SHAH ALAM: Architectural studies graduate Carey Ng could not describe her feelings when her name was announced as Miss Universe Malaysia 2013.

The 23-year-old Kuala Lumpur lass, who sees herself as “a nerd”, claimed that she has always been an introvert.

“It’s something I never thought would happen to me. This pageant has been some sort of a benchmark for me because I wanted to prove to myself that I can be confident,” she said after being crowned the winner during the finals held at Setia City Convention Centre last night.

Ng underwent months of training, including a gruelling five-week long beauty camp in a reality TV series with 15 other contestants before she succeeded in entering the finals.

In addition to a RM500,000 Rafflesia pearl tiara which she would wear as Miss Malaysia Universe, Ng also won a full scholarship to Limkokwing University and received RM48,000 cash.

On her duties as newly-crowned queen, Ng wants to work closely with NGO Architecture for Humanity to provide the poor with basic housing.

Like her predecessor Kimberley Leggett, who is in the United States for the Miss Universe pageant, Ng will represent Malaysia in next year’s event.

The first and second runners-up were Natalie Ng and May Salitah respectively. Both are 24. Symren Kaur, 20, emerged in fourth place.

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Xpression Make-up Academy, newly transformed and rebranded previously knwon as XpressionMaster (established in 2001) is a professional make up academy that has proven track record of producing high calibre students who have earned reputation for innovation, creativity and much sought after technical skills. We are dedicated in providing highest standards of combination technical skills that gives you the edge you need to be a successful make up artist.

facebook : Xpression Make up Academy
website : http://www.xpressionacademy.com

Started by husband and wife team, Winnie Loo and Richard Teo in 1979, A Cut Above is definitely a household name in the hair styling industry. It began with a humble 428 square feet salon and is now one of Malaysia’s most established and premier groups of salons in the country.

Having expanded into 5 premier branches and a world-class hairdressing academy at Sunway Pyramids, 4 Restyle by A Cut Above salons as their line extension and also 9 X-Cut chain of salons.The concept was derived for those who likes it quick and on the go, everyone can afford a touch of A Cut Above. A Cut Above is indeed the talk of the town when it comes to hair.

The different branches are located in stylish and central locations, namely Bangsar Shopping Centre, Bangsar Village II, Mid-Valley Megamall, Sunway Pyramid Shopping Centre and Parkson Pavilion adding convenience to their long list of attributes. Celebrating its 33th anniversary this year, A Cut Above launched its 5000 square feet salon in BSC on 7 Oct 2009.

A Cut Above stylists are widely known for their expertise and experience in the industry. With affordable pricing, professional service, house calls for special events, kiddie corners, make-up, professional hairstyling tools and products, manicures and pedicures; A Cut Above is your one stop beauty and style salon.

Website: www.acutabove.com.my
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acutabove.group
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACutAboveGroup

Dubbed as Malaysia’s “Wellness Guru”, Yu Jin’s personal mission is to help Malaysians achieve optimum health. A successful entrepreneur, an established international speaker, and a motivational coach, Yu Jin’s mission is fuelled and strengthened by his unique combination of experience across both the corporate and the wellness sectors.

Yu Jin holds a degree in nutrition from the Global Institute for Alternative Medicine and is a qualified fitness coach under the International Sports Science Association and. He is also a certified hypnotherapist under the American Board of Hypnotherapist, a certified Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner under the American Board of NLP, a TLT (Time Line Therapy) practitioner, an Impact System Coach and a Master Class Trainer.

In addition to his impressive health and fitness qualifications, Yu Jin has a double degree in law and finance. His corporate experience includes working in a top investment bank, orchestrating numerous multi-million dollar fundraising deals. He is also a qualified lawyer having been called to the Malaysian Bar.

Yu Jin is highly regarded in the media as the top health and fitness coach in this region and has appeared on RTM1, RTM2, TV3, NTV7, Bernama TV, Hitz.TV, BFM, CapitalFM, HitzFM, FlyFM and various newspapers and magazines as a wellness expert. He is also an avid writer and currently has a dedicated health column in Esquire magazine.

With such a rare combination of excelling in both the corporate world and in the field of wellness, Yu Jin is the personification of a healthy work-life balance. Beyond just delivering expert knowledge, Yu Jin brings to the table actual real-life wellness solutions that are practical in today’s urban lifestyles, drawing upon an unparalleled mastery of both worlds and rich experience spanning over 15 years.

