Asian beauties at the Miss Universe pageant used the platform to put out strong statements urging the world to listen as they raised their voices on issues concerning the continent and its people.
Miss Singapore Bernadette Belle Wu Ong, who is competing for the title of Miss Universe wore a red and white cape with the words “Stop Asian hate” painted on it. Posting the look to Instagram, the contestant wrote ‘What is this platform for if I can’t use it to send a strong message of resistance against prejudice and violence!’
Similarly, Myanmar's Miss Universe contestant, Thuzar Wint Lwin, used the pageant to urge the world to speak out against the military junta that seized power in a Feb. 1 coup. As she paraded with her national costume, she held up a placard that said "Pray for Myanmar". "Our people are dying and being shot by the military every day," she said in a video message for the competition.