Muhammad Afiq Zul Suhaile, a 27-year-old fitness centre manager from Perak, Malaysia and Irina Kirsanow, a 35-year-old professional model & pageant organiser from Moscow, Russia were announced as the male and female champions of Super Model Universe 2023, while Venna Margarita Richard Santhanan, a 31-year-old medical doctor from Penang, Malaysia was announced as the world winner of Super Photo Model Universe 2023, at the international competition’s final which was held at the luxurious Wyndham Grand Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur last tonight. Kirsanow also won the subsidiary little for Best Posing while Afiq won the Best Body subsidiary title.
Both Afiq and Venna were champions of Super Model Universe Malaysia 2023 earlier this year.
On hand to crown Kirsanow was outgoing Super Model 2022 champion Priyanka Raghoe from the Netherlands, who made a special appearance here in Malaysia to crown the winner and also to be one of the esteemed judges of the international finals. Afiq was crowned by 2018 Classic Mrs Asia International All Nations Champion Renee Tang who was also one of the judges of the competition, while Venna was crowned by Mrs United Ltd owner Ioan Karamfilow, who had accompanied Raghoe to Malaysia along with brand principal Mrs Universe Ltd’s CEO Megi Savova.
The runner-up spot in the female category went to Alina Grushko, a 24-year-old model from Moldova, while the second runner-up title went to 19-year-old Tio Hofhuizen from The Netherlands. The fourth & fifth runner-up titles went to Cindy, a 31-year-old customer advisor from The Philippines and Gittanjali Pathmanathan, a 23-year-old ACCA & Human Resources degree student from Klang, Selangor, respectively.
In the male category, it was Maad, a 21-year-old model from Pakistan who secured the runner-up title while the second runner-up title went to Foud, a 25-year-old student from Syria. The fourth & fifth runner-up titles were presented to Emeka Michael Onukwufor, a 32-year-old student & footballer from Nigeria and 24-year-old Ishmail Bangura from Sierra Leone.
In the Mrs Universe Classic Malaysia 2023 competition which was held concurrently, it was Darshini Nadarajah, a 54-year old actress & model from Perak who took home the champion’s crown. She was crowned by reigning Mrs Universe Classic 2022 Ammetta Malhotra. Darshini will represent Malaysia at the world finals which will be held Gibraltar in 2024.
The runner-up title went to shapely 42-year-old bodybuilder Penny Kan from Kuala Lumpur, while the 2nd runner-up title was presented to Vimala Pappu, a 54-year-old customer service officer from Selangor. Kan also secured the La’ Korv Choice Award and Best Body subsidiary title, while Vimala managed to secure the Queen Ambassador title as well.
Claiming the Women of the Universe Malaysia 2023 crown was Selvarani Chelvakumaran, a 43-year-old education & training entrepreneur from Selangor. She will represent Malaysia at the world finals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in November 2023. Meanwhile, Kelly Gan Mei Sze, a 30-year-old sales & marketing executive from Melaka secured the runner-up title with Vershalini, a 33-year-old entrepreneur, from Negeri Sembilan, snapping up the second runner-up title.
Also crowned on the night as Mrs Universe Classic Malaysia 2023 Ambassador was CEO of M Properties & Renovation, Pramila Munusamy.
CEO of PMK, Kavitha Servai Vathumalai will be crowned as Ambasador in a separate ceremony while the Best National Costume subsidiary titles for Mrs Universe Classic Malaysia 2023 and Woman of the Universe 2023 will also be presented in a separate ceremony by Mrs Universe Malaysia 2021 Kiranjit Kaur at a later date.
The world finals of the world’s most prestigious modelling competition was held for the very first time in Malaysia. The international competition saw the arrival of delegates from countries such as Syria, Pakistan, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Russia, Moldova, The Philippines and The Netherlands, among the many others.
Malaysia was given the privilege and honour to host the world finals back in 2020, after Malaysia’s representative Thalia Thin became the world title winner of Super Model Universe 2019. She was the first Malaysian to win the coveted title. Unfortunately, due to the worldwide pandemic and global travel restrictions, Malaysia’s right to host had to be postponed until this year.
“We have been granted the great honour by Megi Savova, CEO of the Mrs Universe Organisation in Bulgaria, and Ioan Karamilov, owner of Mrs Universe Ltd , of hosting this year’s Super Model Universe world final here in Kuala Lumpur, and we have gratefully accepted the privilege of hosting all delegates from around the world. Seeing them compete and experience the vibrant culture, beautiful scenery and delicious food that Malaysia has to offer,” expressed Super Model Universe Malaysia’s national director Ammeta Malhotra in her welcome address.
