Last week, Miss Universe Singapore announced that all Singapore women aged 18 and above – including women who are married, divorced and/or who have children – would be eligible for the pageant this year, in a bid to broaden its selection criteria. Previously, applicants had to be between 18 and 28 years old, and they could not be married or have had a marriage annulled. The news is the latest change in line with the Miss Universe Organization’s attempts to move away from what was deemed to be the narrow and unrealistic beauty standards commonly associated with pageants.
In 2023 , for example, Miss Nepal became the first plus-sized woman to finish in the top 20 of the competition, while Miss Pakistan wore a burkini for the swimsuit segment. Miss Universe has also tried shifting its focus to inner beauty, positioning itself as a platform for young women to empower and inspire others. A press release by Miss Universe Singapore stated that the pageant, “now redefined, seeks entrants who are not only physically beautiful but also driven by ambition, intellect, and a passion for addressing serious social issues”.
The new national director for Miss Universe Singapore, Elaine Daly, also said about this year’s pageant: “This competition is more than just a crown; it’s a platform to inspire and advocate for causes close to your heart.” But colour me sceptical. The expansion of criteria “to keep the pageant inclusive”, according to the press release, feels like lit.
