The 8 finalists of Miss Universe Singapore 2021 tell us about their motivations and hopes for Singapore

Cate Lin Loo, 19, student

Credit: Photographer: Rui Liang. Fashion: Singapore designers at Design Orchard. Location: The Intan. Miss Universe® Singapore

1/8

Instagram: @catelinloo

Why did you join Miss Universe Singapore?
Cate: I joined Miss Universe Singapore to fulfill my dreams of experiencing pageantry.

What’s your best trait?
Cate: I believe my best trait is being compassionate. Having lived in 4 different countries, it has allowed me to relate with people no matter the difference in culture or backgrounds. There will always be similarities to connect and engage with.

What do you love most about Singapore culture?
Cate: I love our culture of racial harmony.

What are some of the social issues that you feel closely connected to? And why so?
Cate: As a future medical student, I am passionate in advocating healthcare equality and accessibility. This is because I believe medicine is for all, and everybody deserves to be able to live a healthy and happy life.

How do you hope to inspire other females?
Cate: I aspire to inspire women that they can be both beautiful and intellectual, and go against the stigma that it is either one or the other. But most importantly, to remind them that "you’re perfect just the way you are!"

How do you practise sustainability in your everyday life?
I see the importance in protecting our environment. There are many things I try to do on a daily basis such as using reusable cotton pads, supporting the second-hand market like thrifting at op-shops and trying to consume less meat.
What do you plan to do if you win?
Cate: Miss Universe is an amazing international platform for voices to be heard. Representing Singapore, not only will I continue advocating my cause, but I believe it is also important to support other causes that we as a nation find importance in.

Kalynskye Adrian, 21, student

Credit: Photographer: Rui Liang. Fashion: Singapore designers at Design Orchard. Location: The Intan. Miss Universe® Singapore

2/8

Instagram: @kalynskye

Why did you join Miss Universe Singapore?
Kalynskye: I wanted to try something different from modelling and I thought that this was the perfect opportunity to do just that!

What makes you stand out?
Kalynskye: My short hair!

What do you love most about Singapore culture?
Kalynskye: I love that you can be exposed to people of different backgrounds and ethnicity, and bond over anything.

What are some of the social issues that you feel closely connected to? And why so?
Kalynskye: I am definitely an animal lover as I was raised by my grandmother who took in cats. I think that love for animals rubbed off on me. I have rescued my own cat and hope to help more community cats around my area.

Another thing that I'm passionate about is gender equality. I would like to bring attention to all the work that AWARE has been doing, and even shed light on the struggles that Singaporean women may face - whether it be in the workplace or home.

As a minority woman myself, I have faced prejudice in some instances, so I hope that no woman would ever be put in such situations.

How do you hope to inspire other females?
I hope to inspire them to be themselves, and to make the choice to be the best version of themselves - instead of pitting woman against woman.
How do you practise sustainability in your everyday life?
Kalynskye: I suppose it’s the small things like opting out of using a plastic straw and bringing my own bag when I go to the shops. I also try and encourage my family to recycle as well as save energy and water by switching off the lights or fans when we're not in the room.

What do you plan to do if you win?
Kalynskye: I plan to get Singapore into the Top 10 for Miss Universe and bring light to Malay beauty!

Lila Tan, 18, student

Credit: Photographer: Rui Liang. Fashion: Singapore designers at Design Orchard. Location: The Intan. Miss Universe® Singapore

3/8

Instagram: @lilaatan

Why did you join Miss Universe Singapore?
Lila: I am grateful for my uncle who encouraged me to take up this challenge of competing in the Miss Universe Singapore competition. I remember chuckling because I wasn’t able to envision myself in a beauty competition!

But now I understand that it’s so much more than that! And personally, I wanted to challenge myself and see what I am truly capable of doing. It’s also a journey for me to learn to embrace my athletic body figure.

What makes you stand out?
Lila: I have set my heart out for a plethora of things I am passionate about in life. I am not only a student, I play football at a national level, I do part-time modeling and I am currently launching my own clothing line.
I want to inspire people to do whatever they set their minds to, and I believe this determination of mine allows me to truly stand out.
What do you love most about Singapore culture?
Lila: I absolutely love the diverse culture we have - the plethora of food choices, the various languages, the different races. It creates such a beautiful atmosphere!

What are some of the social issues that you feel closely connected to? And why so?
Lila: I care immensely about fighting for gender equality, and allowing women to have equal rights and opportunities. I feel like this is still an extremely prominent dilemma in our contemporary modern society when it shouldn’t be.

How do you hope to inspire other females?
Lila: I hope to inspire other females through the use of my platform by raising awareness and bringing to light global issues that aren’t spoken about enough, by providing a voice for the voiceless.

