March 24: Fourteen finalists are left in the battle for the crown of Miss Malaysia Universe 2005. Date: March 30. Venue: Crown Princess Kuala Lumpur’s grand ballroom. The Miss Malaysia Universe winner will represent Malaysia at the Miss Universe 2005 pageant to be held in Bangok, thailand on May 30, 2005.

The beauty pageant winner gets RM5,000, a Swarovski crown, a crystal trophy, designer outfits worth RM50,000 for the international pageant, cosmetics, jewellery, health supplements, lingerie, jeans, beauty and hair care products, cash vouchers, sponsors' pro- ducts, and personal appearances or assignments worth RM30,000 during her reign as Miss Malaysia Universe 2005.

"Miss Malaysia 2005 will be judged on beauty, intelligence, charm and independence. She should have an outgoing personality," said Alice Lee, of Pageant Promotions Sdn Bhd, which is conducting the contest.

The youngest of the 14 is Angel Ching. She said she is happy to be one of them. "I look up to these ‘elder sisters' and hope to learn from them," said Ching.

Several activities have been lined up for the finalists during the beauty pageant week ending on March 30. Other titles to be given away are Miss Crown Princess Congeniality, Miss Marigold Body Beautiful, Miss Love and Lace Photogenic, Miss Vitarite Perfect Beauty, Miss Swarovski Elegance, Miss Wacoal, Miss Nelson's Popular, Miss Sinma Beautiful, Miss Pola Natural Beauty, Miss Thomas and Guys Crowning Glory, and Miss TPX Trendy.

BY A CORRESPONDENT