Nha Trang: Sept 6, 2026 – Malaysia’s representative, Taanusiya Chetty, clinched third place in the Miss World 2026 pageant held in Nha Trang, Vietnam, yesterday.
The Miss World 2026 crown was won by the representative from the Dominican Republic, while Spain emerged as first runner-up and Malaysia took third place.
The achievement matches Malaysia’s best-ever record, previously set by Lina Teoh in 1998.
Prior to her world stage appearance, Taanusiya had championed an education mission through her “No One Left Behind” project at SK Pahu in Kiulu on June 2.
The project, rooted in the Beauty With A Purpose (BWAP) concept, focused on education and community development.
Through the project, all students of SK Pahu received school supplies, while the school’s resource centre received reference books and bookshelves.
The communities of Kampung Pahu, Kampung Nulu and Kampung Pakak also received food baskets, alongside a handprint mural themed “No One Left Behind”.
Taanusiya had earlier said the project focused on underprivileged groups, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.
“AI is very important today. Students need to be taught how to use it correctly because this technology can help them learn more independently,” she said.
Her focus on education also carried through to the Miss World competition via the Beauty With A Purpose segment, which she won – a victory that propelled her into the final six.
She was also named Miss World Asia 2026, finished in the Top 5 of Multimedia – Asia & Oceania, and reached the Top 60 of Miss World Top Model.
Taanusiya is a graduate in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) and currently works as an English teacher.
The achievement caps Taanusiya’s journey as an educator with a mission centred on education.
