Beauty pageant winner fought her fears and remembered her country to win the crown

KUALA LUMPUR: When Chilla Cha represented Malaysia at an international beauty pageant last month, she had hoped that the Malaysia-boleh spirit in her would grind out a favourable result for her and the country.
Three stunning Malaysian culture-inspired costumes and a singing performance to match later, the judges were so impressed that she walked away as the Mrs Asia International All Nation 2017 winner.
The 33-year-old mother of two beat 28 other contestants from around the world with Asian origins at the pageant that was held at the Ming Qing Palace in China on Nov 13.
The Perak-born and bred Cha said it was the thought of representing Malaysia that pushed her to do her best.
"When on stage, I always reminded myself that I am representing Malaysia, so I always push to be perfect. My thinking had always been to bring back the crown for the country," she told theSun during a dinner to celebrate her crowning with friends and families, here, today.
Cha also recalled how she braved her fears and stepped out of her comfort zone to sing while suspended about four storeys high above the stage, during the talent session.
"I also had to take singing classes three months before the competition to recover my singing skills, because I stopped singing a few years back due to injury to my vocal chord," she added.
Cha, a vocal instructor, said for her first dress, she wore the national costume depicting that a wayang kulit (puppet shadow play).
For her second costume, she donned a red dress she described as being synonymous with the Chinese community, while her third dress, which was mildly-transparent and golden-coloured, had a touch of the kebaya (traditionally worn by certain Malaysian communities) on it.
Cha, who had previously performed classical and contemporary singing in a number of foreign countries including Australian and Taiwan, said she next plans to produce an album by next year, after being recruited by Enjoy TV and Film Broadcasting Corporation (ETBC).
During the event today, Cha, who is an advocate for charity, also donated RM5,000 together with her friend, Datin Sharon Chok, to the Tzu Chi Malaysia Education Foundation.