Traditional grandeur

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WITH the perfect combination of both beauty and brains, 23-year-old R. Gaayathri stood out amongst the 20 finalists and bestowed the title ‘Ratu Kebaya 2011’ in Penang.

The business administration undergraduate charmed the hearts of the judges with her quick tongue and sharp wit as she breezed through the question and answer session.

Before the night was over, she walked away with RM4,000, two nights stay at the Presidential Suite in the five-star Lone Pine Hotel property and a trophy.

Two other contestants — Nurul Nadia Mohamed Nazri, 22, and Melinda Lee Chen Ling, 20 — were awarded the first and second-runner ups respectively. The former walked away with RM3,000 and a trophy while the latter received RM2,000 and a trophy.

Elegant ladies: Chan and his wife Emi Yamazaki posing with (from third left) Ratu Kebaya 2011 second runner-up Lee, winner Gaayathri, and first runner-up Nurul Nadia (right) after the contest's prize presentation ceremony. Looking on (second right) is Batu Uban assemblyman Raveen Tharan

During the talent show, the finalists kept the audience entertained with their skills by performing, among others, magic shows, a belly dance routine and a silat performance.

Organised by Badan Pengurusan Bersama Kompleks Bukit Jambul, the pageant has made its mark in the industry and earned respect for successfully preserving the tradition of the traditional baju kebaya.

Its chairman K.H. Chan said when the competition was introduced last year it was meant to preserve the culture of wearing the traditional outfit among the young generations.

“Beauty is not the main factor in the competition. This pageant is merely a vehicle to bring back the glory of the traditional costumes,” he said.

The grand finals which was held on Sunday at the complex also saw the contestants vying for 10 subsidiary titles including Miss Body Perfect and Miss Elegant titles, which were won by Cynthia Cheok Ching Thing, aged 24, while Miss Popularity was won by Karen Tay Sue Lynn, 21.

All the participants received a certificate of participation.