22 lovely finalists of this year’s Miss Singapore World 2009 pageant popped in for tea on 4 July 2009, with some 30 kids at the Down Syndrome Association (DSA) at Junction 8 Office Tower, 9 Bishan Place.
Farahliza Tan, 23, the reigning Miss Singapore World, was present to give the opening speech. Tan, whose cousin, Nuraliza Osman, was crowned Miss Singapore Universe in 2002, believes wholeheartedly in the phrase, “Beauty with a Purpose”, the slogan for Miss World pageants coined by Julia Morley, chairperson of Miss World Limited in the 1980s. She says, “Through community volunteer work, one shows empathy and breaks the stereotype of beauty queens.”
True to her words, Tan, together with the rest of the contestants, put on a talent show to entertain the children. From magic card tricks to simple rope tricks, the girls worked the magic to wow and excite the little ones in the audience and they soon brought down the house. After all, a child’s imagination and the art of a magic trick make a wonderful combination.
Kristin Van Burm, Chairperson & Founding Member of DSA believes that throwing the tea party gives the association a great opportunity to raise awareness for Down Syndrome in the community and to highlight that children with Down Syndrome are “persons, first and foremost” and are generally affectionate and easy-going. She also hopes that the eventual 5 winners picked at the Miss Singapore World 2009 Grand Finals, will “believe in the children to have a place and make a contribution in the society.”
Tiffany Tay Sihui, 19, Miss Singapore World 2009 finalist, who performed a dance item, was initially unsure of how to interact with the children with Down Syndrome, but she soon grew to enjoy their company. Sharing her experience in relating with a friend with autism, she spreads a message of compassion and acceptance towards the disadvantaged. With tact and sensitivity, Tay displays a big heart and exemplifies that true beauty comes from within.
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| PHOTOS: Aaron Low, Jason Lee |
In conjunction with the Miss Singapore World 2009 Grand Finals, DSA will be presenting “Mystique III” ⎯ DSA’s annual charity gala dinner held at Shangri-La Hotel, Island Ballroom on 31 July 2009. For more information of Mystique III – DSA Charity Gala Dinner, please contact:
Pauline Cheong, Manager (Fundraising & Events)
Tel: 6278 3907 ext. 15
Email: pauline@downsyndrome-singapore.org
