Cindy is flanked by Kiara (left) and Tessa.
KOTA KINABALU: Cindy Madduma from the Philippines won the Fifth Miss Scuba International held at the Magellan Sutera Harbour here on Sunday.
The first and second runners-up were Kiara Aiello of Venezuela and Tessa Ptacek of United States respectively.
“I have always been passionate about the ocean and what we can do to reverse the destruction that has taken place. As a citizen of Puerto Princesa, we are one of the most environmental conscious people in my country, so I’m very vigilant when it comes to keeping the environment clean and safe.” said Cindy.
Eighteen contestants from all over the world participated in this event.
Cindy also took the Miss Marine Conservation & Best in National Costume and Kiara was also Miss Congeniality.
The Miss Photogenic and Miss Talent was won by Ilze Jankovska of Latvia.
More than 500 people from all over the world witnessed this red carpet event, including Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun and his assistant minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming.
Sabah was chosen to host this event as it is one of the most strategic located places on earth which forms the crossroads linking the Southeast Asian countries and the continents from the north to the south and the east to the west.