Taanusiya Chetty carries Malaysia’s hopes to the international stage as she competes in the 73rd Miss World pageant which will take place in Vietnam. She goes for the competition with only one goal in her mind, “to bring home the country’s first Miss World crown”.
The 26-year-old spent the last 19 months preparing for the competition, which began on 8th August and will continue until 5th September 2026.
For Taanusiya, representing Malaysia is beyond competing for a crown. She understands that her actions and words throughout the competition will also represent the country, a responsibility that has shaped the way she prepared for the international stage.
As an eductor, she hopes to use the Miss World platform to also bring attention to education and humanitarian causes. While she admits to feeling nervous, the long preparation has helped her build confidence, handle pressure, and appreciate the experience.
Bringing Malaysian Culture to Miss World
Taanusiya will also be bringing a strong Malaysian identity to Vietnam. Local designers prepared around 100 outfits for her to wear for the many segments and engagements.
Her multicultural background is another strength she carries with her as she is fluent in Malay, English, Mandarin and Tamil. For the talent segment, Taanusiya has chosen to showcase ‘tarian silat’, bringing one of Malaysia’s traditional art forms to the Miss World Stage. She took 9 months of training for the performance, and it will combine movement, discipline and Malaysia culture.
Apart from her own ambitions, Taanusiya hopes her journey will encourage her students and other Malaysian to dream big. She wants the younger generation to see that major goals can be achieved when they are willing to work toward them and make the most of the opportunities they receive.
Hoping to Make History for Malaysia
Malaysian has never won the Miss World crown, making Taanusiya’s gold an ambitious one. The country’s best result was in 1998 when Lina Teoh finished third. Rahimah Orchient Yayah reached the Top 10 in 1994, while Deborah Henry made it to Top 16 in 2007.
After more than a year of preparation, Taanusiya now hopes to make her own mark on the competition and perhaps, create a new chapter for Malaysia at Miss World.
Sources: FMT, The Malaysian Reserve
