Wearing her crown with humility, Anita Kurkach uplifts children, champions compassion, and redefines what it truly means to be beautiful.
A good heart is true beauty
WHEN Anita Kurkach was crowned Miss Petite Global 2025 in May, the moment was more than a personal triumph.
For the 30-year-old Belarusian model, actress and humanitarian advocate, it marked the continuation of a journey defined by purpose rather than applause.
“Beauty is not always a good heart, but a good heart is always beauty,” she often says – a mantra she has carried into orphanages, classrooms, and every stage she has stood upon.
Determined to prove that compassion can be as compelling as glamour, Anita has dedicated her reign to uplifting those who too often remain unseen.
Finding joy in resilience, connection
With a master’s degree in psychology and fluency in Belarusian, Russian, Japanese and English, Anita had been building bridges with vulnerable communities long before she wore a crown.
Inspired by Mother Teresa, she spent years working in orphanages and helping build schools for underprivileged children in India.
“And while my work stretches across continents, the simplest lessons often came from the smallest voices,” she told Sarawak Tribune.
Even now, living in Tokyo, Japan, she remains closely connected to the communities she serves – staying in touch through regular calls, updates from local volunteers, and the steady commitment to keep building not just homes but hope.
From these experiences, Anita has come to see children as teachers in their own right – radiant with joy despite hardship.
“They smile even when they have very little. Their happiness comes from presence, from connection, from trust. If we could approach life the way they do, we’d find so much more peace,” she said.
This belief deepened during her time in India, where language was no barrier to connection. While volunteering with people who spoke Bengali or Hindi, Anita discovered that empathy often speaks louder than words.
She recalls an elderly woman abandoned by her family. Neither spoke the other’s language – but every day, Anita sat with her and simply held her hand. Over time, the woman responded with tears, smiles, and eventually, laughter.
“That experience taught me that the true power of language lies in presence and empathy,” she said.
Choosing grace over ego
That commitment to grace over ego would be quietly tested even before the crown was placed on her head.
During a special dinner with the pageant founders and the top three contestants, Anita was voted number one by the public.
When the photographer asked her to stand at the centre, another contestant refused to move. In that instant, she reminded herself that true beauty isn’t about position – it’s about grace. She chose peace over pride and let the other woman have the spot.
Another test came at the grand finale. As some contestants rushed to the cameras, Anita stayed in the background, nearly hidden. But she didn’t push forward.
For her, this was never about one person’s victory – it was about women shining together.
“That’s the true spirit of Miss Petite Global. A good heart will always be beautiful,” she reflected.
It’s a spirit she has long embodied, even before the pageant – in every classroom she visited, every child she embraced, and every language she learned.
Embracing vulnerability as strength
But while she’s used to bringing calm and confidence to others, Anita’s own moments of vulnerability have shaped her just as deeply.
The Deep Interview – one of the most intense phases of the Miss Petite Global competition – caught her off guard.
“I was so nervous. I love being prepared, and not knowing the questions made me anxious,” she admitted.
Just before walking in, she took a deep breath and let go of any need to perform.
“I stopped trying to impress anyone and simply focused on being real. That moment taught me that vulnerability is strength,” she added.
It was a turning point – one that reminded her that being real is far more powerful than being perfect.
Breaking beauty myths
From that moment on, Anita made it her mission to unmask the polished illusions surrounding pageantry.
“There’s this idea that beauty queens are perfect – always flawless, always smiling.
“But in my journey, I was told I wasn’t tall enough or beautiful enough. It hurt my confidence. That’s why I believe we must also shine a light on the real, unfiltered struggles behind the crown,” she said.
She is especially passionate about breaking the myth that beauty and intelligence are mutually exclusive.
“People think if you care about your appearance, you must be shallow. Or if you’re standing on stage in heels and a gown, you can’t stand firm on issues that matter.
“But your true worth lies in who you are, not how others see you,” she emphasised.
A vision of care, creativity
If given the chance to leave one legacy during her reign, Anita dreams of launching “I Care” – a global project to create safe, creative spaces where women can be vulnerable, heal, and rediscover themselves.
As a singer-songwriter, she knows the transformative power of art.
“Music has helped me process emotions and express what words sometimes can’t.
“I want to empower other women to do the same – to use their talents, whether through music, art, or movement, to reconnect with themselves,” she said.
In her vision, “I Care” would offer workshops, emotional wellness sessions, group sports, and creative outlets – a sanctuary where women from all walks of life can feel truly seen and supported.
“Women today are strong and constantly giving. But they also deserve a space to rest, to cry, to just be,” she said.
Through every quiet decision, every dream shared, and every community touched, Anita continues to redefine what it means to wear a crown.
She proves that compassion is not weakness, that elegance can live in humility, and that beauty – real beauty – begins with the heart.
Because for Anita, as in every step of her journey, one truth remains: a good heart is always beauty.