1. About 60% of our bodies are made up of water. Make sure you have at least 8 glasses of water a day. Drink an additional glass for every 20 minutes of exercise.
2. Need more Omega 3 fatty acids? Try getting flaxseed from your local organic shop and spinkle them on your salads, sandwiches, cereal and soup.
3. A great on-the-go food to take is yogurt. It is excellent for preventing yeast infection, strengthening the immune system and relieving ulcers. Try it!
4. Love milk but afraid of the fat content? Try switching from whole milk to fat-free or skim to lower saturated fat and calories. They still taste great!
5. Need to snack during the day? Ditch the chips and go for raisins, dried apples, dates, prunes or figs which are excellent sources of fibre and potassium.
6. Have half-boiled eggs for breakfast. They are high in protein, low in fat and are a good source of vitamin B12, an important key to red blood cell production.
7. Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids and lowers risk of heart disease and colon cancer. Switch to olive oil and enjoy its benefits today!
8. Snack on almonds when you can. Eating almonds in moderation promotes lower cholesterol levels , prevents heart disease and improves complexion.
9. Before reaching for snack food, drink some decaffeinated green tea. Green tea suppresses your appetite and tastes great!
10. Do not skip your breakfast! Research studies show that people who eat breakfast are better able to manage their weight.
11. Never skip meals. Your metabolism can slow down, leaving you more prone to store fat.
12. If you want to protect your heart, take more fibre. It reduces cholesterol and lower risk of heart disease. Fresh fruits or rolled oats is good start.

Copyright Wong Yu Jin 2012

1. Feeling stressed? Try taking a few deep breathes. As you breathe out, imagine your stress oozing out of your system through your breath.
2. Get at least 7.5 hours sleep a night. Sleep affects your mental sharpness, productivity, emotional balance, physical vitality and even your weight.
3. Exercise can decrease ‘stress hormones’ like cortisol, and increase endorphins, your body’s ‘feel-good’ chemicals, giving your mood a natural boost.
4. One of the best stress relievers is playing sports. It takes your mind of your problem and redirects it at the activity at hand.
5. Exercise releases endorphins, which are naturally produced chemicals that reliefs stress. Time to workout!
6. Want to feel less tired throughout the day? Try eating every 3-4 hours instead of 3 large meals in a day.
7. Rest your eye muscles by looking at somewhere distant every hour that you use your computer.
8. Feeling sleepy? Your brain may be just lacking oxygen. Try taking a DEEP breath. It may just work!

Copyright Wong Yu Jin 2012

The History of Cronier Wines is a story of a legacy passed on from generations. This goes back as far as 1698, when two Cronier brothers arrived on the ship, “Driebergen” at the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. There, the brothers were granted ownership of the farms, “Olyvenhout”, and “Champagne,” in present day Wellington, South Africa.

Today the Cronier Brand is owned by a group of multicultural partners who re-established the company in 2006.

For many years, France and Spain have been known for their legendary wine making expertise.
South Africa is the “NEW”, and the Cronier Brand was created to bridge the divide between the “OLD” and the “NEW”, to create “CLASSICAL NEW WORLD WINES”.

With the expansion of the company, Cronier Wines Malaysia is today the sole distributor of the Cronier Wines in South East Asia, and we continue to bring you a pledge of quality and the art of wine making in every bottle.

We are committed to providing our clients with not only a high quality product, but we intend to maintain high standard services. We aim to build long term relationships with our clients and to maximize the potential for our business through a combination of enhanced quality of creative marketing, innovative pricing and cost efficiency and superb after-sales services.

Our wines are crafted to cater for all kind of palettes and occasions. As a young company, in Malaysia, but with a very old worldwide heritage, we are proud to serve our consumers our bottled- up legacy.

Cronier Wines – “ENJOY SOUTH AFRICA’S SUNSHINE IN A BOTTLE.”

Official Website :  www.cronierwines-my.com/
Official Facebook :  www.facebook.com/CronierWinesMalaysia

RED FM is a radio station that broadcasts across Peninsular Malaysia and is managed by the Star Radio Group; a wholly-owned subsidiary of Star Publications (M) Bhd.

Every week day on Red FM you can wake up to the hottest show in radio – The All New Red Breakfast with Lil Kev and Sarimah . With a community focus, the dynamic duo start your day with current hot topics and offer you a range of music. Jeremy comes right after with the Red Zone giving you the scoop on the latest gadgets whilst keeping you entertained with his witty sense of humor. After your lunch break , chase away the mid -day slump by tuning in to The Red Hub with Linora as your host as she gives you the latest tips on wellbeing and where to score the latest shopping deals in town.

Stuck in traffic on your way home from work? Worry not let Terry and Azura keep you entertained with their adventures and lively debates. The night kicks off with the Edge on Red with Fiqrie, who gives you the latest on music from interviews to local unsigned acts. To wind down, let Mynn’s voice from The Red Room sooth your worries away and play you your love songs and dedications.
For more information, log on to

Official Website – www.red.fm
Official Twitter – www.twitter.com/iloveredfm
Official Facebook – www.facebook.com/redfm.my

MEET the panel of five experts who will soon reveal which six women among the 17 finalists will vie to be the next Miss Malaysia/Universe 2013 at the gala finale night on Dec 10.

