The M World and M Universe Grand Pageant 2025 lit up Kuala Lumpur with a celebration of global beauty, cultural pride and purpose-driven elegance — proving that modern pageantry is about more than crowns and catwalks.
A New Era of Elegance
It was a beauty pageant unfamiliar to me, yet one that bore a name strikingly similar to the world’s most prestigious titles — except for the distinctive “M” that precedes it. Intrigued by whether that “M” stood for Malaysia, I set out to discover more.
As the only media representative from Sarawak, my curiosity was met with a warm welcome — and, to my surprise, a cup of Sarawak White Coffee infused with the aromatic zest of Bentong ginger. The thoughtful gesture hinted at the blend of global sophistication and Malaysian hospitality that would define the evening.
Elegance, culture, and connection
Arriving early at W Kuala Lumpur, I had the privilege of mingling with the contestants as they breezed through the hotel lobby, resplendent in traditional and creative costumes representing cultures from around the globe.
A total of 37 participants, competing across the Miss and Mrs categories, had gathered for this international event that celebrated not only beauty but also purpose, unity, and love for the planet.
It was difficult to tell who was vying for which title — Miss or Mrs, M World or M Universe — but one thing was clear: each woman carried herself with confidence and pride.
Among the many contestants I met was Jessica Kueh Mei Fung, a Sarawakian beauty now based in Selangor — a reminder that grace and talent from Borneo continue to shine on international stages. It was no surprise that the Best National Costume Designer award went to Borneo Republik from Sarawak.
The visionary behind the crown
Making a statement with her grand entrance, followed closely by her personal bodyguard, was none other than Datuk Reiss Tiara, the elegant and passionate founder of The M World and M Universe Pageant, which likely began in the post-COVID era.
A celebrated entrepreneur, beauty queen, and philanthropist, Tiara created these pageants to redefine the meaning of beauty by shifting the focus from appearance to purpose. Her philosophy emphasises confidence, intelligence, character, and compassion as the cornerstones of true elegance.
Her organisation champions the global message “Love Earth, Love Ocean, World Peace”, aligning beauty with advocacy for environmental conservation and sustainability. Under her leadership, contestants are inspired to become not just titleholders, but ambassadors of goodwill and change.
A night of global glamour and purpose
Under a canopy of dazzling lights at the luxurious W Kuala Lumpur ballroom on September 21, 2025, the event commenced in grand style. The theme, “Love Earth, Love Ocean, World Peace”, set the tone for an evening that transcended traditional notions of pageantry. This was not merely a contest of looks but a celebration of compassion, sustainability, and global goodwill.
The Guest of Honour and Royal Patron was YM Tengku Datuk Dr Hishammuddin Zaizi bin YAM Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah Alhaj.
Throughout the evening, the audience was captivated by a breathtaking showcase of culture, creativity, and conviction. The national costume segment was a visual feast, with each ensemble narrating stories of heritage, hope, and identity. From ornate beadwork to avant-garde reinterpretations of cultural motifs, the runway shimmered with diversity and artistry.
Beauty beyond the surface
The talent performances revealed another dimension of the contestants, who could sing, dance, and advocate with passion and poise. Their performances highlighted causes ranging from marine conservation to women’s empowerment, proving that true beauty radiates from a purposeful heart.
As the evening progressed to the final round, transformations unfolded – not just in attire, but in energy. The finalists, glowing with confidence, took the stage one last time, answering thought-provoking questions with sincerity and grace.
Behind the glamour, what stood out most was the spirit of sisterhood. Contestants from different continents embraced one another, shared laughter backstage, and bonded over their shared mission to promote unity and environmental consciousness.
“In a world often divided, beauty can indeed be a bridge.”
Crowning glory
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived – the crowning of the new global queens of 2025. Amid cheers, tears, and flashes of light, the top five finalists stood hand in hand, embodying the essence of the M World and M Universe Pageant: beauty with a purpose, elegance with empathy.
As the crowns were placed upon their heads and the ballroom erupted in applause, it became clear that this was more than a pageant. It was a global celebration of humanity — a reminder that beauty, when intertwined with purpose, has the power to inspire change and make the world just a little more radiant.
The Grand Winners of the Evening:
Miss M World 2025 – Katerina Vlasenko (Ukraine)
Mrs M World 2025 – Angela June (Malaysia)
Miss M Universe 2025 – Kristina Barskaia (Russia)
Mrs M Universe 2025 – Tatiana Fedorishcheva (Russia)
Best National Costume Designer – Borneo Republik (Sarawak)
