Kota Kinabalu: Opal Suchata Chuangsri, 21, who made history as the first-ever Thai winner of the 72nd Miss World pageant arrived Wednesday from Manila to a rousing welcome from well wishers.
They included placard hoisting University College Sabah Foundation students to whom she will be speaking on Friday.
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Opal, who was crowned in Hyderabad India on May 31, 2025, has a million followers in Instagram was whisked away immediately by the organisers.
Fluent in Thai, English and Chinese, she out-shone 108 contestant, with her “opal For Her” breast health awareness campaign, well recognised in Thailand for breast cancer awareness, stemming from her personal experience of undergoing surgery at 16.
She will spend a week in State as part of the Beauty With A Purpose Tour in Sabah 2026, a charity and community initiative.
One of the highlights is a Beauty With A Purpose charity visit to Sekolah Kebangsaan Pendidikan Khas (SKPK) Kota Kinabalu in Tuaran, aimed at uplifting children with special needs, their families and dedicated educators.
The entourage included Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organisation, Dr Sean Wong, BBM, CEO of HyperLive Entertainment and Franchise Owner of Miss World Malaysia, and Miss World Malaysia 2025, Taanusiya Chetty.
The delegation will engage in a series of initiatives deemed impactful, including visits to special needs schools, collaboration with Sabah Autism Society, outreach at Likas Hospital, supporting children undergoing cancer treatment, engagements with rural and underprivileged communities, as well as tourism and cultural showcases highlighting Sabah’s heritage and landscapes.
