The Miss Universe Singapore beauty pageant has announced a significant change in its eligibility criteria, opening participation to all Singaporean women over 18 years old, regardless of marital status. The organization has also removed the upper age limit, making the esteemed pageant more inclusive than ever before.
Breaking conventions in beauty pageants
By eliminating restrictions based on marital status, Miss Universe Singapore is challenging traditional norms and embracing a broader definition of femininity in beauty pageants. This move aligns with a growing trend to promote diversity and inclusivity in such competitions worldwide.
Miss Universe Malaysia 2003 and Miss Universe Singapore’s national director, Ms. Elaine Daly, emphasized the broader purpose of the pageant. “This competition is more than just a crown. It’s a platform to inspire and advocate for causes close to your heart,” Daly said in a statement.
Their latest Instagram post echoes this sentiment, calling for “ambitious, intelligent and confidently beautiful women of Singapore” to participate.
New eligibility criteria
According to the official website, any legally recognized adult female who has resided in Singapore for at least six months before September 1, 2024, can apply. The contest is now open to women who are single, married, divorced, or have children.
While Miss Universe 2023 was limited to single women aged between 18 and 28 without specific height requirements, the 2024 pageant has introduced a height criterion. Only women who are at least 168 cm tall are eligible to compete this year.
Organizing and prizes
Miss Universe Singapore 2024 is organized by Beyond Entity, a Malaysian company, in collaboration with King Kong Media Production, headed by Singaporean actor Mark Lee. The winner will represent Singapore at the international Miss Universe pageant in Mexico in September and receive a $10,000 prize.
Entrepreneur Priyanka Annuncia, who was crowned Miss Universe Singapore last year, will hand over the crown to her successor in the upcoming competition.