Among the dignitaries and VVIP guests at the competition were YM Tengku Dato Shanaz Aziz of Pahang & spouse, Puan Seri Susan Cheah of Sunway Group, Kavitah Servai, Director of Corporate Services of JK Builders & Renovations Pramila Munusamy, Vice President of Majlis Kebudayaan & Warisan Nusantara Dato’ Seri Dr Sukunthan, DSJ CEO Dato’ Dr Shah Jahan Abdul Aziz, Kiranjit Kaur, Miss Harmony World Portugal 2020 & Super Model Universe Malaysia (International) 2020 Gina Rochelle, Founder of One Heart Netizens Malaysia Ohn Morales
The delegates had to compete in various rounds of competition that included national costume, swimwear, designer wear and formal wear. All delegates were prepared for the runway by renowned Malaysian catwalk coaches Evelyn Nadal & Mala Fo-ever. Pageant coordinators and fashion contributors for the competition include designers Faridz Salleh, Ghanz, Farel Mikhail & Jonathan Kok and Maya Ubrani.
The winners were selected by a panel of esteemed judges that included Priyanka Raghoe, Renee Tang, CEO of Farah Hair & Beauty Datin Farah Ahmad, Super Model Universe Ambassador 2023 Kavita Supramaniam, Carl Graham founder of Book’d Talent, Super Model Universe International Ambassador Dr Syed Hamid Hussain Madni, Mrs Malaysia Tourism Queen 2017 Runner Up Jessie Ling, creative director & journalist Francis Yip, Mrs Malaysia Worldwide 2018 Rowena Naidu, Mrs Earth Malaysia 2023 Ambassador Sharimala Mary Ann, Mrs Earth Malaysia 2023 Than Kuyil Thayalan, Bodycurve Founder & CEO Kiara Lim, CEO of Auru.Co & Super Model Universe Malaysia (International) 2019 Chanel Sii, Mrs Earth Malaysia 2023 runner-up Puneedha Raja Ram and Grand Queen Ambassador Miss/Mrs Hourglass International 2022 Haniza Mohd Haniff.
Super Model Universe 2023 World Finals, Mrs Universe Classic Malaysia 2023 and Woman of the Universe 2023 was organised by Target Wellness & Event Management. The entire proceedings was managed by its CEO and Super Model Universe Malaysia / Ms Universe Classic national director Ammetta Malhotra and co-national director Previtha Rajah. The event was emceed by Rhenu Buller. Fleek Mata by Zarah TV was the crown sponsor while Art Figura by Jazrina Jasni was the trophy sponsor.
Among the main sponsors to the event includes Balene, Bintan Resorts and Divine Creations, with AVMIN Air Charters, Haba KL , Mash Up Bangsar , Hartamas Youth Club (HYC) as platinum sponsors. Other key sponsors include Lifesaver Ambulance, Auru.co, SwimIn12.com, Summer Francois, Oorvasie @ Bangsar, Book’d, Amar Travel & Tours, Beast Cosmetics, Nottingheels, Strokes & Shades, ARP Elite Models, Urbandjz, UVeCare, Farrah Hair & Beauty Salon, RDA Banquet Hall, DSJ, Jojie Dayang Tarife, 4Ever365.young, PedaHeel, UTV Media, AbgYusStudio, La’orv Korset and NAV 360.
Official video and photographer for the entire five days of pageant week is Onpoint Photography by Michael Nduka.
Official media partners to the event include Rentak Sejuta, Yam Cha Time, and Slay Kuala Lumpur.
Complete Results:
Super Model Universe 2023
Female:
Winner – Irina Kirsanova (Moscow)
Runner-Up – Alina Grushko (Moldova)
2nd Runner-Up – Tio Hofhuizen (The Netherlands)
3rd Runner Up – Cindy (The Philippines)
4th Runner Up – Gittanjali Pathmanathan (Selangor)
Super Photo Model Universe 2023 Winner – Venna Margarita Richard Santhanan (Malaysia)
Best Talent – Gittanjali Pathmanathan
Best Aesthetic – Alena Raduga (St. Petersburg)
Best Charisma – Julie Gara (Manila)
Best National Costume – Venna Margarita
Best Performance – Venna Margarita
Best Style – Olga Cordi Bogdanova (Siberia)
Best Posing – Irina Kirsanova (Moscow)
Male:
Winner – Muhammad Afiq Zul Suhaile (Malaysia)
Runner-Up – Maad (Pakistan)
2nd Runner-Up – Fouad Bashar (Syria)
3rd Runner Up – Emeka Michael Onukwufor
4th Runner Up – Ishmail Bangura (Sierra Leone)
Most Photogenic – Maad
Best Performance – Emeka Michael Onukwufor (Nigeria)
Best Body – Muhammad Afiq Zul Suhaile
Best Fitness – Fouad Bashar
Best Style – Ismail Bangura
Mrs Universe Classic Malaysia 2023:
Winner – Darshini Nadarajah (Perak)
Runner Up – Penny Kan (Kuala Lumpur)
2nd Runner Up – Vimala Pappu (Selangor)
La’ Corv Choice Award – Penny Kan
Best Body – Penny Kan
Queen Ambassador – Vimala Pappu
Women of the Universe Malaysia 2023
Winner – Selvarani Chelvakumaran (Selangor)
Runner-Up – Kelly Gan Mei Sze
2nd Runner-Up – Vershalini
Miss Congeniality – Shamsiah Yahya (Selangor)
