World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Maria Chan Classic Mrs International Global 2023.
Full name: Maria Chan
Title/Year: Classic Mrs International Global 2023
Previous title: Classic Mrs Malaysia International Global 2022,
Pageant System: Mrs International Global (MMW Group of Pageant Management)
Age: 57
Education Level: Diploma
Zodiac sign: Virgo
Hobbies: Making Candles, Dancing, Listening to Music
Platform: Celebrate Active Ageing
Years competed: 2 years
Countries visited: + 38 countries
Likes: Travel, Humour, Cats, Kindness, Respectful People
Dislikes: Bad Driving, Arrogance, Politicking
Status: Single (Divorced)
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Please tell us about yourself.
I have lived on four continents. A mum to an amazing 30 year old daughter. Three words that best describe me: Disciplined, Empathetic, Compassionate. Favorite life quote “Love The Life You Live, Live The Life You Love” - Bob Marley.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Please tell us about your education.
I hold a Diploma in Executive Secretaryship (DES), and graduated with World and National awards at shorthand speeds of 120 wpm (words per minute) and 100 wpm respectively. My speeds may have slowed down, but yes, I am still able to write in shorthand. World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What does women Empowerment means to you?
To me, this is when a woman is aware of her capabilities, further develops them, takes charge of herself and her life, amidst her ongoing responsibilities, and does not let anyone diminish her dreams.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell us about your pageant history.
I attended an audition for the Mrs Malaysia International Global (MMIG) competition in 2020 on the suggestion of my modelling school/agency, Runway Productions. After an unfortunate two-year covid lockdown, the competition restarted in January 2022.
In September 2022 at National level, I was crowned Champion in the Classic category of Mrs Malaysia International Global 2022 and also awarded the subsidiary title of Mrs Supermodel Queen.
In January 2023, representing Malaysia, I was crowned Winner in the Classic category of Mrs International Global 2023 (MIG) and the subsidiary title of Mrs Congeniality.
Throughout the journey, I participated in the various training sessions and events organized, among them was a meaningful 'Art for Rare' fund-raising charity campaign benefitting the Rare Disease community.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
I have always been fascinated by pageantry but never pursued it before as I was focussed on studying, working, then family commitments.
I only considered participating in my first pageant much later when I was more settled and timing was a better fit. I had also just completed my modelling training, and thought why not continue this path to further challenge, transform and develop myself.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
It was more to see how far I could go and grow, knowing that age on its own, is not a barrier, that it is possible to try new experiences. Dare to dream, and anything is possible.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about?
Mrs International Global (MIG) is a pageant owned by MMW Group of Pageant Management.
It is for married women with two categories: The Mrs category is for those between 21-44 years old, and the Classic category is for those above 45 years.
The pageant platform carries the motto ‘Be Brave, Stop Bullying’ which aims to build respect and value, to champion for greater equality and justice for women all over the world. It is therefore a fitting platform to go with my chosen advocacy ‘Celebrate Active Ageing’, to take a stand against the discrimination of our elderly and say no to the practice of ageism.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What makes your director different from others?
What I appreciate about MIG, headed by Datin Sharon Too, is that she is always available and open to answer any questions and has given me lots of guidance and moral support throughout my pageantry process and journey.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are you being judged on during the competition?
Scores were given on: Overall, Prejudging (Swimwear & Platform/Advocacy), National Costume and Evening Gown. We were judged on how we carried and presented ourselves, so confidence, attitude, subject knowledge and a good personality both off and on-stage played a big part.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
I was happy to strike a common bond and friendship with all the competing queens coming from different backgrounds. We shared many laughs and stories, which is a big testament to our maturity, support and respect for each other. I enjoyed the training sessions, events and activities together.
On other levels, I focused on preparing for the many elements involved in the competition. I drew on old skills, learnt new ones, and became more resourceful to get things done.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Who would you recommend your system to?
It is for those looking to further challenge or expand themselves. It is for those looking for an established pageant system with good supportive management and a motto, message or value that fits in with what they already represent or are looking for. Also for those who wish to have a bigger voice for their advocacy and do more with it.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
My platform is ‘Celebrate Active Ageing’ advocating against ageism for our able elders, through giving them respect and opportunities, including jobs, to contribute to the economy and encourage meaningful active ageing. This is all the more important as our elders are living longer, living better, giving rise to a new breed of seniors. #whatsagegot2dowithit #AWorld4AllAges
I volunteer with the Kechara organization which operates on three pillars: 1) Soup Kitchen 2) Food Bank and 3) Empowerment (which assists with job opportunities and also teaches living skills to earn income). Many of the clients we provide assistance to are elderly, jobless and homeless.
I am also a member of Seniors Aloud, an online community for seniors above 50 years old. It promotes healthy active ageing through lifelong learning, social networking and community service.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What appearances have you done with your title?
