KUCHING: Dr Sunny Pui spends much of his time helping future teachers build their confidence, but this December, it will be his turn to step onto the international stage.
The teacher educator was handpicked and crowned Mister Celebrity Malaysia 2026 in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (Aug 30), earning him the chance to represent the country in China.
“I hope to bring the name of Sarawak and Malaysia to China and the world,” he said when speaking to reporters upon arriving at Kuching International Airport here on Monday (Aug 31).
Sunny holds a PhD in Teaching English as a Second Language from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and currently lectures in the Language Department at the Tun Abdul Razak Institute of Teacher Education Campus.
His passion for helping young people find their confidence has also followed him beyond the classroom and into pageantry.
His latest title did not come through a competition as he was selected by the International Celebrity Pageant Group based on his performance at Mister Native Borneo 2025.
Sunny won the Head-to-Head Challenge and finished as fourth runner-up, with the organisation later approaching him after seeing how he carried himself and showcased his cultural identity.
Returning home on National Day made the occasion even more meaningful for him.
“I am very excited and thankful for the trust placed in me by crowning and sashing me as Mister Celebrity Malaysia 2026.
“National Day reminds me that I must fight and do my best for Malaysia,” he said.
Sunny will represent Malaysia at Miss and Mister Celebrity International 2026, which will be held in China from Dec 13 to 21.
The pageant carries the Zero Waste and Zero Hate advocacies, promoting environmental responsibility, equality and greater opportunities for marginalised communities.
Preparations are already underway with his team from Ahmad Taufik Talent, covering question-and-answer training, wardrobe planning, photoshoots, diet and regular gym sessions.
For Sunny, however, the greater challenge lies in finding the best way to show the world what makes Malaysia stand apart.
“Every place has its own food and culture, but I believe what makes Malaysia different is how we celebrate unity in diversity,” he said.