How do you practise sustainability in your everyday life?
Lila: I practise sustainability in small steps to strive to have cleaner earth. I do this by making sure to practise sustainable fashion. I like to buy second-hand clothing on Instagram and go thrift shopping!

What do you plan to do if you win?
Lila: I plan to be able to use my platform to raise awareness and bring light to certain issues that aren’t talked about enough. But I think the very first thing I’ll do is run home and celebrate with my family!

Mardhiah Azizan, 22, consultant

Credit: Photographer: Rui Liang. Fashion: Singapore designers at Design Orchard. Location: The Intan. Miss Universe® Singapore

4/8

Instagram: @mardi.a_

Why did you join Miss Universe Singapore?
Mardhiah: I thought it would be a great experience and a great opportunity for me to learn more about myself while also having a chance to speak up about what I would like to advocate for.

What’s your best trait?
My best trait is definitely my perseverance and optimism. It has helped me whenever I face challenges and hardships.
What do you love most about Singapore culture?
Mardhiah: I really love that our culture is a combination of cultures. It is heavily influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultures, and therefore makes us more accepting and respectful of other cultures.

What are some of the social issues that you feel closely connected to? And why so?
Mardhiah: Climate change. It is a great threat to the world. Growing up watching the news with my dad, climate change and global warming are the most discussed topics. Therefore, I feel a sense of purpose to help reverse that process, however I can. It has given me the drive to protect and preserve our earth from degrading, and has taught me to respect our environment.

How do you hope to inspire other females?
Mardhiah: Just like how I am inspired by strong and hardworking women in my life, I hope to inspire other females with my kindness and perseverance. I hope that with what I’ve achieved, it inspires the younger girls that they can also achieve their goals and be a better version of themselves always.

How do you practise sustainability in your everyday life?
Mardhiah: Taking public transportation, and bringing my own bag for groceries and shopping. I collect and organise all my plastic, glass and paper waste for recycling. I also reduce water and energy consumption wherever I can.

What do you plan to do if you win?
Mardhiah: As for the prize money, I would like to donate some to foster homes to help defenceless children. With my influence, I would want to make an impact with what I advocate for and hope to inspire others.

Nandita Banna, 21, student

Credit: Photographer: Rui Liang. Fashion: Singapore designers at Design Orchard. Location: The Intan. Miss Universe® Singapore

5/8

Instagram: @nxndita

Why did you join Miss Universe Singapore?
Nandita: I joined Miss Universe Singapore to try something new and step out of my comfort zone. This competition has given me the opportunity to know myself better, be more confident and speak up about the causes I care about.

What’s your best trait?
Nandita: My drive and determination. I ensure that I always give my 100%, no matter what I am trying to do because I'd like to keep learning and growing as a person. I also feel that I am an empathetic person, which helps me understand and connect with people better.

What do you love most about Singapore culture?
Nandita: I love that we are so diverse and that our shared Singaporean culture — whether it’s our language, food or interests — has elements that everyone can relate to no matter where they are from.

What are some of the social issues that you feel closely connected to? And why so?
Nandita: With the recent rise in reported incidents of racism in Singapore, one of the issues I feel strongly about is eradicating racism. Especially as a country that prides itself on its multiculturalism, we should all strive to make everyone who calls Singapore home feel safe and wanted.

We shouldn't deny people the chance of having a comfortable life and a caring community based on what they look like or where they come from.

How do you hope to inspire other females?
Nandita: I hope to show people that you can be beautiful no matter what you look like, and that beauty comes from within. Being kind, speaking up for what you believe in and caring for our community is what matters the most.

How do you practise sustainability in your everyday life?
Nandita: At a personal level, I make an effort to eat more plant-based meals, reduce, recycle and go on beach clean-ups. I even grow some veggies with my family!

What do you plan to do if you win?
Nandita: If I win, I'd like to change the image that people have of Miss Universe Singapore.
I'd like to make it more inclusive and accepting, focusing on people's personalities and charisma, rather than trying to compare them to some arbitrary beauty standards. I would also like to amplify the voices of those who need help in our community, and grow the mutual aid movement in Singapore.

Rachel Jumeidi Alexander, 21, student

Credit: Photographer: Rui Liang. Fashion: Singapore designers at Design Orchard. Location: The Intan. Miss Universe® Singapore

6/8

Instagram: @rachelja_

Why did you join Miss Universe Singapore?
Rachel: I grew up being the shy, geeky kid in school. I'd always underestimated myself due to low self-esteem.
I joined because I’ve come a long way in my journey of getting through my depression and anxiety, and I want to show all the girls out there that the world offers miracles and opportunities — we just need the confidence to take them.
What makes you stand out?
Rachel: I feel that the most obvious difference between me and the other girls is that I am a woman in the male-dominated Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) industry who is dedicated to music and sports.