The five had judged the 17 contenders during the recording of The Next Miss Universe Malaysia five-episode reality TV series which will air on 8TV beginning Nov 11, it was announced by the Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation (MUMO) at a Press conference yesterday at Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam, Shah Alam.

The judges are MUMO national director Andrea Fonseka, TV presenter/journalist Ben Ibrahim, catwalk guru and trainer Benjamin Toong, actress/former beauty queen Kavita Sidhu and Miss Malaysia/Universe 2010 Nadine Ann Thomas.

The six finalists will be revealed on the final episode which will air on 8TV a day before the gala finale night.

“The Next Miss Universe Malaysia is not just another beauty pageant but a platform which will take the girls so much further,” said Fonseka who was Miss Malaysia/Universe 2004.

“In the reality TV series which we finished filming in September, you will see how these girls have grown and witness the great minds behind the decision, elimination and mentoring of the 17 finalists. At the end of episode five, you will have six finalists standing.”

However, she said, two wildcards will join the top six finalists during the gala finale night.

“One wild card will be decided by SMS voting open to the public while the second wildcard will be chosen by the judges of the gala finale night. We will have a total of eight finalists on Dec 10 during which the judges will be different from those for the reality TV series,” said Fonseka.

She also said a clear-cut and transparent judging process and criteria has been drawn up to ensure that all the finalists are assessed fairly.

The list of judges for the gala finale is being finalised and will be announced closer to the date.

Kavita, who won the Miss Charm International title in 1990, said she’s amazed to see how the girls developed throughout the judging period.

“This being a reality TV show, it isn’t your usual beauty pageant as we judged the finalists as they grow,” said Kavita.

For Nadine, this is her first time judging a beauty pageant which she described as an exciting experience to be “on the other side of the mirror”.

She also acts as a special mentor to counsel and guide the finalists throughout the duration of the pageant.

“This has been something I always wanted to be involved in. You will see a tremendous difference in every girl as you watch the entire series,” said Nadine, adding that first impressions are important when it comes to judging.

“I’m looking for that girl who has that feel, aura and potential of a Miss Universe who will represent the women of Malaysia. I’m looking for a girl who’s able to carry herself well.”

Toong also served as a mentor in training the finalists in catwalking, photoshoots and styling.

“We all shared a lot of laughter and tears. I’ve done a lot of judging for other such competitions and this one is really different. It’s like this: if you don’t have it, you go home. We want the best to represent Malaysia,” said Toong.

Ben has been a TV presenter since 2005 and he said the winner of the pageant must be likeable.

“The chemistry between the five judges has been good as we all have agreed that one thing we look for is ‘likeability’. We live in a very judgmental world where people will judge you in five seconds. A girl can be very beautiful but we’re looking for the complete package, someone who speaks well, behaves properly and most importantly has that ‘X’ factor and you either have it or don’t,” said Ben.

Fonseka also revealed that she’s stepping down as MUMO national director this year and that she won’t be attending the gala night as she will be supporting the reigning Miss Malaysia/Universe 2012 Kimberley Leggett at the international Miss Universe preliminary competition in Las Vegas, Nevada, US on Dec 12.

“As you know I’ve poured my heart and soul into this.

I will be moving to spend more time with my husband next year. I don’t live with my husband because of my love for my job which is a full-time thing and I’m very confident that the next national director, whom we are currently looking for, will definitely be able to successfully run this pageant for Malaysia,” said Fonseka.

Source : mmail.com.my

They are:

Ben Ibrahim – He who has had an illustrious career in both in the media and the corporate world. A chance encounter with a TV show producer in 2005 put him into the limelight as a much sought-after personality to host TV shows and as a professional MC. He has also been a regular columnist in some prominent print publication titles.

Kavita Sidhu – She who has been a successful model and actress since the 1980s. She was the first Malaysian to ever win an international beauty pageant and has since gone on to produce TV shows, and in more recent times, has launched her own clothing line and swimsuit line as well.

Andrea Fonseka – She who is both a former Miss Universe Malaysia and current National Director of the Miss Universe Malaysia Organization (MUMO). They say that if Tyra Banks had an Asian counterpart, it would be Andrea Fonseka. Sure, she has won the hearts of Malaysians since she donned the prized Miss Malaysia Universe tiara in 2004, but will any of the finalists be able to win her heart?

Benjamin Tong – He who is all out to be the girls’ mentor, catwalk guru, trainer, and is in no way emotionally supportive. Ben has had more than 10 years under his belt of runway training, fashion styling, and runway choreography. It’s safe to say that he expects a lot from the Miss Universe Malaysia finalists!

Nadine Ann Thomas – She is, of course, Miss Universe Malaysia 2010, and she has always exhibited a flair and passion for fashion and art. Her role as a judge also includes acting as special mentors to counsel and guide the finalists throughout the duration of the pageant.

Source : hype.my