starts with each and every individual. Her Women Rise movement is a platform for women from all walks of life to tell their stories and support one another.

It's also a platform that discusses important issues, from breast cancer awareness to raising funds for orang asli communities via the Global Peace Foundation.

Related: Sape' Artiste Alena Murang's New Album Celebrates The Beauty Of Bornean Heritage

 

Topics