Miss World Malaysia Taanusiya Chetty Uses Crown For Marginalised Children

By Marfika Adnan Haris Fadzilah

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3  (Bernama) -- Behind the glitter and glamour synonymous with the beauty pageant stage, the journey carries a deeper meaning for Taanusiya Chetty, who wears her Miss World Malaysia 2024/2025 crown as a platform to champion education and the future of marginalised children.

For her, the pageant world is not merely about showcasing elegance before the camera, but a meaningful avenue to drive social change—particularly through initiatives she has personally spearheaded to support underprivileged communities.

Through the Cahaya Project under the social organisation Be The Change Malaysia, the 25-year-old is committed to advancing the education and well-being of children from marginalised backgrounds, including the Orang Asli community, using a “school-in-hospital” learning model.

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The initiative aims to ensure that children undergoing medical treatment do not fall behind academically and continue to have opportunities to build a better future.

“With projects like this, children do not have to sacrifice their future due to life’s limitations. Education and equal opportunities should be accessible to all, regardless of background or location,” she told Bernama.

According to Taanusiya, her efforts to uplift marginalised communities extend beyond the Cahaya Project, with additional initiatives focused on empowering digital literacy and expanding access to education for children in rural areas.

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Under the Sustainable Sea Project, programmes implemented in the Sunbgai Dua Orang Asli Village, Pulau Ketam, aim to provide children with learning opportunities comparable to those of their urban peers, thereby narrowing the education gap between rural and urban communities.

“We are not just teaching them how to read and write, but helping them understand that every child is valued, accepted and capable of achieving their dreams,” said the 173-centimetre-tall aspiring teacher.

Taanusiya also places strong emphasis on children’s mental well-being in every programme she undertakes, believing that education alone is insufficient without emotional support and continuous guidance to build self-confidence.

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A Bachelor of Education (Teaching English as a Second Language) with Honours student at Management and Science University (MSU), Shah Alam, she believes holistic development can only be achieved when children recognise their self-worth, appreciate their potential and dare to pursue their dreams.

In this regard, Taanusiya views her role as Miss World Malaysia not merely as a title, but as a responsibility to ensure more children are empowered with confidence and hope for a brighter future.

“Through this platform, I can highlight issues related to education and community development. I believe that even small efforts can create a meaningful impact in someone’s life.

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“This competition has not only shaped me as a leader, but has also become a source of inspiration for the young generation,” said Taanusiya, who will represent Malaysia at the Miss World competition expected to be held mid-year, with the host location yet to be announced.

On her preparations for the international stage, the third of four siblings said she is currently focused on strengthening her mental and emotional resilience to cope with the pressure and high expectations of the competition.

Born in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, she emphasises discipline and effective time management in balancing her responsibilities as a student, model and content creator through structured planning.

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“Physically, I undergo fitness training up to five times a week, especially to prepare for key competition segments such as the Sport Challenge, Talent and Beauty With A Purpose (BWAP),” she said.

While not immune to criticism, Taanusiya chooses to view feedback as an opportunity for self-improvement, believing that true preparation begins with personal growth grounded in leadership, empathy and gratitude as a representative of Malaysia on the global stage.

-- BERNAMA