Unlike the others, I am not a model and I only gained the confidence to take photos of myself last year. I used to struggle with body image, and used sports as a distraction. Now, I don't need to rely on a rigorous training schedule to cope with my problems, as I am facing them head-on.

What do you love most about Singapore culture?
Rachel: I love our resilience and hardworking attitude. When I studied overseas, I realised that we put 100% effort into everything we work towards – our determination and drive to strive for the best are unmatched.

What are some of the social issues that you feel closely connected to? And why so?
Rachel: Every girl in Singapore has had uncomfortable experiences with men. We face misogyny nearly everywhere we go, from the objectification of the male gaze on the bus to subtly degrading comments in the office. Just today, I saw a little girl scramble onto the bus to avoid the stare of an old man who was licking his lips with his mask down. I felt heartbroken.

However, I feel that the most prevalent social issue in Singapore is racism and xenophobia. We need to have more empathy and listen to the people who are begging to be heard. Casual remarks dehumanising minority groups are being thrown around every day. Although the system has been inching towards racial equality, we must learn to be respectful to everyone, regardless of their appearance, their race, or religion.

How do you hope to inspire other females?
Rachel: I hope to inspire other females to prioritise themselves and realise that our success cannot be measured quantitatively by our accomplishments. Neither can it be measured by how much praise we get. We don't need validation to know who we are. In addition, I hope to inspire the little girls who underestimate themselves and hide behind their anxiety. You are not alone and life isn't so scary!

How do you practise sustainability in your everyday life?
Rachel: I know that not everything that we put into our recycling bins will end up getting recycled, so I try to shop local produce and products with the least packaging.

Consumerism will always be damaging to the environment, so I try to keep a balanced diet and keep in mind where my produce comes from.

What do you plan to do if you win?
Rachel: Order a cake and celebrate with my sister!

Serena Jane McNeill, 21, model

Credit: Photographer: Rui Liang. Fashion: Singapore designers at Design Orchard. Location: The Intan. Miss Universe® Singapore

7/8

Instagram: @serenajane_

Why did you join Miss Universe Singapore?
Serena: To meet like-minded individuals who want to create change and start important conversations that people tend to shy away from.

What’s your best trait?
Serena: I would say my thoughtfulness.

What do you love most about Singapore culture?
Serena: The mix of diverse cultures!

What are some of the social issues that you feel closely connected to? And why so?
Serena: Women’s rights as well as animal rights. I’ve been vegan for the past four years.

How do you hope to inspire other females?
Serena: By being a voice for them and achieving the best that I can.

How do you practise sustainability in your everyday life?
I cut out animal products from my day-to-day life as well as take public transport as much as possible.
What do you plan to do if you win?
Serena: I hope to work with the organisations whose causes I feel strongly for, as well as create conversations about the issues Singapore faces, for a wider audience.

Sharon Auxilia, 24, student

Credit: Photographer: Rui Liang. Fashion: Singapore designers at Design Orchard. Location: The Intan. Miss Universe® Singapore

8/8

Instagram: @sharonauxiliaaa

Why did you join Miss Universe Singapore?
Sharon: I joined the competition to inspire and influence people to be comfortable in their own skin. There were times where I had to overcome the fear of not being good enough. I also wanted to change the perception that people have of such competitions, that it is a frivolous pastime of vanity. I want to use the international platform to lend a voice to the voiceless.

What makes you stand out?
Sharon: I think everyone here is unique and beautiful in their own right but I care more about unfurling the beauty in human hearts and increasing the beauty of the world which is currently in a very ugly state. Conflict is increasing all over the world.

What do you love most about Singapore culture?
Sharon: Singapore is a non-homogeneous country that celebrates diversity at its finest. I’m proud to be a part of a country that accepts all cultures.

What are some of the social issues that you feel closely connected to? And why so?
Sharon: I am excited that there is so much discourse on racial harmony in Singapore, and would love to add my voice to it. Racism festers when people cannot air their views in a healthy way.
I have hope for a more inclusive and open-minded democracy in our little country. Young people in Singapore need platforms to speak and learn from minorities here.
How do you hope to inspire other females?
Sharon: We should challenge the oppression of women because gender inequality is still an issue in some countries. Women should be given more active support systems to chase their dreams.

How do you practise sustainability in your everyday life?
Sharon: I adopt a meat-free diet. I collect rainwater to water my plants. I try my best to recycle and reuse plastic bottles.

What do you plan to do if you win?
Sharon: I feel the need to use the local and international platforms in a responsible way to increase selfless love in the world. I want to create awareness by giving voice to relevant issues, especially integrative education for differently-abled children and children with learning difficulties.