Miss Universe Singapore: Family encouraged her to join
The search for Miss Universe Singapore 2016 is still going strong. TNP profiles the hopefuls who were among the first to submit their applications
She is no stranger to modelling competitions and beauty pageants.
Miss Jessica Lim was one of the Top 20 at The New Paper New Face 2014 and she also took part in Miss Universe Singapore last year.
The 24-year-old accounting and finance graduate from University of London under SIM Global Education is taking another shot at the pageant this year.
She told TNP: "I applied early because I was so excited and I didn't want to miss the closing date.
"Miss Universe Singapore is the only beauty pageant I want to join because it's the biggest. I remember watching it on TV when I was young."
This year, Singapore's most prestigious pageant is back in a big way, with new presenter Singapore Turf Club and new imaging partner Canon Singapore on board.
For the first time, TNP will be the pageant's official media partner and co-organiser with the Miss Universe Singapore Organisation.
The pageant winner will receive $10,000 cash and a Canon camera worth $1,000. Registration is open to women aged 18 to 27.
Miss Lim, a freelance events talent and model, said her past New Face experience shaped her into becoming a more confident person.
"Before the New Face finals, there was training to teach us how to walk. It wasn't very extensive, but I did learn something from it."
Last year, Miss Lim was approached by a talent scout on Facebook to join the Miss Universe Singapore, which was then a closed-door event.
Last year's pageant was won by Lisa Marie White.
HIGHER CHANCE
Miss Lim said: "This year, since the competition is co-organised by TNP and there are subsidiary awards as well, there's a higher chance for contestants to win something."
Another reason Miss Lim is taking another stab at Miss Universe Singapore is that she is more confident of her smile - she wore braces in 2014.
"Maybe I didn't win last year because my teeth weren't fixed yet. I still had a gap in my teeth and they weren't perfectly white.
"I think my smile now is better than last year," she said.
"My friends have told me, 'I hope you win'.
"My family encouraged me to give it a try because they think I have a chance to make it to the Top 10."
On why she thinks she can be the next Miss Universe Singapore, Miss Lim said her "unique and exotic face" makes her stand out.
"People always think I'm of mixed race, but I'm just Chinese Singaporean."
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