From the World Queen International stage in Taiwan, Emmy Mangun built bridges of culture and friendship – and now hopes those connections will draw the world to discover the beauty of Borneo.
WHEN Emmy Mangun took her first walk on the prestigious World Queen International 2025 stage in Tainan, Taiwan, the hall fell silent in anticipation.
Dressed in traditional Sabahan attire – adorned with handcrafted beads, motifs, and colours that spoke of ancestry – she didn’t just represent herself. She carried a legacy.
“Standing on that international stage as a Murut woman from Sabah was beyond emotional. It felt like carrying the voice of my ancestors and the pride of my people onto a global platform.
“Every step I took reminded me that beauty is not just in appearance, but in heritage, resilience, and identity,” she told Sarawak Tribune.
That walk earned her the first runner-up title in the Mrs Classic category. But for Emmy, the real triumph came long before her name was called.
When culture outshone the crown
“During the national costume segment, as I walked in my Sabahan traditional attire, I could feel the hall fall still for a moment.
“That moment transcended competition; it was a celebration of heritage. I realised that my culture was not something to hide behind glamour, but something that defines glamour itself,” she said.
For this 53-year-old, that segment became her declaration: beauty rooted in culture can outshine any crown.
Her performance sparked genuine curiosity among her peers, many of whom asked about the meanings behind her traditional dance movements and accessories.
In those small but meaningful exchanges – of songs, dances, and even stories about their grandmothers – Emmy discovered the true heart of pageantry: connection.
“It was beautiful. We came from different countries, but through culture, we understood each other. That’s when I realised – beauty has no borders, only the shared language of respect and curiosity,” she recalled.
Those moments reminded her why she began this journey in the first place. Yet beneath the grace and confidence on stage were moments of doubt and quiet self-reflection.
It wasn’t an effortless journey. The biggest challenge, Emmy admitted, was overcoming self-doubt. Yet through that uncertainty, she discovered her truest strength – authenticity.
That authenticity became her greatest source of confidence. Competing as a mature woman reminded her that beauty has no expiry date – it evolves with experience, wisdom, and courage.
“Standing among younger contestants, I questioned if I belonged there. But I reminded myself that experience, wisdom, and courage are also forms of beauty. I overcame that by focusing on authenticity – to be real, not perfect,” Emmy said.
Her message to other women is clear: confidence is timeless.
“When a woman embraces her age, her scars, and her stories, she becomes powerful,” she said with a smile.
A mentor’s guiding hand
Behind the glow of her achievement stood Kimi Tomas, Borneo National Director of the Legend Universal Beauty Pageant, whose mentorship shaped Emmy’s grounded and soulful approach.
Kimi often reminded her not to simply perform her culture – but to live it.
“When she walked in her traditional attire, it wasn’t a costume; it was her soul speaking. That sincerity is what moved people internationally. Culture must be shared with pride, not performed for approval,” Kimi said.
For her, the experience was about more than competition. It embodied connection, culture, and courage – connection through friendships across nations, culture through the beauty of diversity they shared, and courage through every woman who stood tall for her heritage.
“It wasn’t just a pageant; it was a movement of pride and unity,” she added.
Following that unforgettable night, Kimi left Emmy a heartfelt note: “Please continue my legacy for Borneo – keep promoting our homeland and make our people proud. Be a role model for them.”
For Emmy, the title was only the beginning of something greater.
“Winning first runner-up is not the end; it’s the beginning of my advocacy. I want to reach women from rural and indigenous communities to remind them that their stories matter.
“If I can step onto that world stage carrying the Murut name, they too can rise – proudly, beautifully, and bravely,” she said.
Her mission now extends beyond beauty – it is about connection and cultural diplomacy. She hopes the friendships she built in Taiwan will bring the world closer to Borneo.
“I value the friendships I made through this journey. I want them to visit our homeland and experience the warmth, culture, and nature of Sarawak and Sabah,” she said.
Beauty as a bridge
Emmy’s advocacy echoes the vision of Maggie Leong, founder and president of the Legend Universal Beauty Pageant, who believes modern pageantry must transcend aesthetics.
“To me, a true queen leads with purpose, builds a legacy that uplifts others, and acts with love in everything she does. The modern queen is not defined by the crown on her head, but by compassion in her heart and the courage to make change,” Leong said.
She has always seen beauty as a language of unity – one that can unite where politics and borders divide.
“Pageants are more than competitions – they are conversations between cultures. When women share their stories on stage, they remind the world that empathy and elegance can coexist,” she said.
Her words mirrored what unfolded in Tainan, where the Legend Universal delegation – led by International Director, Sangeet Gill, and Team Manager, Sarah Albert, and supported by Datuk Joanna Kitingan, Chairperson of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan – clinched five major crowns and three subtitle awards.
Together, these women showcased the grace, intelligence, and cultural richness of Malaysian and Bornean women from their twenties to their sixties – a living testament that beauty grows stronger with time.
Bringing Borneo to the world
Emmy’s journey, Kimi believed, embodied her dream for the next generation – to see more Bornean women shine on global platforms, not only as contestants but as cultural ambassadors, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
Through platforms like Legend Universal, Kimi said, they were not just creating queens, but voices that carry Borneo to the world, and Emmy is ready to carry that mantle.
“I learnt that women from Borneo are admired for their natural strength, warmth, and humility. Through this journey, I discovered that being myself – grounded in culture and kindness – was my greatest strength,” Emmy said.
Back in Sabah, her trophies gleam on her shelf – but the light she carries now shines from within.
Her triumph was not about beating others, but about proving that authenticity has power.
Because when a woman walks with the weight of her heritage and the light of her purpose, she doesn’t need a crown to be seen.
She is the crown.