I have had the opportunities to be invited as a pageant judge, and certainly look forward to more formal appearances ahead.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are some of your achievements?
Relating to pageantry, I would say winning both titles on the National and World Stage as Classic Mrs Malaysia International Global 2022 and Classic Mrs International Global 2023 respectively.
As my latest achievement, I am honored to be recognised and supported as a pageant coach and catwalk trainer for the MMW Group of Pageant Management, to train and share my experience and knowledge with the inspiring contestants under this group.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls?
From the time I first met the other beautiful queens, I was wowed by their positive mindsets, winning attitudes, friendliness, humility, personalities, smarts, skills and confidence. I believe when it came down to it, I showed a healthier dose of these qualities contributing to my win.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner.
On both occasions, I was the last to be called as my titles were the last category to be announced for the night. It was an amazing triumphant feeling to hear my name and contestant number announced and then stepping out to the front of the stage for the crowning and photo ceremony.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
Debunking many myths and misconceptions, a beauty queen is a total package that extends beyond external beauty. A beauty queen works with her head, hands and heart to make a difference by realizing her dreams, goals and inspiring others, which is what I hope to do.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How did competing in pageants helped your life?
It has empowered me, given me a fresh perspective about myself, heightened awareness of my capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, increased my confidence and purpose, and made me more positive to show others that anything is possible. I have also made many new, happy and meaningful connections.
Through my advocacy ‘Celebrate Active Ageing’, I hope to continue my late mum’s inspiration to encourage happy healthy ageing for our able and capable senior community through love, respect and opportunities.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How did pageants helped your self-esteem and body image?
With more confidence and awareness of my strengths, this has increased my self-love and self-appreciation.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
I am happy to show that age does not define or limit us, and that we can still show up and remain relevant. It is not about how many years we have, but it is what we do in those years. What is important is the will and spirit to try, do and live it!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What is your on stage strategy to win the judges over?
I believe it is about having and showing a winner's mindset. Let your confidence come through, own the stage with your smile and personality, enjoy your moment. It is your time to shine after all.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How did you prepare for your competition?
Having already a runway background certainly helped on the stage. Additionally, I attended a series of pageant walk training organised by MMIG and practised in between these training sessions.
I also worked with a pageant coach to guide me on the other important aspects required, example for the Prejudging Q&A round, and I am thankful for the motivation, encouragement and friendship I got along the way. It was a huge learning and empowering process for me as I was required to put in above and beyond my share of effort.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk?
Certainly a lot of practice. Also, if possible, I would recommend contestants to consider taking up pageant walk classes with a reputable school/instructor for that extra edge to increase your confidence, skills and knowledge. However, since no training stands on its own, you must be committed to practise in between.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your tips for choosing right pageant dress?
Aside from its cost and purpose (category), choose something that you feel comfortable in, whether it is the style, cut, fabric or color. Wear the outfit, and not let it wear you. Also factor in something that will stand out on stage and in photographs.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your tips for winning interview?
Prepare well for it. Do your homework and check out past interviews. Take time to think about the questions asked. Show your confidence. Speak from your heart, as it will convey sincerity and genuineness. Make yourself relatable and endearing to the judges and listeners.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it?
Thankfully there were no major mistakes. Just maybe a general advice to better organize your materials and outfits well in advance so that you can enjoy the process.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest?
I believe there were no big issues that were not solvable. I did see though that some contestants had challenges walking in their outfits as anything can happen onstage, and was impressed by how they handled their recovery.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Any modeling or acting experience?
I am a certified model with Runway Productions and I have modelled for some of their in-house events. I look forward to more opportunities as I enjoy the runway vibes.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your plans for 2023 as a Queen?
I plan to continue with my platform to encourage and celebrate active ageing, and to advocate against ageism and the discrimination of our elders.
I also plan to use my acquired knowledge and experience to help pageant contestants/queens in the capacity as a pageant coach, and take them on an inspiring journey together.
Additionally, I look forward to more opportunities to judge or be a guest at pageant-related events, locally and internationally.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
I wish to be remembered for my work and compassion for the actively ageing community. I also wish to inspire my daughter and others, to have the spirit and will to try, do and live, and to help others where they can.
International Director: Datin Sharon Too
National Director: Ms Melinda Khoo (2022)
Your Local Director: Datin Sharon Too
Pageant website: https://www.facebook.com/mrsinternationalglobal/
Name of the Photographer and other credits:
Photographer: #blackpepperstudiomy
Hair & Makeup: #susungomakeup World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this amazing interview!
Maria Chan Classic Mrs International Global 2023, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Photographer: #blackpepperstudiomy, Hair & Makeup: #susungomakeup
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski
Owner/Editor in Chief
Mr WorldClass 2023
Mr United Nations 2018
Platform: Women Empowerment
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