Former Miss World Malaysia, now Miss Universe Malaysia 2011, set to SHINE at Miss Universe 2011 in Sao Paolo, Brazil

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – January 27, 2011:* Regional model and much loved celebrity Deborah Henry became the 49th Miss Universe Malaysia as she was crowned by Miss Universe Malaysia 2010, Nadine Ann Thomas at a celebrity-studded invite only event at the posh Smoke and Fire Variety Club in the Gardens Mall today.

The stylish venue erupted with joy as fans cheered when Henry was revealed Miss Universe Malaysia 2011; making history as only the second woman in Malaysia to achieve the Double: with Miss Universe Malaysia as her second title. The first to do so was Trincy Low back in 1997.

“Deborah Henry personifies all of the values and attributes of a Miss Universe. This includes professionalism, intelligence, dedication to her country, a strong work ethic, talent, grace and beauty. We are proud to have
her as the beginning of a ‘New Breed of Miss Malaysia’ that MUMO aims to discover and groom,” said Andrea Fonseka, National Director of the Miss Universe Malaysia Pageant. Henry will represent Malaysia at the Miss Universe pageant in Sao Paolo, Brazil on the 12th of September 2011.

“It is a great honour and a privilege for me. It’s so much more meaningful as the outpouring of support from members of the public was a key tipping point in my getting this opportunity. I will definitely do my best to live up to their expectations,” said newly crowned Miss Universe Malaysia 2011, Deborah Henry at the event.

Henry was born in Dublin, Ireland and grew up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This lanky model started her career at the tender age of 15 and got a taste of winning competitions at an early age as a gold medal winning athlete. This “Sportswoman of the Year” is also known for her intelligence, holding a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Queensland, Australia.

“Miss Universe Malaysia is the country’s ambassador!” said Fonseka. “We aim to see Malaysians getting behind our winner and cheering her on as she takes our country’s name to a global stage with pride! Deborah is the perfect candidate to get this going as Malaysia loves her not just for her beauty and intelligence – but also her heart,” added Fonseka. Henry runs SKEF, an education centre for Somali refugee children.

“After the wonderful experience that I had at the Miss Universe pageant and the remarkable opportunities that have come my way since then, I am truly excited to know that Deborah Henry is going to continue the work that has been started. It was an honour and a privilege to serve my country, and as I step aside I know that the title of Miss Universe Malaysia is in the best of hands,” said Nadine Ann Thomas.

Thomas will be continuing her career in modelling, television and advertising. She is also exploring a professional career as a deejay, developing her skills with Joe Flizzow and Kartel Records, one of the most
recognizable hip-hop brands and record labels in Asia.

“The Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation provides young women with a vehicle to further their personal and professional goals while instilling a spirit of community services through various key initiatives that are undertaken every year – and I share that vision,” added Henry when asked why she was keen to be a part of the competition this year. “I’m proud and excited to be representing my country again.”

Having successfully introduced it’s “HIP, URBAN, RELEVANT, REAL” revamp in 2010, Fonseka intends to improve the pageant further by introducing a new format that will see Miss Malaysia being crowned a year before her going to Miss Universe. Hence, Miss Universe Malaysia 2012 will be crowned in 2011;
to allow her more time to train for Miss Universe.

“Nadine made a deep impression at Miss Universe last year. The ‘Universe’ is now watching us closely to see who we’re sending next. This year, we are going to SHINE at Miss Universe as Deborah Henry leads our charge into a bright new future for Malaysia at an international level!” said Andrea, as her final words of confidence were greeted by applause from the star-studded crowd at the Smoke and Fire Variety Club.

Along with the title, Henry won a RM 50,000 prize purse, use of office facilities in Mont Kiara worth RM50,000, a dental smile enhancement package from mydentist worth RM25,000, RM20,000 worth of Farah Khan dresses, Suhara Jewellery worth RM15,000, a year’s supply of MaxFactor make-up, and a year’s
worth of hair services from A Cut Above.

For more information on the Miss Universe Malaysia Organization please visit www.missuniversemalaysia.com.my.