Sarawakian Francisca Luhong James was crowned as Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 on Saturday 5 September 2020 via live virtual broadcast on the pageant’s official website Miss Universe Malaysia Organization (MUMO).
| Image via Free Malaysia Today
Charissa Chong Su Huey from Selangor was crowned first runner-up, followed by Serene Chai Yong Bin (Johor) and Neha Verma (Kuala Lumpur) as the second and third runner up, respectively.
Beating 17 other finalists, the 24-year-old PR & Marketing executive is also a model, and does philanthropic work through her women empowerment movement called Women Rise that’s involved with various charity programs with a focus on rural areas. See #stirringupborneo.
A Dayak native of Sarawak, Kuching-born Francisca boasts a proud indigenous lineage that includes Kayan, Kenyah, and Iban roots. Her father, James Bungan is of Orang Ulu descent from Ulu Sungai Asap, while her mother Pauline Japok is an Iban from Kanowit.
Originally scheduled to be on 5 March, the pageant that was to be held at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur was moved to 5 September due to COVID-19 restrictions. The grand finale was then made available via live stream broadcast with online ticketing on the pageant’s official website. The event’s grand parade of different categories saw Francisca also take home the Best in Evening Gown, and Miss Auto Bavaria Elegance winning titles.
Watch Francisca’s crowning moment:
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