Arakanese woman joins international beauty contest in a first for her people

By Admin 23 Oct 2023

DMG Newsroom
23 October 2023, Sittwe

Arakanese woman Ma Thandar Soe is representing Myanmar in Miss Cosmopolitan World 2023 international beauty pageant, being held from October 23 to November 9 in Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur.
 
Ma Thandar Soe, 27, from Arakan State’s Minbya Township, was first runner-up in two beauty contests — Miss Universe Sittwe and Miss World Myanmar — held earlier this year.
 
The Myanmar Beauty Paradise Organization has sponsored Ma Thandar Soe to compete in Miss Cosmopolitan World 2023, according to Ko San Thar, founder of the modeling agency Akyab Stars.
 
“I am very pleased that a young Arakanese woman born and raised in Arakan State is participating in an international event representing Myanmar. I believe she will shine on the stage,” said Ko San Thar.
 
Ma Thandar Soe said she would do her best despite a formidable language barrier.

 
Ma Saw Myat Ei Khaing, who trained together with Ma Thandar Soe for multiple beauty pageants in Myanmar, told DMG: “I am aware of how hard she has trained, and how well she is prepared. She has been preparing for the event in Malaysia since the beauty pageants here [in Myanmar] finished. She has also prepared for the language. She will definitely reap the reward.”
 
Ma Thandar Soe is said to be the first Arakanese woman from Arakan State to contest in an international beauty pageant.

“I am happy that an Arakanese woman is representing the country in an international event. I hope she will do her best at the contest, and make herself the pride of Arakan State,” said Ma Khin Su Hlaingn from Sittwe.
 
One representative each from 16 countries including Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia and Nepal are contesting in Miss Cosmopolitan World 2023.